What is RMSKS certification and how do I become certified?

What is RMSKS® certification?

The Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer certification from the Alliance for Physician Certification & Advancement (APCA) allows physicians to gain a critical edge in promoting public safety in musculoskeletal ultrasound.

Obtaining your RMSKS® certifies your knowledge and proficiency in the field of musculoskeletal ultrasound.

How do I become RMSKS® certified?

To earn your RMSKS® certification you must first pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation examination. Once you have passed the SPI exam you must then take the musculoskeletal sonographer examination.

Step 1: Review the below prerequisites

1. Hold an active certification or license in a health related field that is directly enhanced or related to musculoskeletal sonography
2. Have completed 150 musculoskeletal ultrasound studies in the previous 3 years of application. None of the studies can be labeled as therapeutic.
3. Highly encouraged to have earned 30 CME credits in musculoskeletal ultrasound

Step 2: Gather supporting documentation of eligibility

1. Copy of a current valid license or certification in a health related field
2. Completed online 3rd party attestation to your completion of 150 musculoskeletal ultrasound studies
3. Patient log documenting the 150 musculoskeletal ultrasound studies you have completed in the previous 3 years
4. Copy of a valid government issued photo ID

Step 3: Apply for the SPI examination, provide payment, and upload supporting documents

1. Log in to MY ARDMS and choose the “Apply Online” option.
2. Upload your supporting documents within 21 days of applying
3. The examination fee is $225 USD which includes a $100 non-refundable processing fee. (If found ineligible you will be refunded minus the processing fee)

Step 4: Receive your Examination Confirmation Letter (ECL) email and schedule your exam

• Create a Pearson VUE account to schedule your exam
• You have 90 days to schedule and take your exam from when you receive your ECL

Step 5: Prepare for the SPI exam

1. Review exam content
2. Take a practice test. Sign-up for a practice test through your MY ADRMS account. Each practice test fee is $35 USD. There are 2 practice tests available.

Step 6: Take the SPI exam and receive score report at test center

• The primary test result is a PASS or FAIL decision.
• You will receive a scaled score from 300-700. A score of 555 is a passing score.
• You can request a score verification by filling out the request form and paying the $35 USD fee.

Step 7: Apply for the MSKS examination, provide payment, and upload supporting documents

1. Log in to MY ARDMS and choose the “Apply Online” option.
2. Upload your supporting documents within 21 days of applying
3. The examination fee is $250 USD which includes a $100 non-refundable processing fee. (If found ineligible you will be refunded minus the processing fee)

Step 8: Receive your Examination Confirmation Letter (ECL) email and schedule your exam

• Create a Pearson VUE account to schedule your specialty exam
• You have 90 days to schedule and take your exam from when you receive your ECL

Step 9: Prepare for the musculoskeletal sonographer exam

1. Review exam content
2. Take a practice test. Sign-up for a practice test through your MY ADRMS account. Each practice test fee is $35 USD.

Step 10: Take the MSKS specialty exam and receive score report at test center

• The primary test result is a PASS or FAIL decision.
• You will receive a scaled score from 300-700. A score of 555 is a passing score.
• You can request a score verification by filling out the request form and paying the $35 USD fee.

Step 11: Receive your certification

If you passed both the SPI and MSKS specialty examinations you will be awarded a RMSKS certification that is effective from the date of your MSKS examination.

CME Requirements

After you earn your RDCS certification, you’ll need to maintain your certification with the ARDMS by earning continuing medical education (CME) credits. Learn more about those requirements here.

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