Certified Bone Densitometry Technologist (CBDT®)

Certified Bone Densitometry Technologist (CBDT®) is a professional certification accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) in the field of bone densitometry for technologists who perform bone densitometry scans. The CBDT® credential signifies that an individual has passed an examination that has been designed to meet established certification industry standards and best practices. The CBDT® Exam is offered at computer-based PSI locations worldwide. The ISCD CBDT® examination consists of multiple-choice questions based on 5 Content Outline domains.

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ELIGIBILITY & APPLICATION PROCESS

EXAM FORMAT

FEES

EXAMINATION RESULTS

ELIGIBILITY – Must meet ALL requirements under 1 of the 3 eligibility options.

Option 1

You are currently a CBDT, CDT or ARRT(BD)

Option 2

Hold a degree or certification in an allied health field from an accredited college or university.
3 months of DXA scanning experience.
Performed no less than 100 central DXA patient scans at two skeletal sites (hip, spine, forearm).

Option 3

Document a minimum of 12 Category A OR 12 CME credits in skeletal health within the last 12 months. **Please note that credits are not required to come from ISCD sources.
3 months of DXA scanning experience.
Performed no less than 100 central DXA patient scans at two skeletal sites (hip, spine, forearm).

*See full requirements specified on page 6 in the CBDT® Handbook.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All communication with candidates will be via email only. The name on the application MUST match the candidate’s ID, and the application MUST be complete with application fee and a signature from the candidate’s supervisor. Candidates are required to read the following statements and agreements in full and digitally sign their agreement to all statements listed within the document.

Once the application has been reviewed and accepted, candidates will be sent an eligibility confirmation through email from PSI (no-reply@psiexams.com). After receiving the eligibility email, the candidate may schedule their appointment.

ONLINE APPLICATION

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WHAT TO EXPECT

The CBDT® Exam is offered at computer-based PSI locations worldwide. The ISCD CBDT® examination consists of multiple-choice questions based on 5 Content Outline domains. The CBDT® examination will have a total of 150 multiple choice questions, 125 scored and 25 pretest questions. Of the 125 scored questions, 25 will be case-based multiple choice questions.

125

Scored Questions

Pretest Questions

3.5

Hours to Complete

Content Domains

PSI TEST LOCATIONS

PREPARING FOR YOUR EXAM

There is no official course or study material that is recommended before taking the exam, however, the Quality Bone Densitometry (QBD) Course does covers many of the areas in the Exam Content Outline. Taking the QBD course is not required, nor is completion a guarantee that an applicant will pass the certification exam, but the course does provide foundational knowledge related to clinical densitometry. We do not currently have any other study resources to offer. Content Outline.

Once certified, individuals are better prepared to continue learning the many nuances in scan acquisition and analysis. Moreover, CBDT certification can enhance employment opportunities or facilitate advancement in current positions. In addition to clinical roles, CBDT-certified technologists are frequently sought after in research settings that incorporate bone densitometry in their studies.

Prof. Jeanne F. Nichols, PhD, CBDT, Vice Chair of ISCD Certification Council

ISCD technologist certification was a game-changer for my career. Within months, I was hired as a full-time DXA technologist at a university hospital where I have worked ever since. The CBDT credential demonstrates a higher level of knowledge and proficiency. I would highly recommend ISCD educational programs for anyone seeking to advance their skills in the field of bone densitometry.

Wendy Tolman-Andrews, BSRT, CBDT | Bone Densitometry Technologist

My journey to becoming a certified clinical bone densitometry technologist
began with as a cross training opportunity and a desire to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives. As I learned more about osteoporosis and the importance of bone health, I realized that specializing in bone densitometry would allow me to contribute significantly to early detection and prevention strategies for this prevalent condition. This certification enhanced my technical abilities.

