BHRS Clinical Accreditation for Arrhythmia Nurses

This accreditation will recognise the knowledge and skills expected of specialist arrhythmia nurses across the UK

Introduction

Are you an Arrhythmia Nurse struggling with study leave or university funding?

The BHRS exam and accreditation could be the solution you’re looking for. This is your chance to have your knowledge and skills recognised at a national level and to show your employers that you are a fully accredited arrhythmia nurse, endorsed by the British Heart Rhythm Society.

In 2025, BHRS will launch its first Accreditation Exam specifically designed for nurses. This exam will recognise the knowledge and skills expected of specialist arrhythmia nurses across the UK, offering a cost-effective alternative to university modules with minimal time required away from clinical duties.

Why BHRS Accreditation?

Becoming accredited through the BHRS Nurses (Clinical) Exam offers significant benefits, including:

  • National Recognition: Demonstrate your expertise as an arrhythmia nurse specialist.

  • Cost-Effective: A more affordable option compared to university courses.

  • Minimal Study Leave Required: Continue clinical work while preparing for the exam.

  • Access to Resources: BHRS membership provides access to a vast array of online learning resources on arrhythmia management, which can be used as CPD for revalidation.

  • Career Progression: BHRS recommends accredited nurses to be recognised at Agenda for Change Band 7, reflecting their advanced skills and knowledge.

BHRS Nurses (Clinical) Exam Overview

The BHRS Nurses (Clinical) Exam assesses key areas in arrhythmia management, ensuring nurses have a comprehensive understanding of:

  • Arrhythmias – Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, ECG interpretation, and management.

  • Syncope – Diagnosis and management.

  • Pharmacology & Non-Medical Prescribing

  • Risk Stratification – Thromboembolism in atrial arrhythmias and anticoagulation.

  • Electrophysiology Studies

  • Implantable Cardiac Devices

How to Achieve Full BHRS Accreditation

To be fully accredited by BHRS, candidates must complete the following:

  • 1

    Complete the Core Competency Framework[Click here to access the Core Competency Framework]

  • 2

    Pass the BHRS Nurses (Clinical) Exam
    After passing the online exam, candidates must complete the clinical case studies.

  • 3

    Submit a Logbook
    A logbook must be submitted within 12 months of completing the exam. This logbook will consist of: 1) The completed Core Competency Framework 2) Two case studies (maximum of 1000 words per case, excluding references).

Guidelines for Case Study Submission

Each case study should include relevant text, figures, tables, and images. There is no required template, but it is encouraged to follow the structure typical in scientific publications.

  • Word Limit: 1000 words per case (excluding references).

  • Figures/Tables/Images: Maximum of 3 combined.

  • Format: Upload as a single document (e.g., Microsoft Word).

A sample template is available below for your guidance. Candidates are encouraged to critically analyse clinical decisions, use national/international guidelines, and base their analysis on the best available evidence.  This logbook may even serve as a foundation for future publication of case reports!

EXAM REGISTRATION
CORE COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
CASE STUDY TEMPLATE
LOGBOOK SUBMISSION FORM

Sample Exam Questions

For any potential candidate considering taking the exam in the future, you may find it useful to view the below representative questions for the Clinical exam:

View Sample Clinical Questions
View Sample Clinical Answers

Exam Answer Sheet Guidance

Since 2011, the examination papers have been marked electronically. This allows British Heart Rhythm Society to be able to examine the questions and candidates responses in more detail, so that we can work to improve the quality and validity of the questions. It is therefore essential that candidates are aware of how they are required to mark their answers on the exam answer sheets

COURSES & EVENTS
NURSES SECTION
VIDEO LIBRARY