Becoming a Registered Sleep Technologist (RPSGT): Step by Step Guide

Are you confused by the various pathways to become a registered sleep technologist? If so, read the following for a clear, concise review of the 3 experience pathways.

Students interested in enrolling in sleep technology courses should check with their respective state medical boards to determine licensing requirements in polysomnography, if applicable. If you are a newcomer to the medical field, you are eligible for Pathway #4. The requirements to complete this pathway are:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
Must attend an 80-hour A-STEP Introductory Course, such as the Essentials of Sleep Technology course offered by National School of Sleep Medicine (A-STEP- Part 1). Tuition fee: $3,100.
Minimum of 819 hours of clinical experience (paid or volunteer) that includes direct patient recording and/or scoring.
Must pass the online A-STEP exam from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM). National School of Sleep Medicine will pay the exam fee for those who attend the 80hr Introductory of Sleep Technology course, if the exam is taken within 30 days of the live course completion.
Must complete a BRPT-approved self-study course. We offer the Online Foundation of Sleep Technology or you can complete an equivalent self-study program listed on the BRPT website.
After completing these requirements within a 3-year period, you are eligible to apply for the registry exam from the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and earn the RPSGT credential.

If you are a novice sleep technician and are already working in a sleep lab, you are eligible for Pathway #1. To complete Pathway #1, you must complete these steps:

Minimum 1,638 hours of clinical experience (paid or volunteer) that includes direct patient recording and/or scoring.
Must complete a BRPT-approved self-study course. We offer the Online Foundation of Sleep Technology or you can complete an equivalent self-study program listed on the BRPT website.
After completing these requirements within a 3-year period, you are eligible to apply for the registry exam from the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and earn the RPSGT credential.

If you are a credentialed healthcare professional with any of the following: RRT, CRT, RN LPN, R.EEG.T, R.EPT, CNIM, PA, Ph.D, MD, DO, DC, EMT-P, DDS, RT, RT®, RT(CT), RT (BD), RT (N), CNMT, CCT, DrPH, RDCS, RCIS, Au.D., AT, you are eligible for pathway #2 to become an RPSGT:

Minimum 546 hours of clinical experience (paid or volunteer) that includes direct patient recording and/or scoring.
After completing these requirements within a 3-year period, you are eligible to apply for the national registry exam from the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) and earn the RPSGT credential.

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All RPSGT pathways require Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) or equivalent for international students.

How to Become a Certified Polysomnographic Technologist (CPSGT)

There are 3 pathways of eligibility for the CPSGT certificate.

Pathway 1: Clinical Experience

Minimum of 3 months (paid or non-paid) PSG experience
Completion of STAR-designated self study program (National School’s Online Foundation of Sleep Technology or equivalent program)
Proof of completion of secondary education or equiv.

Pathway 2: CAAHEP/CoARC Student

Pathway 3: Focused Training

Completion of STAR-designated Focused education, or a combination of self study and Focused2 education: A-STEP Part 1 and National School’s Online Foundation of Sleep Technology or equivalent STAR-designated program
Proof of completion of secondary education or equiv.

All CPSGT pathways require Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) or equivalent for international students.