Midwife Sonography Certificate

Education:

Must hold an active Certified Midwife (CM) or Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) certification ​offered by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB).

Continuing Medical Education (CMEs/CEUs/CPDs):

Must earn 12 ARDMS-accepted CMEs/CEUs/CPDs or education hours in OB/GYN ultrasound earned within five (5) calendar years of application submission.

When applying for the examination, you will need to upload the following application documentation through MY ARDMS within 21 days of submitting your online application.

Documentation Required with Application:

1. Certificate(s) or other original documentation for a minimum of 12 credit/hours of ARDMS-accepted CMEs/CEUs/CPDs or education hours in OB/GYN ultrasound earned within five (5) calendar years of application submission
2. A copy of current, valid/active CM or CNM certification.

The necessary supporting documentation for the Midwife Sonography examination must be submitted online and received within 21 days of submitting your online application.

Please note: We do not retain application documentation received prior to receipt and payment of the online application. Any documentation received prior to the completed online application will be discarded.

The Midwife Sonography examination is offered during select periods of the year. Refer to the “Schedule” tab for upcoming dates.

Once you are ready to apply for a Midwife Sonography examination, follow the steps below:

1. Log in to MY ARDMS and choose the “Apply Online” option.
2. Select and complete the Midwife Sonography online application form with attestation and submit payment of $300.
3. Gather the required supporting documentation. Review the “Eligibility Requirements” tab for more information.
4. Upload your supporting documentation to MY ARDMS for receipt within 21 days of applying online. Review of your application can take up to five business days from receipt of documentation in the office.

Once we have reviewed your information, we will email you with either an Examination Confirmation Letter (ECL) or a request for additional documentation. When you receive the ECL, you may contact Pearson VUE​ to schedule  an examination appointment during your eligibility period. The eligibility period will be listed on your ECL or you may visit the “Schedule” tab to view the current Midwife Sonography examination administration dates.

If you are found ineligible to take the examination, your application will be partially refunded (less the $100 USD processing fee per examination).

If you are found eligible to take an examination, we will email you an Examination Confirmation Letter (ECL) within one to two days of application approval and you will be able to schedule your appointment at that time. The ECL will also be posted to your MY ARDMS  account and will include your eligibility period to schedule and take your examination.​

The Practical examination is completed by submitting documentation that demonstrates successful completion of cases. These cases can be completed up to 2 years before passing the Computer-based examination and/or up to 2 years after passing the Computer-based examination. Additionally, if you do not complete the Practical examination within six months of the Computer-based examination, then you will have to obtain and submit 5 new ARDMS-approved CMEs/CEUs/CPDs or education hours in OB/GYN ultrasound.

The documentation must reflect one of the following

Option 1: Successful performance completion of eight cases across defined domains through direct practical assessments.

OR

Option 2: Successful performance completion of eight cases across defined domains through a combination of direct practical assessments and simulation*. 3 of the 8 cases can be through simulation*.

Required Documentation must be submitted via MY ARDMS and it must be received within 2 years after passing the Computer-based examination. 

Original signed and completed Midwife Sonography Practical Assessment Form for each of the following domains:

FIRST TRIMESTER

One case must be transabdominal and one case must be transvaginal/endovaginal.

Case 1: Choose one case to complete:

• First Trimester: 6 Weeks 0 Days – 9 Weeks 6 Days-Transabdominal
• First Trimester: 6 Weeks 0 Days -9 Weeks 6 Days-Transvaginal/Endovaginal

Case 2: Choose one case to complete: 

• First Trimester: 10 Weeks 0 Days – 12 Weeks 6 Days-Transabdominal
• First Trimester: 10 Weeks 0 Days- 12 Weeks 6 Days-Transvaginal/Endovaginal

SECOND/THIRD TRIMESTER

Cases 3-6: All four cases in this section must be completed:

• Second/ Third Trimester: Biometry-Transabdominal
• Second/ Third Trimester: Cervical Length-Transvaginal/Endovaginal
• Second/Third Trimester: Biophysical Profile/Amniotic Fluid-Transabdominal
• Second/Third Trimester: Presentation, Fetal Number, Viability, Placenta-Transabdominal

GYN
Cases 7-8: Please complete two of the cases from the three sections below. One case must be transabdominal and one case must be transvaginal/endovaginal:

INTRAUTERINE DEVICE (IUD) LOCALIZATION 

• GYN: Intrauterine Device (IUD) Localization- Transabdominal
• GYN: Intrauterine Device (IUD) Localization-Transvaginal/Endovaginal

POSITION AND ENDOMETRIAL THICKNESS

• GYN: Position and Endometrial Thickness -Transabdominal
• GYN: Position and Endometrial Thickness-Transvaginal/Endovaginal

NUMBER AND MEASUREMENT OF OVARIAN FOLLICLE

• GYN: Ovarian Follicle Measurement-Transabdominal
• GYN: Ovarian Follicle Measurement-Transvaginal/Endovaginal

Note: Any incomplete Practical examination submissions will not be accepted and candidates will be charged a processing fee ($25) for re-submitting the required eight forms, if the initial submission was incomplete.

