The two credentialing bodies for cardiac and vascular sonography, how their requirements differ, and the factors that go into deciding which to pursue.
For two specialties — cardiac and vascular — a sonographer can certify through either of two organizations: the American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) or Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI). This is the most common source of confusion in sonography credentialing. Neither body is the “official” one; both issue recognized credentials. The difference is in how each is earned and which one a given employer prefers.
The two bodies, side by side
| ARDMS | CCI | |
|---|---|---|
| Cardiac credential | RDCS | RCS |
| Vascular credential | RVT | RVS |
| Structure | SPI physics exam + a specialty exam | Defined registry pathways |
| Timing rule | Second exam within five years of the first | Pathway requirements (background + experience) |
Both organizations’ exams meet the recognized accreditation standard for credentialing in the field, which is why both are accepted as proof of competency (Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography). The credentials are parallel: the RDCS and RCS both certify cardiac sonographers; the RVT and RVS both certify vascular sonographers.
How the requirements differ
The clearest difference is structure. The ARDMS path is exam-centered: pass the SPI physics exam plus the specialty exam, in either order, within five years. The CCI path is pathway-centered: meet the requirements of a defined route, which combine academic background with documented experience — for example, CCI’s RCS235 pathway requires a year of full-time cardiac ultrasound experience and a minimum number of recorded studies (CCI). A person coming straight out of an accredited program and a person with on-the-job experience may find one route fits their situation more naturally than the other.
Factors to consider
This is a decision the individual makes; the factors below are things to confirm, not a recommendation:
- What employers in the intended specialty and region expect. Some cardiac and vascular employers state a preference for one credential. Checking job postings in the target area is the most direct way to see which is asked for.
- The program’s orientation. Some accredited programs prepare students specifically for the ARDMS exams; others align with CCI pathways. The program’s own guidance is worth asking about.
- Background and experience. The exam-plus-exam structure suits some candidates; the experience-based pathway suits others.
- Holding more than one. Some sonographers eventually hold credentials from both bodies. Choosing one first does not rule out the other later.
Licensing and Certification covers how any of these credentials relates to a state license, which is a separate matter.
Last verified: 2026-06-14. Credential structures and pathway requirements change; confirm current details with ARDMS and CCI. This page is informational and does not recommend a credential, body, or program.