In the United States and worldwide, the process for becoming a polysomnography technician or technologist is primarily either on-the-job or certificate based.
[1] There are associate level programs offered by for-profit schools that award a degree in polysomnography technology in the United States, though not necessary to attain employment with the same title.
The BRPT maintains credentialing for over 35 countries including Canada and the United States as well as over 17,000 individuals working in the industry.
The RPSGT credential certifies its holder is regarded by the BRPT as fully competent to work in the field of sleep studies.
Depending on the qualifying path taken, one must work for a minimum of six to eighteen months full-time in polysomnography to be eligible for the examination.
The National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) developed the Sleep Disorders Specialist (SDS) credential in 2007.