*Simulation: Must be performed on an approved simulator, capable of realistically replicating a real, live patient encounter.  Proof of successful completion of the simulated encounter can be documented by having the simulated scan signed-off by an evaluator described above or by a simulation center director/manager who is authorized and trained to verify proficiency with OB/GYN simulators.

If you need special accommodations, please select “Yes” for “Special Accommodations” in the application and submit the following along with your completed application:

• An original copy of a letter dated within the past five years and typed on official letterhead from a qualified physician or health care provider who specializes in the disability. This letter must document the disability and its severity, describe the applicant’s limitation due to the disability and state exactly what accommodations are recommended. The letter must contain an original signature and the physician’s or provider’s credentials.
• An original copy of a comprehensive medical evaluation/report of the diagnosed disability from the physician or health care provider, dated within the past five years.
• A completed Americans with Disabilities Act ADA Special Accommodations Questionnaire, which must be submitted each time you apply for an examination.

For more information, click here.

You can now take the MW examination online from the comfort of your own home. Learn more!

After the eligibility requirements have been met and your application has been approved, you can take the  Computer-based examination. The Midwife Sonography examination is only offered during select periods of the year. See schedule below.

Once your application has been approved, an Examination Confirmation Letter (ECL) will be emailed to you to schedule an examination with Pearson VUE – our official testing vendor. The ECL will include your eligibility period based on the set administration dates and you are encouraged to schedule promptly to ensure availability.
​
Once you have received approval to schedule your examination, please visit Pearson VUE to:

• Search for seat availability
• Locate a test center
• Schedule an examination
• Contact Pearson VUE Customer Service

If you are taking the Computer-based examination at an international test center (outside the U.S., Canada and Mexico), a $100 USD non-refundable fee and Value Added Tax (VAT) will be charged by Pearson VUE. All international scheduling fees and associated VAT will be charged at the time the examination is scheduled. The fees and associated VAT are subject to change without notice, and they are non-refundable.

To reschedule the date and time of your examination during your eligibility period, you must contact Pearson VUE (1-877-258-9220) at least 96 hours (four days) prior to the scheduled examination date and time.

Please note: This is a windowed examination and extensions are not available.  You can reschedule your appointment for another time within your stated eligibility period.  However, if you cannot take it within your stated eligibility period, please follow the cancellation procedure below!

To cancel an examination appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE (1-877-258-9220) and cancel the scheduled appointment no later than 96 hours prior to the scheduled examination appointment time. You will receive a cancellation email from Pearson VUE.

To request a partial refund, you must wait 24 hours after canceling the appointment with Pearson VUE and then submit a cancellation/partial refund request no later than 96 hours prior to the last date of the eligibility period.

To submit this request:

1. Log in to your MY ARDMS account
2. Select “Exam Cancellation” from the “Exam Information” menu
3. Complete and submit the form

We will refund your examination fee, less the $100 USD processing fee per examination, unless we (1) receive your request too late, (2) you never schedule your examination or (3) you do not keep your scheduled examination appointment. Then, the entire examination and processing fees are forfeited.

Please note: This is a windowed examination and extensions are not available.  You can reschedule your appointment for another time within your stated eligibility period.  However, if you cannot take it within your stated eligibility period, please follow the cancellation procedure.

When you arrive at a test center, be prepared to:

• Check in with a Test Center Administrator
• Present one valid photo identification (ID); see the Test Center Identification Requirements
• Provide a digital signature
•  Have your palm vein scanned
• Take a test-day photograph

Note: The only thing that you can bring into the testing room is you. The test centers have lockers you can use to store personal belongings. Study materials as well as food and drink are prohibited in the test center. No visitors, guests, pets or children are allowed.

Important: Review the Examination Admission Compliance policies to ensure you are not refused admission at the test center and do not conduct unauthorized examination behavior. Test centers will provide white boards for notes during the examination upon request. If you need special accommodations, please select “Yes” for “Special Accommodations” in the application when you apply.

Taking a practice test or two is a great way to prepare for your actual examination. We offer a Midwife Sonography (Midwifery) Practice Test that simulates the computer interface used in the actual test center environment. The midwifery practice test review is comprised of 30 sample questions and is 30 minutes long.

After you complete a practice test, you will be emailed a report that shows the number of questions you answered correctly. While the report is an indication of your knowledge, the practice tests results should not be used to predict how well you will perform on the actual examination at the test center.

See FAQs for additional information.

Each practice test costs $35 USD.

You can now register for a midwifery practice test by signing into your MY ARDMS account and clicking the Sign Up/View Practice Test option in the Application Center tab. You can also view the computer system requirements in your MY ARDMS portal. For any general questions or technical problems regarding the practice tests, please call ARDMS at (800) 541-9754 ext. 3 or email practicetests@inteleos.org.

Before you start your test you should review the test tutorial​. Please note you will not get a chance to review the test tutorial during the actual practice test​, so please prepare accordingly. Once your session begins, you have 30 minutes to complete the practice test.​

Register for a midwifery practice test, by signing in to your MY ARDMS​ account.

