Fee: $320
Exam format: 125 questions
Certification duration: Continuous

Prior to applying for certification the candidate must have met the following requirements:

• A minimum of 500 hours of clinical hyperbaric training and active practice experience per year for the prior 2 years, successfully completing a Hyperbaric Technician Preceptorship in a hospital setting or outpatient facility.
• Completion of a 40-hour introductory hyperbaric medicine course or 40-hour primary training program approved by either the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society, or the US Department of Defense
• Completion of Core Competencies in Hyperbaric Therapy, verified and endorsed by your employer, Medical Director or Program Manager validating your clinical experience detailed in the Core Competency Checklists

Positions Eligible to Apply for Examination:

• Hyperbaric Technician
• Diver Medical Technician
• Medical Assistant
• Respiratory Therapist
• Certified Nurse Aide
• EMT Paramedic
• Life Support Technician
• Physician Assistant
• Registered Nurse or LPN
• Nurse Practitioner
• Physician
• Veterinarian
• Podiatrist

The Certified Hyperbaric Specialist (CHS) examination will confer competency as a hyperbaric specialist. The following areas are included in the knowledge and skill domains that are evaluated during the certification process:

Hyperbaric:

• Basic Hyperbaric Knowledge
• Chamber Operations, Equipment & Environment
• Safety, Emergency Protocols & Patient Management

Each candidate will be required to have all competency checklists signed (by the Program Manager or Medical Director) to document knowledge and clinical skill competence in the required areas. These checklists must be submitted with the CHS Application.

You will need to take the examination within a year’s timeframe of receiving your approval letter. Failing to test within one year will result in the loss of your examination fee.  You will be required to submit MOC documents and payment every 2 years to maintain certification.

Reciprocity

Any individual who is currently a Certified Hyperbaric Technician (CHT via the NBDHMT) is eligible to apply for CHS Certification. The applicant must submit the entire CHS application, satisfy all of the above requirements, and submit documentation of CHT Certification. Once approved, CHS designation will be granted via the reciprocity pathway to the applicant. This recognition will be valid for one year. Prior to the expiration of the reciprocity certification period (1 years), the CHS must successfully pass the CHS certification examination to maintain CHS status. Upon successful accomplishment of the examination the CHS certification will be extended to the full 5 year certification period. The examination fee is included in the intitial CHS application fee.

The ABWH Certified Hyperbaric Specialist Examination is endorsed by the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and the American Professional Wound Care Association. Successful completion of the examination process allows the special recognition and distinction as a Certified Hyperbaric Specialist, and use of the designation CHS.