Who is eligible to apply for ELSO Individual Certification (E-AEC and/or E-NPEC)?

The certification is open to ECMO Specialists (nurses, respiratory therapists, or trained healthcare providers managing the ECMO circuit), ECMO Physicians (intensivists, cardiologists, surgeons, neonatologists, anesthesiologists), and Perfusionists responsible for ECMO circuit management. Applicants must meet didactic, simulation, and clinical experience requirements.

What are the required didactic and simulation courses for Individual Certification?

Applicants must complete at least one eligible didactic course and one eligible simulation course within the past 15 years.

How much bedside ECMO experience is required for Individual Certification?

Applicants must provide documentation of at least 16-32 proctored ECMO hours (or 2-4 ECMO days) and maintain ongoing ECMO experience, which includes at least one 8-hour shift every 8 weeks and an average of 56 hours (or 8 days) per year over a minimum of 6 months. This must be verified by the ECMO Program Director or Medical Director.

What is the structure of the exams and how is it administered?

Both individual certification exams consist of 120 NBME-style questions designed to assess ECMO knowledge. The exams have undergone psychometric validation to ensure reliability. It is a virtual proctored exam via our exam platform.

What should I use to study for the exam?

We recommend reviewing materials that cover the ELSO standardized learning objectives for the Adult or Neo/Peds populations. If you have previously purchased the ELSO Foundations course and are interested in reviewing this information, we are happy to provide you with a 30-day access extension. Once you are signed up for an exam date, please reach out to us at ecmotraining@elso.org.

How long are Individual Certifications valid?

All individual certifications are valid for three years beginning the month that you pass the exam.

What is the cost for ELSO Individual Certifications?

The exam fee for either exam is $300 US dollars. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.