What the RVT is, how it is earned, how it is kept active, and how it differs from the CCI vascular credential.
The RVT — Registered Vascular Technologist — is the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) credential for imaging blood vessels. A sonographer who holds the RVT performs the carotid, venous, and arterial studies described on the Vascular Sonography page. It is one of the four primary ARDMS credentials, alongside the RDMS, RDCS, and RMSKS.
How it is earned
The RVT is earned by passing two exams (ARDMS):
- The SPI exam — the physics exam shared across all ARDMS credentials. See The SPI Physics Exam.
- The Vascular Technology (VT) exam — the vascular specialty exam.
The two may be taken in either order, but once the first is passed, the second must be passed within five years (ARDMS). Prerequisites, usually met by graduating from an accredited program, must be satisfied before sitting. Accreditation covers why.
Keeping it active
The RVT is maintained through the ARDMS Maintenance of Certification program: a recurring three-year continuing-education cycle plus an annual attestation and renewal fee (ARDMS).
The RVT and the CCI vascular credential
Vascular imaging has the widest set of credentials of any specialty. The RVT comes from ARDMS. The RVS — Registered Vascular Specialist — comes from Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) offers a Vascular Sonography credential as well. The RVT and RVS are distinct credentials issued by different organizations, not two names for the same thing (ARDMS; CCI). CCI Credentials and Choosing Between ARDMS and CCI compare the routes.
Last verified: 2026-06-14. Credential requirements and fees change; confirm current details with ARDMS and CCI. This page is informational and does not recommend a credential or program.