If you need help studying for the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) exam or just want some more information about what the exam is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free RPSGT practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the RPSGT exam, you need to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements of ONE of the five pathways below:
You need a minimum of 1,638 field experience hours and need to complete a STAR-designated self-study education program.
Pathway 2
You need a minimum of 546 hours of experience and must hold another healthcare credential.
Pathway 3
You need to be a graduate of a CAAHEP- or CoARC-accredited polysomnography education program.
Pathway 4
You need a minimum of 819 field experience hours and need to complete either a STAR-designated focused education or a combination of self-study and focused education.
Pathway 5: International Students
You need a minimum of 546 field experience hours.
If you meet one these requirement pathways, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 175 multiple-choice questions total, but only 150 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 25 unscored questions on the exam are called “pretest” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
The exam is split into the following four sections:
1. CLINICAL OVERVIEW, EDUCATION, PATIENT SUPPORT
20% of the exam
- Patient information and clinical assessment
- Patient and caregiver education
- Provide therapy support
2. SLEEP STUDY PREPARATION AND PERFORMANCE
27.3% of the exam
- Determine technical preparation
- Perform procedures and follow practice guidelines
- Identify, respond, and document
3. SCORING, REPORTING, AND DATA VERIFICATION
25.3% of the exam
- Score adult studies
- Score pediatric and infant studies
- Generate and verify reports
4. TREATMENT AND INTERVENTION
27.3% of the exam
- Administer PAP therapy
- Identify alternative therapies
- Administer oxygen therapy
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application to BRPT, which you can do online or by mail, along with the $550 application fee.
When your application is approved, you’ll be given instructions on how to register for the exam and set up a testing appointment.
Exam Scores
The exam is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
A passing score is a scaled score of at least 350.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the exam is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after submitting a new application and testing fee.
FAQs
What does RPSGT stand for?
RPSGT stands for Registered Polysomnographic Technologist.
How many questions are on the RPSGT exam?
The exam contains 175 multiple-choice questions.
What is the time limit for the RPSGT exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the RPSGT exam?
You’ll need a final score of at least 350 to pass.
How much does the RPSGT exam cost?
The exam fee is $550.