Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled EKG Technician
CIP Code: 51.0902 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled competency in electrocardiography. Certified EKG Technicians prepare patients, place leads accurately for 12-lead acquisition, ensure signal quality, recognize common arrhythmias, assist with rhythm monitoring and stress testing support, and document results while maintaining safety and infection control.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Why Multi-Skilled?
NHWCA’s multi-skilled model verifies cross-functional readiness in lead placement, rhythm interpretation, troubleshooting, safety, and documentation—so acute care and outpatient teams can staff flexibly with one certified professional.
Job Description
An EKG Technician performs patient identification and education, prepares skin and places electrodes, acquires 12-lead tracings, monitors rhythm quality, recognizes urgent abnormalities for escalation, assists with stress testing setup, maintains equipment, and documents per facility protocol.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of an allied health or EKG training program; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited healthcare facility; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable EKG/telemetry experience.
All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Placement, Acquisition & Troubleshooting | 30% | ~38 |
| Rhythm Recognition & Interpretation | 30% | ~38 |
| Cardiac Anatomy, Physiology & Conduction | 15% | ~19 |
| Patient Preparation, Safety & Infection Control (CPR) | 15% | ~19 |
| Documentation, Communication & Equipment Care | 10% | ~12 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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