Certification
BMET certification guide — CBET, CRES, and CLES explained
AAMI-administered certifications are the primary credentials hospital procurement teams and OEMs look for when hiring biomedical equipment technicians. Here is what each one requires, what it costs, and which one is worth pursuing first.
CBET — Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician
The most widely held BMET certification and the right starting point for most technicians.
- Eligibility — Associate degree in biomedical equipment technology OR 2 years of full-time BMET work experience (4 years for non-degree holders).
- Exam — 150 multiple-choice questions covering anatomy & physiology, public safety, electronics, healthcare technology, and IT.
- Cost — Roughly $325 application + exam fee.
- Renewal — 15 CE hours every 3 years, logged with AAMI.
CRES — Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist
The highest-paying AAMI certification. Required by most hospitals for service contracts on MRI, CT, ultrasound, and X-ray equipment.
- Eligibility — Associate degree plus 2 years of full-time radiology equipment work, OR 4 years experience without a degree.
- Exam — 150 questions weighted toward imaging modalities and radiation safety.
- Cost — Roughly $325 application + exam fee.
- Pay impact — Holders typically earn 2-3x general biomed rates on Machestro.
CLES — Certified Laboratory Equipment Specialist
Focused on clinical laboratory analyzers, centrifuges, and hematology systems. Lower volume but highly defensible in markets with large reference labs and academic medical centers.
- Eligibility — Same as CRES (degree + 2 years, or 4 years without).
- Exam — 150 questions on lab instrumentation, fluidics, and IVD regulations.
- Pay impact — Premium rates on lab service contracts, particularly with reference labs and IVD OEMs.
Frequently asked questions
- Is BMET certification required to work as a biomedical technician?
- Not legally, but most hospitals, OEMs, and Joint Commission-accredited facilities require AAMI certification (CBET, CRES, or CLES) for service contracts. It is effectively required for independent work at scale.
- How long does it take to get CBET certified?
- Most candidates prepare for 3–6 months while working full-time. The exam itself is a single 3-hour sitting administered at Pearson VUE testing centers.
- How much does the CBET exam cost?
- Approximately $325 for AAMI members and slightly more for non-members, covering both the application review and the exam fee.
- How do I renew my BMET certification?
- AAMI requires 15 continuing education hours every 3 years. Machestro includes a built-in CE Tracker that logs hours, stores certificates, and alerts you before your renewal window closes.
- Which BMET certification pays the most?
- CRES (radiology) consistently commands the highest rates because imaging equipment service is technically demanding and tightly regulated, and certified holders are in short supply.