Originally published on JS PACS, August 9, 2008. First appeared in Health Imaging & IT.
Many healthcare career paths are built on successive education, and there are different ways of indicating ascension into higher levels of your profession. An obvious method is the degrees you obtain. Another common method is obtaining certification along a logical progression of tasks or skill sets.
As the PACS administrator profession grows, so have the opportunities to obtain certification. Two organizations currently provide certification for PACS administrators: the American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII) and the PACS Administrators Registry and Certification Association (PARCA). ABII offers the Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) exam, and PARCA offers a track of exams that culminates in the Certified PACS System Manager. I have had the opportunity to obtain both the CIIP from ABII and the CPSA level of certification through PARCA. A comparison of these two methods of certification is an ongoing hot topic among PACS administrators in the field. Regardless of which side you take or which certification you prefer, there are unique aspects of each that warrant consideration.
ABII
The American Board of Imaging Informatics and the CIIP exam were introduced during the 2007 SIIM conference. This exam has many myths associated with it. One myth is that it is associated with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). This is not true. Yes, the CIIP exam has undergone psychometric development similar to that of the ARRT exams, but it is in no way associated with the ARRT. The fact that the ARRT served as a model for building the exam should be a comfort to those who take it, in that it follows the many years of tradition the ARRT exam has developed. No one can deny that the ARRT is the obvious benchmark for testing in the medical imaging profession.
Another myth I hear debated among PACS administrators is that there is no way to prepare for the CIIP exam. This also is not true. The ABII website provides the test content outline, which is a clear definition of the subject matter that can be found on the exam. Understanding each of these topics will help a CIIP candidate prepare. There are multiple ways to prepare for the CIIP exam. The best way to study is to simply be a PACS administrator for a year or two, especially during an implementation, upgrade, or replacement of a major system such as PACS, voice recognition, or your HIS/RIS. Understanding and gaining experience in both clinical workflows and information system components is critical to being ready for this exam. Networking and attending seminars are also beneficial for gaining critical knowledge for your profession and for the exam.
PARCA
PARCA and the series of exams that make up the various levels of PARCA certification started a few years prior to the CIIP exam. This certification consists of a three-tiered exam system. The entry-level exam, Certified PACS Associate (CPAS), is made up of two tests. The first evaluates a PACS administrator on technical knowledge. The second evaluates clinical knowledge. These two tests can be taken in any order, but both are required to progress to level 2.
Upon reaching level 2, an individual can take the Certified PACS Interface Analyst (CPIA) exam. The CPIA tests an individual’s understanding of DICOM and HL7, including troubleshooting in both areas. The second level 2 test is the Certified PACS Systems Analyst (CPSA), which tests an individual’s understanding of the various components of a PACS and of system administration. Again, both of these tests are required to pass to the level 3 exam.
The Certified PACS System Manager (CPSM) is the final and encompassing exam. Holding this certification demonstrates that an individual has an advanced understanding of all imaging informatics topics, including image quality, advanced DICOM and HL7, security, and systems integration.
As with the CIIP exam, there are myths associated with PARCA certification. The primary one I hear is that you must study with materials from a specific organization in order to pass. I can assure you this is not true; I have never purchased any study materials from that organization. All my preparation for the PARCA exams was based on my own experience and learning.
Conclusion
Before giving my personal opinions of both certifying organizations, I feel compelled to offer a disclosure. I am a member of the CIIP item review committee as well as a CIIP item writer. I’ll also reiterate that I hold both the CIIP and the CPSA certifications.
Both of these organizations offer positive things for PACS administrators. Primarily, both offer recognition that the individual has obtained a certain level of knowledge and understanding of the components and complexities of imaging informatics in today’s healthcare environment. Additionally, both offer an increased level of professionalism in the rapidly evolving PACS administrator career. I will say that I feel there are distinct aspects to each exam.
I feel the CIIP demonstrates concrete knowledge of PACS and the various components that interface with it. Additionally, I think the individual who holds a CIIP certification assures an employer or organization of a higher level of survivability during the crisis moments that imaging informatics can sometimes bring. It does this by assuring an understanding of all aspects of PACS encountered in day-to-day operations.
I feel the PARCA exam series also demonstrates concrete knowledge of PACS and all of the components involved. PARCA certification likewise assures an employer that an individual is qualified to operate autonomously in the imaging informatics field. Additionally, I would offer that the PARCA exams evaluate an individual on their understanding of all the aspects of imaging informatics a PACS administrator may encounter throughout a career.
Ultimately, both certifying organizations hold critical places in the PACS administrator profession. Perhaps as PACS administrators we should stop comparing and contrasting the two exams and work to obtain all the levels of certification that we can.
ABII and SIIM are registered trademarks of their respective organizations.