BMET Certifications Explained
AAMI's biomedical and HTM certifications side by side: who each is for, how to qualify, and how to keep it.
Reference only. Summarized from AAMI's official certification pages (checked Oct 18, 2026). Always confirm with AAMI before applying.
| Credential | Who it's for | Eligibility | Keeping it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CABT Certified Associate in Biomedical Technology | Entry level: scheduled maintenance, supporting senior techs, incoming inspections, minor troubleshooting. | At least a junior in high school (proof required). Online proctored exam, taken within six months of purchase. | Non-renewable; active for five years. Retake the exam to keep it. By then you may qualify for CBET or CRES. | AAMI CABT Last verified Oct 18, 2026 |
| CBET Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician | Testing, calibrating and troubleshooting medical devices; documentation; device networks. | Full: Associate degree or higher in an electronics, technology or science program + 2 years’ full-time BMET work experience; OR a U.S. military biomedical equipment technology program + 2 years’ full-time BMET work experience; OR 4 years’ full-time BMET work experience. Candidate: Associate degree or higher in an electronics, technology or science program; OR a U.S. military BMET program; OR 2 years of full-time BMET work experience. Candidates get five years to meet full eligibility. | At least 30 CEUs from the six approved categories within the 3-year reporting period (AAMI: Maintain your ACI certification). | AAMI CBET Last verified Oct 18, 2026 |
| CRES Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist | Medical imaging modalities plus electromechanical devices, computers and networks. | Same full and candidate routes as CBET. Full status also needs at least 40% of work experience over the last two years, or 25% over the last five years, in the specialty area. | At least 30 CEUs from the six approved categories within the 3-year reporting period (AAMI: Maintain your ACI certification). | AAMI CRES Last verified Oct 18, 2026 |
| CHTM Certified Healthcare Technology Manager | Managing HTM operations and personnel. | Five paths. Example (Path 1): a current CCE, CBET, CRES or CLES certification with at least 3 years as a supervisor or manager in the last 5 years. Other paths use the DoD BMET program, an associate or bachelor's degree, or 7 years of HTM work with 3 in management. | At least 30 CEUs from the six approved categories within the 3-year reporting period (AAMI: Maintain your ACI certification). | AAMI CHTM Last verified Oct 18, 2026 |
AAMI also offers the Certified Industrial Sterilization Specialist (CISS) for sterilization professionals.
Tools for these credentials
- CBET Path Finder: full status or candidate status, in two questions.
- Credential Renewal Calendar: track your 3-year CEU period or CABT expiration.
- Electrical Safety Test Record Sheet: log ESTs against your facility's limits.