CBET Exam Overview
The Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET) exam is a certification offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) through the Healthcare Technology Certification Commission (HTCC). This certification validates the expertise and competency of biomedical equipment technicians (BMETs) who work with medical devices, ensuring they have the skills necessary to install, maintain, calibrate, and repair critical medical equipment.
Who Typically Obtains the Certification?
The CBET certification is commonly pursued by:
• Biomedical Equipment Technicians (BMETs) seeking to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in maintaining healthcare technology.
• Clinical Engineers or individuals involved in managing medical equipment in hospitals and healthcare settings.
• Experienced BMETs looking to advance in their careers or increase their professional credibility.
• HTM (Healthcare Technology Management) Professionals in hospitals, clinics, or third-party service organizations.
CBET Exam Format and Breakdown
• Duration: The exam lasts 3 hours.
• Number of Questions: The exam consists of 165 multiple-choice questions, of which 150 are scored, and 15 are unscored (used for future exams).
Scoring Requirements:
• A passing score generally falls between 105 and 110 correct answers out of the 150 scored questions, or approximately 70% to pass the exam.
• The specific passing score may vary slightly based on the difficulty of the exam version.
Subject Matter Breakdown:
The CBET exam covers six major content areas:
1. Anatomy and Physiology (10%):
• Understanding of the human body systems, relevant to the function of medical devices.
• Examples: Cardiovascular system, respiratory system, and nervous system.
2. Public Safety in the Healthcare Facility (15%):
• Focus on electrical safety, infection control, fire safety, and environmental considerations in medical facilities.
3. Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics (20%):
• Basic principles of electricity, circuits, semiconductors, transistors, and troubleshooting of electrical systems.
4. Healthcare Technology and Function (25%):
• Operation, functionality, and clinical use of various medical devices such as defibrillators, patient monitors, ventilators, infusion pumps, etc.
5. Healthcare Technology Problem-Solving (30%):
• Troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, and corrective maintenance strategies for healthcare technology, including diagnostic equipment and therapeutic devices.
How to Prepare for the CBET Exam
Study Approach:
1. Review the Exam Content Outline:
• Download the CBET exam content outline from the AAMI website. This document provides a detailed overview of the topics covered in each of the six exam sections.
2. Study Key Areas:
• Anatomy and Physiology: Brush up on the basic human body systems, especially how they relate to medical devices.
• Electrical and Electronics Fundamentals: Focus on key electrical concepts, like Ohm’s law, current, voltage, and circuits.
• Medical Equipment: Review the operation and clinical application of common medical devices such as monitors, ventilators, defibrillators, and infusion pumps.
• Safety Protocols: Know the standards for electrical safety, including grounding, leakage current, and device safety testing.
3. Recommended Study Materials:
• AAMI’s Official CBET Study Guide: This comprehensive guide covers the main exam topics and includes sample questions and answers.
• Textbooks:
• Introduction to Biomedical Equipment Technology by Carr and Brown.
• Medical Instrumentation: Application and Design by Webster.
• Online Courses: Various platforms offer online training for CBET preparation, including AAMI’s official courses.
4. Practice Exams:
• Taking practice exams is crucial for familiarizing yourself with the exam format, timing, and question style. AAMI provides official CBET practice tests.
• Websites like ProProfs and Quizlet offer CBET-related quizzes for additional practice.
5. Continuing Education:
• Participate in workshops and conferences related to healthcare technology, biomedical engineering, and medical equipment management. These events often provide the latest insights into medical devices, safety protocols, and technology advancements.
Common Practice Questions for CBET
Here are some sample questions to give you a feel for the types of questions on the CBET exam:
Sample Question 1:
What is the primary function of an infusion pump?
• A) To monitor a patient’s vital signs
• B) To regulate and deliver fluids, medications, or nutrients into a patient’s circulatory system
• C) To measure blood oxygen saturation levels
• D) To assist in patient respiration
Sample Question 2:
Which of the following is most commonly used to measure leakage current in electrical medical equipment?
• A) Ammeter
• B) Oscilloscope
• C) Ohmmeter
• D) Digital Safety Analyzer
Sample Question 3:
What type of circuit component stores electrical energy in an electric field?
• A) Resistor
• B) Capacitor
• C) Transistor
• D) Diode
Sample Question 4:
Which medical device is typically used to maintain airway pressure in patients with respiratory distress?
• A) ECG Monitor
• B) Infusion Pump
• C) CPAP Machine
• D) Defibrillator
Sample Question 5:
Which of the following body systems does a pulse oximeter monitor?
• A) Digestive System
• B) Respiratory System
• C) Circulatory System
• D) Nervous System
Resources for CBET Exam Preparation
1. AAMI CBET Study Guide: The official guide contains sample questions, test-taking strategies, and a detailed breakdown of exam content. It is available for purchase from AAMI.
2. Textbooks:
• Introduction to Biomedical Equipment Technology by Joseph Carr and John Brown: A classic reference for BMETs covering a wide range of medical devices and equipment maintenance principles.
• Medical Instrumentation: Application and Design by John G. Webster: Offers insight into the design and use of medical devices.
3. Online Resources:
• AAMI Learning: Provides webinars, study materials, and workshops tailored to the CBET exam.
• HTM Schools and Training Programs: Many community colleges and technical schools offer biomedical equipment technology programs that prepare students for certification exams.
• CBET Study Groups: Study groups on social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn often offer shared resources and peer support.
4. Practice Tests:
• ProProfs and Quizlet offer CBET-related quizzes and flashcards to help reinforce knowledge.
• AAMI Practice Exams: Available through AAMI’s website, these practice exams simulate the real test experience and can help identify areas for further review.
Conclusion
The CBET certification is a critical credential for biomedical equipment technicians seeking to demonstrate their expertise in maintaining and repairing medical equipment. The exam covers a wide range of topics, including medical devices, safety protocols, troubleshooting, and electrical fundamentals. Preparing for the exam requires a solid understanding of these areas, as well as practice with exam-style questions. By using AAMI’s resources, textbooks, practice exams, and study groups, you can increase your chances of passing the exam and advancing in your career as a certified biomedical equipment technician.
Good luck!