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Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES)

Healthcare technology management professionals that desire a CRES certification are expected to have experience in a wide-range of medical imaging modalities, electromechanical devices, computers, networks and software used in the delivery of healthcare.

Overview

Overview

Healthcare technology management professionals that desire a CRES certification are expected to have experience in a wide-range of medical imaging modalities, electromechanical devices, computers, networks and software used in the delivery of healthcare. Generally, candidates desiring for this certification may work for medical device manufacturers, hospitals, clinics, medical device repair companies, regulatory bodies/agencies, and software manufacturers – such as EMR or device integration providers. CRES candidates typically perform some of the following duties on a daily basis:

  • Test and calibrate medical devices (preventive maintenance)
  • Troubleshoot medical devices in a clinical setting and/or bench/depot setting (corrective maintenance)
  • Manufacture software, parts or devices for use in patient care especially imaging systems
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory processes necessary (i.e. CMS, FDA GMP, etc.)
  • Manage medical software/hardware systems (i.e. PACS Administrator, Integration Specialist, etc.)
  • Educate the proper use, care and maintenance of medical devices
  • Review technical manuals
  • Document any and all maintenance and repairs and maintain records of maintenance activities
  • Troubleshoot medical device networks

Candidate Eligibility

Eligibility

Full Status
  1. Associate degree or higher in biomedical equipment technology program and two years’ fulltime BMET work experience; OR
  2. Completion of a U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program and two years’ fulltime BMET work experience; OR
  3. Associate degree or higher in electronics technology and three years’ full-time BMET work experience; OR
  4. Four years’ full-time BMET work experience.

Candidate Status
Applicants desiring full certification, but do not yet meet the eligibility requirements (as listed above), may apply through candidate status. Successful candidates are given five years to meet the minimum eligibility requirements and be awarded full certification. To test as a candidate for any of the certifications, an applicant must meet ONE of the following minimum eligibility requirements as of the application deadline:

  1. Associate degree or higher in biomedical equipment technology program; OR
  2. Completion of a U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program; OR
  3. Associate degree or higher in electronics technology and one-year full-time BMET work experience; OR
  4. Two years of full-time BMET work experience.

*CRES Applicants for full certification: At least 40 percent of work experience over the last two years or 25 percent over the last five years must be in the designated specialty area
IMPORTANT: If claiming eligibility based in full or in part on an associate or bachelor’s degree, a copy of the diploma MUST be included with the application and fees. A copy of the diploma is required for individuals applying under the completion of a U.S. military biomedical program. Official college transcripts may be requested at the discretion of the application reviewer but are required from international applicants. NOTE: A bachelor’s degree does not replace work experience requirements.

Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES)

Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES)

  • Identify the characteristics and functions of organs (e.g. Heart, Lungs, Liver, Brain).
  • Identify the characteristics and functions of physiological systems (e.g. Gastrointestinal, Circulatory, Musculoskeletal, endocrine).
  • Understand the relationship between anatomy, technique, and positioning to be used across all imaging modalities.
  • Understand basic medical terminology correctly.
  • Understand and apply foundational electronic theories as they apply to voltage, resistance, current, and power.
  • Understand fundamental theories of electronic components in a circuit.
  • Understand facility power distribution (for example, 3-phase, 480 VAC).
  • Understand battery-powered systems (for example, ultrasound, portable x-ray systems).
  • Understand imaging system power distribution (for example, UPS, line conditioning, internal system power distribution).
  • Understand the principles of system and network security and actions necessary for regulatory compliance.
  • Understand the fundamentals of hardware and software configuration as it applies to imaging systems, networking, communications, and healthcare information systems (for example, PACS, DICOM, Worklist).
  • Identify and troubleshoot computer hardware and networking components (wired and wireless) with use of appropriate diagnostic tools (for example, cable tracers, PING, DICOM echo).
  • Understand the interrelatedness of computer applications.
  • Describe the functions of imaging system components (for example, x-ray tubes & generators, digital detectors, ultrasound probes, Gamma cameras).
  • Identify systems and subsystems, their function, and how they are connected (including x-ray machines and ultrasound machines).
  • Identify and apply preventive and corrective maintenance procedures in accordance with regulatory standards.
  • Understand and use applicable positional terminology.
  • Understand normal function, use, and underlying technology of test equipment (for example, digital voltmeter, electrical safety analyzer, dosimeter).
  • Prioritize repairs of medical devices based on the level of risk.
  • Evaluate resources, including schematic diagrams, manuals, diagnostics software and test equipment, to troubleshoot faulty imaging equipment.
  • Understand how to troubleshoot and repair imaging systems (i.e. Radiological, Fluoroscopy, Mammography and Diagnostic ultrasound systems).
  • Differentiate between a device error and a use error (including user training, applications) to determine appropriate action.
  • Can effectively communicate verbally and in writing with, including but not limited to, clinicians, other hospital personnel, and manufacturers about technical issues and projects
  • Understand electrical and mechanical safety protocols to ensure patient, visitor, and staff safety.
  • Understand the hazards of the magnetic environment associated with the MRI and electromagnetic interference associated with imaging equipment
  • Understand policies, procedures and physical activities that can help reduce the impact of radiation on patients, staff, and visitors.
  • Understand regulations, applicable standards, and documentation requirements of relevant accrediting organizations (for example, TJC, CMS, OSHA, FDA/BRH, MQSA, ACR, ANSI/AAMI Standards).
  • Understand how to efficiently navigate and utilize the CMMS to document maintenance activities, track equipment history, recalls, and generate reports for compliance and performance analysis.

The CRES exam is a three-hour closed book exam consisting of 165 multiple choice questions. Candidates will have access to a simple calculator during the exam. Cell phones, iPads or other electronic devices that have internet capabilities or cameras are not allowed into the testing room.

Candidate performance on the exam is evaluated using a criterion-referenced method. This is a method where candidates are evaluated against a predetermined standard (cut score) rather than relative to each other. Your peers, the ACI Board, and its committees set this standard by evaluating the difficulty of each test question against the expectations for what an entry-level professional should know and be able to do. They use a common method for evaluating items and determining the passing standard (modified Angoff method).