Preparing For and Passing the AAMI CBET Exam

It is time again for the next round of HTM professionals to take the ACI Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) exam!  I have taken the exam two times in my career (I mistakenly let it lapse) and I am scheduled for the Certified Healthcare Technology Manager in May) and it can be a very stressful event.  I wanted to pass along some tips that helped me prepare for and successfully pass  the CBET exam.

• Hopefully you started early.  Two months of review and prep is more than enough.  Don’t Burn yourself out by over studying.
• Join a great study group.  There are some HTM societies that have study groups and great material.
• Need more questions?
  1. The AAMI site sells a practice exam that covers all the areas you need.  They are not completely inclusive, but if you study the background information to all of the questions you will have more than enough to pass.
  2. There are a few apps available for download.  Do a quick internet search and you will find a link.
• Make sure to trust your preparation and your background.  Don’t “Psych” yourself out!
• The test in now computer based.  You can mark a question to review later.  This is a great idea as sometimes a later question will trigger a thought to a previous one. 
• Make sure to eliminate the obviously wrong answers.
• If unsure, go with your first choice.
• There is plenty of time to take the test.  I think it is typically completed in under 2 hours.

The test is challenging but very passable.  With the right preparation, mindset, and test taking skills you should do very well.