Neurodiagnostic Tech Certification Guide

Neurodiagnostic techs specialize in testing and analyzing brain and nervous system activity. Their work is used to diagnose, treat, and research seizure disorders, sleep patterns, and other neurological conditions.

If you are working towards a rewarding career as a neurodiagnostic technician or technologist, you need to know about neurodiagnostic tech certification and licensure. Certification carries many benefits and is a proven way to help you make the most out of your career!

Certification and licensure can be requirements depending on where you work. Don’t miss our state-by-state neurodiagnostic tech licensure guide below to find out which ones. Check out our Neurodiagnostic Tech Career Guide for even more information.  

Why Certification Matters for Neurodiagnostic Techs: Benefits and Advantages

Obtaining a neurodiagnostic tech certification boosts your salary, expands your career options, and recognizes you as an expert with advanced knowledge and proven dedication to the field of neurodiagnostics.  

Certification is the foundation for a rewarding and impactful career. Who doesn’t want to earn more money, advance their career options, and stand out as a dedicated expert in the neurodiagnostic job market? Certification helps you do just that and more.

As we explore certification and licensure options, remember there is a difference between a neurodiagnostic technician and technologist. Both terms are frequently shortened to “tech.”  

• Technicians have an associate degree or certificate in neurodiagnostics.
• Technologists have a bachelor’s degree in neurodiagnostics.

There are different educational, licensure, and certification requirements for each- we’ll explain more later! Remember, certification is required if you choose to take your neurodiagnostic technician or technologist skills on the road and travel with Trusted Health.

Advantages of Being a Certified EEG Tech

EEG tech certification is a type of neurodiagnostic tech certification focused on Electroencephalograms, which are specialized tests that use electrodes to monitor brain activity and function. EEG certification is offered to both technicians and technologists.

EEG tech certification is always recommended and is often required by employers, so being certified improves your job prospects.

Advantages of Being a Certified Polysomnography Tech

Polysomnography certification is a type of neurodiagnostic tech certification focused on using electrodes to monitor sleep and breathing patterns. This certification is offered to neurodiagnostic technicians and technologists.

Polysomnography tech certification is required by most employers, so certification expands your job opportunities. A polysomnography license is required in ten US states.  

General Requirements to Become a Neurodiagnostic Tech

To get started as a neurodiagnostic technician, you must begin with a high school diploma or equivalent. Here’s what to do next:

• Find an accredited neurodiagnostic technician training program. These programs are often associate degree or certificate programs and can be affiliated with a tech school, college, or hospital.
• If your state or employer requires certification or licensure, you will need to obtain this before seeking employment.
• Upon completing your degree or certification and licensure process, you can begin the search for your first neurodiagnostic technician job!

To get started as a neurodiagnostic technologist, follow the above steps, with one important difference. You will need a bachelor’s degree instead of an associate's degree or certification.

General requirements for becoming a Neurodiagnostic tech that are not state specific.

No matter where you choose to work, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, plus the appropriate degree or certificate. Your training will include academic and clinical experiences to prepare you to work in neurodiagnostics.

Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) is typically a requirement for all healthcare roles and neurodiagnostic technicians.

What Certifications Do You Need for a Neurodiagnostic Tech?

There are two main types of neurodiagnostic technician and technologist certifications. Neurodiagnostic techs should have one of these two certs:

• The Registered Electroencephalographic Technologist (R. EEG T.) credential is awarded by the American Board of Registration of Electroencephalographic and Evoked Potential Technologists (ABRET). You must take and pass the R. EEG T. exam to attain this certification. some text
  • There are four pathways (Pathway I, II, III, and IV) taken to be eligible for this exam.
  • The pathway you are eligible for depends on your education and clinical experience. The ABRET offers several other neurodiagnostic certifications as well.
  • The exam consists of 200 questions and must be completed in four hours.
  • The exam fee is $700.
  • The R. EEG T. credential should be renewed every five years before it expires.
• The Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) credential is awarded by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). You must take and pass the RPSGT exam to attain this certification. some text
  • There are five pathways you can take to be eligible for this credential, which depend on your clinical experience.
  • The exam has 175 questions that must be completed in three hours.
  • The application fee is $450.
  • The RPSGT credential is valid for five years and must be renewed before expiration. Renewal can be completed by fulfilling continuing education requirements or retesting.

Neurodiagnostic Tech Licensure Requirements by State

There are currently ten states that require polysomnographic licensure. Each state has varying pathways to licensure; we suggest checking each state’s website for the most up-to-date information. The licensure process can include specific education requirements, transcripts, experience, and certification.

Licensure Requirements for EEG Unit

When the specialty unit is EEG, state licensure is never needed. You are all set!

Licensure Requirements for Polysomnographic Unit

If the specialty or unit is polysomnography, ten states currently require licensure. Check out the individual requirements below!

• California
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $120
  • Renewal: Every two years, contact the board for current renewal fees.
  • More Information: Medical Board of California

• Louisiana
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $150 for technologist licensure, $100 for technician permit.
  • Renewal: Contact board for current renewal fees and schedule.
  • More Information: Louisiana State Board of Medical Examiners

• Maryland
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $200
  • Renewal: $150, every two years in odd years.
  • More Information: Maryland Board of Physicians

• New Jersey
  • Temporary/Limited Permit:
  • Initial Licensing Fee $500
  • Renewal: $500, every two years
  • More Information: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs

• New Mexico
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $150
  • Renewal: $150, every two years on March 1st.
  • More Information: New Mexico Medical Board

• New York
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: No/Yes
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $600
  • Renewal: Contact office for current renewal fees and schedule.
  • More Information: New York Office of the Professions

• Oregon
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: Yes/No
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $350
  • Renewal: $100, annually
  • More Information: Oregon Health Authority

• Tennessee
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $200
  • Renewal: $120, every two years
  • More Information: Tennessee Department of Health

• Virginia
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $130
  • Renewal: Contact board for current renewal fees and schedule.
  • More Information: Virginia Board of Medicine

• Washington, DC
  • Temporary/Limited Permit: No/No
  • Initial Licensing Fee: $230 for both technicians and technologists.
  • Renewal: Contact board for current renewal fees and schedule.
  • More Information: Washington DC Department of Health Website

What Comes Next After Neurodiagnostic Tech Certification?

When you obtain your neurodiagnostic certification, take a moment to celebrate! You should be proud of your hard work and dedication to the field of neurodiagnostics.  

Remember to renew your neurodiagnostic tech certification as needed so it doesn’t expire! Remember, management, leadership, and travel neurodiagnostic tech positions often require certification. Continue to grow within your specialty and profession and seek opportunities for skill development once you start working as a neurodiagnostic tech!  

Find a Neurodiagnostic Tech Job with Trusted Health

Traveling in the field of neurodiagnostics is the adventure of a lifetime! Get ready to see the United States, gain exciting experiences, grow your skills, and have a ton of fun as a Trusted Health traveler.

We proudly offer our traveling professionals premium pay, top-tier benefits, and unparalleled clinical support. Begin your journey as a travel neurodiagnostic tech with Trusted Health today!