The AAMI Credentials Institute (ACI) Board of Directors is reevaluating three of its certification programs. Following discussions during its meeting at the AAMI 2018 Conference & Expo in June, the ACI Board is considering retiring the Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist (CLES), Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES), and Certified Quality System Manager (CQSM) exams but is seeking feedback from the community before taking action.
ACI launched the CLES and CRES programs in the late 1970s and the CQSM program in 2015. These certifications indicate that successful applicants have the knowledge to ensure a safe, reliable healthcare environment. They also demonstrate to employers a significant commitment to career and competence.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, fewer and fewer people have taken the CLES, CRES, and CQSM exams. The seemingly low interest has prompted the ACI Board to reevaluate the status of these programs,” says Sherrie Schulte, AAMI’s senior director of certification and the annual conference. “This review is not being taken lightly, but the Board feels, based on the low interest and high cost of maintaining a certification program, that retiring these certifications is potentially the best option.”
If the ACI Board decides to retire the CLES, CRES and CQSM programs, ACI would not offer these exams after Dec. 31, 2018. However, individuals who already hold these designations would be able to continue to use them provided they maintain their certification by completing the necessary continuing education units and submitting the necessary renewal fees every three years.
Before making a final decision, the ACI Board would like to hear from those in the healthcare technology community. AAMI says to send your comments or questions to Schulte at [email protected] by Aug. 24. All feedback will be submitted to the ACI Board for review, and a final decision will be made in September.
Keep CARES and allow CLES to be less restrictive than holding a specified 2 year degree.