The Midwife Sonography Computer-based examination contains 100 multiple-choice questions that cover the following content areas. All percentages are an approximate distribution of the questions across the content areas.

Midwife Content Outline Please click on “Midwife Sonography Content Outline” for the detailed Content Outline in PDF-Printable format).

1.0. Focused gynecologic ultrasound exams 14%

2.0. Focused first trimester OB exams 19%

3.0. Focused second and third trimester OB exams 35%

4.0. Protocols 13%

5.0. Using the ultrasound system 19%

Please note: All percentages are approximate.

Your score report will display and include performance feedback for these content areas.

After all of your diligent preparation and hours spent studying, here are a few valuable tips to help make your examination day a success:

• Double check that you know where the test center is before examination day and give yourself plenty of time to get there. Remember, you MUST arrive and register at least 30 minutes before the examination begins.
• Get a good night’s sleep before you take your examination. Being well rested and relaxed when you take your examination will help you concentrate.
• Bring one form of current and valid identification that complies with the test center identification requirements.
• Travel light. The only thing you can bring into the testing room is you. You can store your personal belongings — your car keys, watch, smartphone, purse, backpack, etc. — in lockers at the test center. The following items are not allowed in test centers: study materials, food, drink, visitors/guests, pets and children.
• Request a white board if you plan to jot down notes during the examination. Please note that you must complete the tutorial and accept the Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to writing any notes. Once the 15 minute tutorial is complete there is a five minute window to accept the NDA. If the NDA is not signed within the appropriate window of time your examination ends and you will be escorted out of the testing room,  forfeit your fees and eligibility. Test centers are using white boards (rather than paper) in an effort to “go green.”

Good luck!

ARDMS does not offer or endorse study materials for our examinations. Please contact the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) for training materials and additional resources.

The Computer-based examination test result is reported as a PASS or FAIL. In addition, your performance on the Computer-based examination will be reported as a scaled score, which ranges from 300 to 700. A scaled score of at least 555 is required to pass all ARDMS examinations. Please note that you cannot interpret your scaled score as a percent of questions answered correctly.  Learn more about scaled scoring​.

The Computer-based examination results and a full score report will be posted to your secure MY ARDMS approximately two months (60 days) after the close of the Computer-based examination window. An email will be sent notifying you when score results are posted. The results of your examination are limited to the following:

• Pass*
• Fail
• Cancelled – Candidate cancelled scheduled examination appointment time.
• Absent – Candidate arrived late for a scheduled appointment, did not show up for a scheduled appointment or was denied at check-in due to a violation of a stated policy.
• Expired – Candidate did not schedule or take the examination within the assigned eligibility period

Candidates receiving a passing score on all required examinations and meeting all other requirements will be awarded a certificate. For information on the scoring methods, visit Notification of Results and Scoring.

If you fail the image (case) submission, you will receive feedback on the images that were rated inadequate. Candidates who do not pass are invited to re-apply.

*Pass status is not indicative of earning the specialty/credential. To obtain a Status Verification letter please log into your MY ARDMS account. ​​

Proof of successful completion of the simulated encounter can be documented by having the simulated scan signed-off by an evaluator described above or by a simulation center director/manager who is authorized and trained to verify proficiency with OB/GYN simulators. The evaluator of the practical assessment must be an ARDMS registered sonographer with OB credentials and/or a physician with OB/GYN and ultrasound expertise.

Once the Candidate has successfully demonstrated and completed all required cases either through real patient scans or a combination of simulation, the documentation is then submitted to ARDMS as a completed package. In the event that a Candidate cannot obtain required practical assessments through live and/or simulation, the Candidate should contact ARDMS to obtain information on the possibility of remote practical assessment or acquiring and submitting images for independent assessment of required cases.

The evaluator of the practical assessment must be an ARDMS registered sonographer with OB credentials and/or a physician with OB/GYN and ultrasound expertise.

The documentation submitted for the practical examination shall be reviewed by the ARDMS Application Specialists.

All submissions must be in conformance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All patient identifiers must be removed.

As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) principles should be adhered to by using the lowest ultrasound exposure possible to gain diagnostic information. All ultrasound examinations should be medically indicated. In addition, ALARA principles should be followed when adjusting controls that affect the acoustic output power to the fetus. When acquiring fetal heart rates, M-mode must be used instead of Doppler.​

Examination results cannot be reviewed until the scores are released, 60 days after the close of the examination administration.​

You can request a score verification for a $35 USD fee, payable by check, money order or credit card. Score verification ensures that the computer counted the correct and incorrect answers appropriately, but it does not review the questions and answers.

You must submit the completed Exam Score Verification Form within 30 days of having taken the examination in question. The Exam Score Verification Form will be returned if incomplete, unsigned or unpaid.

When deciding whether to have your score verified, please consider that ARDMS examinations are scored electronically with a high degree of accuracy, and it is unlikely that verification will alter your original score.