Healthcare License Verification
How to Verify a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer Certification
Diagnostic medical sonographers (ultrasound technicians) perform and assist in interpreting ultrasound imaging. The RDMS, RDCS, and RVT credentials from ARDMS are the primary national certifications. Here is how to verify them.
Quick answer
Verify ARDMS credentials (RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RMSKS) at ardms.org using the public credential verification tool. A second credentialing body, CCI (Cardiovascular Credentialing International), issues the RCS and RVS credentials — verify at cci-online.org. Most states do not independently license sonographers; national certification is the primary credential.
ARDMS credentials
The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) is the primary national credentialing body for sonographers. ARDMS credentials are specialty-specific:
| Credential | Specialty |
|---|---|
| RDMS (Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer) | General sonography (abdomen, OB/GYN, breast, neuro, pediatric) |
| RDCS (Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer) | Echocardiography (adult, pediatric, fetal) |
| RVT (Registered Vascular Technologist) | Vascular ultrasound and vascular technology |
| RMSKS (Registered Musculoskeletal Sonographer) | Musculoskeletal ultrasound |
Each ARDMS credential requires passing a specialty-specific exam. Sonographers must also pass the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation (SPI) exam before earning any specialty credential.
To verify ARDMS credentials:
- Go to ardms.org
- Use the “Verify a Credential” tool
- Search by name or registration number
- Confirm: credential type, specialty(ies), Active status, and expiration date
ARDMS credentials must be renewed every 3 years through continuing medical education (CME). Confirm current active status — not just that the credential was once earned.
CCI credentials
Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) offers an alternative credentialing pathway for cardiac and vascular sonographers:
- RCS (Registered Cardiac Sonographer): Echocardiography specialty
- RVS (Registered Vascular Specialist): Vascular ultrasound specialty
Verify CCI credentials at cci-online.org using the credential verification tool. CCI credentials are accepted by most employers alongside ARDMS credentials — confirm your institution's preferred credentialing standard when reviewing candidates.
State licensing
Most states do not independently license diagnostic medical sonographers — national certification (ARDMS or CCI) is the primary credential standard. However, a small number of states have enacted sonographer licensing requirements:
States with sonographer licensing
New Mexico, North Dakota, and a few other states have enacted diagnostic medical sonography licensing laws. In those states, confirm both the national certification and the state license. Requirements are evolving — check the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS) legislative resources at sdms.org for current state licensing status.
Specialty scope and credential match
Sonographer credentials are specialty-specific. An RDMS with an Abdomen specialty is not credentialed to perform echocardiography (which requires RDCS). When verifying credentials, confirm that the sonographer's specialty matches the scanning work they will perform.
ARDMS displays which specialties are active on each sonographer's record. A sonographer may hold multiple specialties — confirm the specific specialty for your facility's needs.
Red flags
- ARDMS credential not found at ardms.org or listed as expired
- Sonographer claiming an RDCS (cardiac) for a general OB/GYN or abdominal scanning role — confirm specialty match
- In a state with licensing requirements, only national certification presented without state license
- CCI credential presented where employer requires ARDMS specifically — confirm institution's requirements
- Training from a non-CAAHEP-accredited sonography program when accredited training is required for role
Verification checklist
- 1. Identify which ARDMS or CCI credential is required for the role and specialty
- 2. Verify at ardms.org (RDMS/RDCS/RVT) or cci-online.org (RCS/RVS) — confirm Active and expiration
- 3. Confirm the specific specialty(ies) on the credential match the scanning work required
- 4. Check whether the state of employment requires a state sonographer license
- 5. Confirm the sonography training program was CAAHEP-accredited if relevant to the role
Verify sonography program accreditation
Diagnostic medical sonography programs should be accredited by CAAHEP. Use VerifyED to confirm whether a school's sonography program is properly accredited.
Search Schools and Accreditation →