Certification

1. Ability to provide a current medical license with expiration date or letter of good standing.  
2. Valid ReASCeXAM® Testamur status during the certification application period 
3. Currently practicing physician 

Testamurs seeking NBE Certification will apply online by uploading the required documentation. Once an application is complete, the Certification Committee will meet to review applications twice a year, and applicants will be notified in writing of the decision. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the Certification Committee until all requirements are met. 

Certification applicants should select one of the applicable pathways listed below. For more detailed information please refer to the ReASCeXAM® Certification Handbook. 

Practice Experience 

Required Documentation 

1. Current Medical License including expiration date 

1. Medical Board Certificate 

1. Fellowship Certificate (Optional) 

1. Notarized Letter from hospital/practice (document cases completed in practice within the preceding three (3) years) 

1. Fifteen (15) hours of AMA Category 1 CMEs devoted to echocardiography in the preceding three years 

ReASCE® Change of Certification Status ($50 Application Fee) 

Required Documentation for Fellowship Pathway 

1. Current Medical License including expiration date 

1. Notarized Letter from hospital/practice (document cases completed in practice within the preceding two (2) years) 

Maintenance of Testamur or Diplomate Status 

Testamurs and Diplomates of the NBE are required to take the ReASCE in either the 8th, 9th, or 10th year surrounding their 10-year anniversary date to maintain their status with the NBE.

If a Diplomate does take and pass the ReASCE in the compulsory timeframe, but does not submit the required documentation for recertification, the candidate is eligible to apply for recertification at any time before the expiration of their Testamur status. Once their application for recertification is approved, their status will be changed from Testamur to Diplomate of the level in which they were approved.

If a Testamur/Diplomate does NOT take and pass the ReASCE in the compulsory timeframe, the individual must pass the ReASCE and pay a $200.00 reinstatement fee at the time of application. Additionally, Diplomates who do not take the ReASCE in the required 3-year period must meet the initial certification requirements and the CME requirements for recertification.

If Testamur or Diplomate status has lapsed more than 9 years, applicants must take the ASCeXAM.

Example for 2004 Initial Examination Pass Date:

KEY POINT – At any point after their certification has lapsed, applicants may attempt the initial ASCeXAM and receive certification for 10 years from the year the most recent exam was passed.

Testamurs from 1996-1998 are not required to sit for ReASCE to maintain their Testamur status with the NBE; however, the NBE strongly encourages these individuals to test and demonstrate their knowledge of echocardiography based on this objective standard.

*All letters documenting cases completed during training or practice, must be on official letterhead, singed by an approved signor, and notarized, dated and stamped by a notary/justice of the peace/lawyer(barrister) at the time of witnessing the signing of the letter in person. All letters must be the original and not a copy of the original document.*

ReASCE®

Sample notarized Letter from Practice/Hospital

ReASCE® Change of Certification Status 

Sample notarized Letter from Practice/Hospital