One of the most significant benefits of being certified is the increased credibility it brings to my professional career. Patients and healthcare providers alike recognize the value of certification. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of healthcare professionals, all dedicated to improving patient outcomes. Additionally, certification has provided me with access to ongoing education and resources that keep me updated on the latest advancements in bone health.

Susan Lyons, BS, RT(R), CBD Member of the ISCD Certification Council

FEES Schedule

Full & Professional Members Receive Discounts

Full & Professional members receive discounts If you are interested in upgrading to a professional or full membership to receive discounts on all certification related fees, click here to learn more about the additional member benefits associated with those tiers of membership.

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Full & Professional Member

$99.99

CBDT Exam Fee $275.00

CBDT Exam Re-test Fee $100.00

CBDT Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Included

Certification Certificate Reprint Fee $10.00

Community & Non-Member

$99.99

CBDT Exam Fee $425.00

CBDT Exam Re-test Fee $200.00

CBDT Maintenance of Certification (MOC) $100.00

Certification Certificate Reprint Fee $20.00

Exam Cancellation and “No Show” Policy*

You may request to cancel your CBDT exam registration for a refund, minus a $50.00 administrative fee. Please email certification@iscd.org. Individuals who are a “No Show” for scheduled exams will need to pay an $80 no show fee before being able to schedule a new exam.

EXAMINATION RESULTS

Successful candidates will receive their official score report and certificate in 2 to 3 weeks via postal service delivery. Candidates that did not pass the exam will receive their official score report and a re-take application via email in 1 to 2 weeks.

Examination Development

A job analysis (sometimes referred to as a practice analysis, job task analysis, role delineation study, work analysis, or competency profiling) is a scientific inquiry conducted to identify the tasks and work activities conducted, the context in which those tasks and activities are carried out, and the competencies (knowledge areas, skills, and abilities) required to perform a job role successfully. Different methods can be used which may differ in the levels of specificity in analyzing and describing different work elements, with the choice of method largely dependent on the intended purpose and use of the results. The methodology of the current job analysis was tailored to the creation of exam specifications for test development.

The job analysis was conducted in accordance with principles and practices outlined in the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing, which describe principles and guidelines for all aspects of test development, including content validation.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who can take the CBDT® exam?

Any technologist who performs human bone densitometry scans and meets the eligibility requirements as specified in the CBDT® Handbook

What if I do not pass the CBDT® exam?

You must wait 30 days from your fail date to submit the re-take application. The re-take application will be emailed to you along with a copy of your Score Report. This application may ONLY be used if you did NOT pass the examination AND you are applying to sit for the exam within one year from the original failed exam date. A candidate may sit for the exam up to three times within one year from the original failed exam date. Thereafter, if they are still unsuccessful in passing the exam, the candidate must show documentation of an additional 12 hours of CME Category 1 or Category A CE credits in the field of musculoskeletal health and bone densitometry in order to meet the eligibility requirements to sit for the exam again. Please note that the 12 hours of CME are not required to come from ISCD courses.

How long is the CBDT® certification valid?

The CBDT® certification is valid for five (5) years.

How do I find a PSI test center to take the CBDT exam?

Information on how to schedule your examination at a PSI test center will be included with your eligibility email from no-reply@psiexams.com to schedule your exam.

PSI TEST LOCATIONS

Certification Appeals

ISCD is committed to allowing candidates the opportunity to appeal decisions during the professional credentialing process. ISCD staff and the ISCD Certification Council are responsible for handling all appeals and requests in a confidential, timely and fair manner. Every effort is made to ensure that the ISCD examination procedures are reasonable and that fair and equitable treatment is accorded to all applicants. To ensure fairness and a right of redress in the evaluation and processing of applications, examination procedures, and certification activities, the ISCD Certification Council has established a formal appeals procedure which you must follow for an appeal of ISCD’s policies, requirements, or decisions. All decisions and actions shall be transmitted in writing and shall contain a brief notice of the right of appeal. For Appeal instructions and form please contact certification@iscd.org.