Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer® (RDMS®)
Administered by ARDMS
Road to Certification
Earning RDMS® certification is a multi-step process.
Prerequisites
RDMS® certification requires the SPI exam and your choice of specialty exam(s). Check to make sure you have the education and practical experience to support your certification, too.
Apply
Use your online account to apply, upload documents, and pay for the exam.
Why Choose RDMS
RDMS sets the global standard for diagnostic medical ultrasound expertise. It helps you build the foundation to lead in independent clinical practice.
The RDMS Certification requires SPI plus one of the specialty exams below.
Plus one of the following
Sonography Principles and Instrumentation
The SPI exam is the foundation for all ARDMS certifications. It tests your knowledge of basic sonography principles and ability with instrumentation.
SPI Required?
Price
$275 USD
Application Window
Year-Round
Examination Window
Year-Round
Abdomen
The AB exam tests your knowledge of the soft tissues, blood vessels, and organs of the human abdomen.
SPI Required?
Price
$300 USD
Application Window
Year-Round
Examination Window
Year-Round
Breast
The BR exam will test your knowledge of breast tissue.
SPI Required?
Price
$300 USD
Application Window
Year-Round
Examination Window
Year-Round
Fetal Echocardiography
The Fetal Echocardiography (FE) exam will test your knowledge of cardiographic principles as they apply to fetal patients.
SPI Required?
Price
$300 USD
Application Window
June 16, 2026 – August 25, 2026
Examination Window
September 8, 2026 – October 1, 2026
Obstetrics and Gynecology
The Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) exam will test your knowledge of the female reproductive system and fetus in all stages of pregnancy.
SPI Required?
Price
$300 USD
Application Window
Year-Round
Examination Window
Year-Round
Pediatric Sonography
The Pediatric Sonography (PS) exam will test your knowledge of various systems in pediatric patients.
SPI Required?
Price
$300 USD
Application Window
June 23, 2026 – September 1, 2026
Examination Window
September 15, 2026 – October 8, 2026
RDMS Raises the Standards
- RDMS supports confident, accurate diagnostic medical ultrasound work and promotes best practices for patient safety.
- Hospitals, imaging centers, and specialty practices worldwide recognize RDMS for quality, efficiency, and better overall patient outcomes.
- Combine the SPI exam with your choice of specialties to qualify for a wide range of roles across patient populations and care settings.
Continual learning
RDMS® certified sonographers have up-to-date skills and knowledge thanks to our life-long learning approach.
Patient trust
Patients trust the high-quality care and expert abilities of certified practitioners.
Career advancement
Stand out for new opportunities across hospitals, imaging centers, and specialty practices.