Aims
The EAE’s mission is to improve the quality of echocardiography across Europe. Fundamental to this aim is encouraging the development of a skilled, certififed workforce. The EAE Certification processes in adult transthoracic, transesophageal and congenital heart disease echocardiography have helpt fulfilling this aim.
In extending certification, the EAE wants to develop mutual recognition between national certification schemes and the EAE certification processes. This would be a two-way process that may need to develop in stages.
- EAE Certifications require applicants to learn to echo.
- Applicants then have to pass an examination testing theoretical knowledge and the ability to report on images from echo studies.
- Finally they must submit a log book of reports of echos they have performed, a sample of which is graded by two external independent examiners.
Proposal
National certification process
Where a national certification process similarly involves evidence of practical experience that is externally examined (i.e. not only by the applicants supervisor or main training department) the EAE would exempt candidates holding this certification from the log book element of the EAE process. Qualifying practical components of the national certification would include the external assessment of a log book, the external assessment of sample cases including images or a practical examination where the candidates are observed undertaking echos by external assessors. Candidates would then be able to obtain EAE certification by sitting and succeeding in the EAE theoritical written examination only.
In order to maintain quality control of such an arrangement the EAE wishes to reserve the right to examine the candidates log book or cases submitted for their national certification or records of the observed echos in a practical exam.
European Certification Reciprocity
True reciprocity between national and European certifications would lead EAE certified individuals being exempted from the practical part of the national certification. The EAE aim for such reciprocity.
Requirements to claim for mutual recognition
Candidates with a national certification that fulfils the above criteria do NOT need to submit a log book and would obtain EAE Certification by registering for and passing the examination.
Candidates from countries which are listed below may contact the EAE Certification office .
The Certification office will ask them to send a copy of their national individual certification diploma/ certificate.
EAE wishes to reserve the right to examine the candidates log book or cases submitted for their national certification or records of the observed echos in a practical exam.
Countries with reciprocity agreement with EAE:
How to establish mutual recognition agreement with EAE ?
If you would consider developing such an agreement with the EAE, please contact our Secretariat.
The EAE Certification Committee Chairperson is Dr Bogdan Popescu.
Should you need any further detail, please contact us here .