Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI)

Certification in sonography starts with SPI.

The exam assesses the basic knowledge, skills, and abilities that every sonography professional needs:

• Physics of ultrasound
• Clinical safety
• Quality assurance
• Knowledge of instrumentation
• Performing ultrasound exams
• Managing ultrasound transducer
• Optimizing sonographic images
• Applying Doppler concepts

The SPI examination is required for all ARDMS certification tracks. You must pass both SPI and the corresponding specialty exam(s) within five years of each other, in any order.

Practice Analysis

Quality exams start with a simple purpose: reflect real-world care. We routinely evaluate and update the SPI exam to ensure that it captures the requirements of today’s practice.

Latest Analysis: 2022

The SPI exam covers approximately 110 questions over two hours.

• Multiple choice
• Five-minute survey

Scoring

• Pass/fail score
• Point scale 300 to 700 (555 or better passes; not percentage or curve-based)

If you do not pass, you can reapply after three days. However, you must wait 60 days before retaking the exam.

Statistics

ARDMS exams assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to practice each specialty. Student pass rates vary.

Every ARDMS certification requires SPI.

To earn RDMS, RDCS, RVT, or RMSKS, you must pass the SPI exam and a corresponding specialty examination within five years of each other.

After passing the SPI exam once, you may earn additional ARDMS certifications. As long as you maintain active status, you do not need to retake SPI.

Here’s what you need to apply.

Exam day almost here? Make sure you’re prepared. Here’s everything you need for a smooth experience.

Access your results or request a score verification.