The first examination in clinical echocardiography was given under the auspices of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) as a field test in 1995. An examination of special competence was given in 1996, again under the ASE, and in 1997 and 1998 under ASCeXAM, Inc. Since 1999 the exam has been administered annually by the NBE. For these examinations, the title of "Testamur" was designated for successfully passing the examination. This designation was chosen since applicants were not requested to supply information regarding successful completion of training dedicated to the study of Cardiovascular Disease nor completion of special training in echocardiography. With a mature and well-tested examination, a well-defined body of knowledge, published training guidelines, and published continuing quality improvement guidelines the NBE began offering certification in 2001.
Transthoracic 2-D and Doppler Echocardiography Website
