The exam consists of 120 questions (no separate core and specialist papers) with the syllabus essentially unchanged (no DVLA questions) with the emphasis on specialist questions (i.e. EGMs).
Registration opens approximately 4 months prior to the exam (now held twice per year) at a cost of £350.
The Examination
The examination was first introduced in 1999 as part of the BPEG Certificate of Competency.
Log Books
The logbook process is being streamlined to minimise the amount of “paperwork” that historically has been required, whilst ensuring the high standard of the BHRS certification. We will be doing this by focusing on practical work in a live environment.
As part of the accreditation process we will be introducing several DOPS (Direct Observation of Procedural Skills). These will be observed and reported on by an approved local supervisor.
Next Exam Date
Registration
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Re-accreditation
There are a large number of BHRS Accredited members nearing their accreditation expiry date. For those with accreditation due to expire BHRS have released a new system to accredit by collecting BHRS points. Anyone with accreditation due to expire in 2024 will be granted an extension to the end of 2024 while we transition over to the new system.
Those due to reaccredit would historically have had to resit the BHRS examination. You will still have the option to do this but you can also reaccredit using a CPD evidence-based points system called ‘BHRS points’. An online form is available below. Please keep relevant evidence of any CRM/ Cardiology/ Heart Failure courses, symposiums, conferences etc. to submit via the online form.
For those taking the BHRS exam in Devices for the first time in 2024 there will be a new style log book for candidates to complete alongside the exam to achieve BHRS accreditation.
IMPORTANT: Candidates who sat the examination in 2006 and subsequent years will also be required to re-accredit. However, it was agreed that these candidates would also have a 10 year period from 2014 in which to re-certify i.e. candidates who successfully gained Heart Rhythm UK Accreditation from 2006 – 2013, inclusive, will be required to re-certify by 2024.
For all candidates to remain certified, they are required to be members of BHRS.
LOGBOOKS: Candidates looking to reaccredit are not required to complete a logbook again. Those allowing their accreditation to lapse more than one year will be required to begin the process as a new candidate and will be required to complete the logbook.
Recommended Banding for Accredited Physiologists
The BHRS recommend accredited physiologists should now practice at Agenda for Change band seven level.
BHRS Certification Recognised at Masters’ Level
The School of Health and Social Care at Teesside University has agreed to recognise the British Heart Rhythm Society (BHRS) Certification. Candidates who successfully complete the BHRS Certificate will be able to gain exemption from the module ‘Arrhythmia Management’ (AHH4002-N) at Teesside University (30 credits at Masters Level) and thus transfer these credits into the following programmes:
- MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
This exemption applies to all candidates who have successfully received BHRS Certification since 2008 (candidates must have passed both the exam and logbook). This also only applies to candidates who have received Certification for the first time, not candidates who have Re-certified.
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for other postgraduate programmes at Teesside University will be considered where appropriate. Other universities may consider these academic credits for RPL experience purposes upon application.
To apply, please contact the programme lead for the MSc Advanced Clinical Practice or MSc Nursing via the School of Health Switch board on 01642 384 100.
British Heart Rhythm Society Certification for Employees of Medical Devices or EP Equipment Companies
In 2013, Heart Rhythm UK Council decided to introduce a pilot of “Heart Rhythm UK Certification.” Only individuals who are employed by a cardiac devices manufacturer, a manufacturer of EP equipment or other related company are eligible to apply. This will continue in 2014 as British Heart Rhythm Society Certification (Industry). Candidates can obtain this Certification on successful completion of the British Heart Rhythm Society examination (including the relevant devices or EP specialty section). This option is not available to NHS or private sector employees such as nurses, physiologists or doctors, who must complete full Certification, including a logbook.
This option is being piloted as it is appreciated that many industry employees would be interested in undertaking full British Heart Rhythm Society Certification but would find it difficult to comply with the requirements of the logbook.
Candidates from industry who have successfully completed the two sections of the examination in the last three years (2011 – 2013) can apply to British Heart Rhythm Society for retrospective recognition and award.
Depending on the success of the pilot, this may be continued after 2014.
Post-Nominal Letters
Post-nominal letters, also called post-nominal initials or post-nominal titles, are letters placed after the name of a person to indicate that the individual holds a position, educational degree, accreditation, office, or honour.
Following successful completion of BHRS accreditation no post nominal is awarded (although the BHRS Certification Committee is aware that numerous individuals use unofficial post nominal letters).