How to Verify a Polysomnographic Technologist Credential

Quick answer

Verify sleep technologist credentials through the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) at brpt.org. Enter the technologist's name or credential number to confirm the credential type (RPSGT or CPSGT), active status, and renewal date. For ABSM credentials, contact the American Board of Sleep Medicine directly.

BRPT credentials: RPSGT vs. CPSGT

BRPT issues two primary credentials for sleep technology professionals:

Credential	Full Name	Requirements	Scope
RPSGT	Registered Polysomnographic Technologist	6 months experience + AASM-accredited or CoA PSG program + BRPT examination	Full polysomnographic testing, scoring, CPAP titration, and patient care during sleep studies
CPSGT	Certified Polysomnographic Technician	Entry-level; less experience required; pathway to RPSGT	Entry-level technician performing sleep studies under supervision of an RPSGT

The RPSGT is the standard credential for independent polysomnographic practice. The CPSGT is an entry-level technician credential. For hiring decisions in clinical sleep labs, confirm whether the position requires RPSGT-level competency or whether CPSGT with supervision is acceptable.

BRPT credential verification

BRPT maintains a public credential verification database for RPSGT and CPSGT holders.

How to verify a BRPT credential

Go to brpt.org → “Verify a Credential”
Search by name or BRPT credential number
Confirm credential type (RPSGT or CPSGT), status (Active / Expired / Suspended), and expiration date

BRPT credentials are renewed on a 5-year cycle. Continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal. An expired RPSGT must pass the BRPT examination again to reinstate the credential after the reinstatement window closes.

ABSM credentials

The American Board of Sleep Medicine (ABSM) offers the Registered Sleep Technologist (RST) credential as an alternative to BRPT credentialing. The RST is less common than the RPSGT in most sleep labs but is recognized by many hospitals and sleep centers.

Verify RST credentials by contacting ABSM directly at absm.org. ABSM does not maintain a widely accessible public credential lookup similar to BRPT's.

Some sleep technologists also hold related credentials: the ARRT RT(S) for sonographers, EEG technologist credentials (ABRET REGT/REEGT), or respiratory care credentials (RRT/CRT) from NBRC. These are separate credentials from polysomnographic technologist certifications and should be verified with their respective boards.

AASM accreditation and education programs

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) accredits sleep technology education programs and sleep centers. AASM accreditation is a quality benchmark for clinical sleep labs but is not the same as the BRPT credential — the BRPT credential is held by the individual technologist.

CoAPS (Committee on Accreditation for Polysomnographic Technologist Education) accredits sleep technology education programs. Completion of a CoAPS- or CAAHEP-accredited program satisfies one pathway to BRPT RPSGT examination eligibility.

Verify program accreditation at caahep.org → “Accredited Programs” → “Polysomnographic Technology.”

State licensure

Most states do not have a specific license for polysomnographic technologists. However, some states regulate sleep technology under broader respiratory care or EEG technologist licensing:

States with respiratory care licensure: If sleep technologists perform any respiratory care activities (CPAP titration, PAP therapy), they may need to hold or work under a licensed respiratory therapist in states with strong respiratory care practice acts.
States with EEG technologist licensure: A small number of states regulate EEG practice; sleep technologists performing EEG components of studies may need an EEG credential or state license.
New York: NY requires polysomnographic technologists working in certain settings to hold the RPSGT or a related credential.

Confirm state-specific requirements with the state health professions licensing agency or the sleep lab's compliance officer.

Verification checklist

1. Verify BRPT credential (RPSGT or CPSGT) at brpt.org; confirm credential type, active status, and expiration date
2. Confirm the credential level matches the role — RPSGT for independent practice, CPSGT only for supervised technician positions
3. For ABSM RST holders: verify directly with ABSM at absm.org
4. Check whether the state of practice requires respiratory care or EEG licensure for sleep lab activities
5. For candidates claiming CoAPS/CAAHEP program graduation, verify program accreditation at caahep.org if relevant to the role
6. Confirm AASM accreditation of the sleep center (separate from technologist credential) if accreditation status is relevant to your facility

Verify sleep technology program accreditation

Sleep technology programs are offered at community colleges and technical schools, many of which are regionally accredited. Use VerifyED to confirm that the institution where a candidate completed their polysomnographic technology training is properly accredited and not a diploma mill.

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