State Board of Polysomnography
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What is Polysomnography?
Polysomnography is defined as the allied health specialty involving the treatment, management, diagnostic testing, research, education and care of patients with sleep and wake disorders.
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2. Do I need a license to practice as a polysomnographer?
Yes. There are three different license types - Technologist, Technician and Trainee
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3. Why are there three different licenses available - Technologist, Technician and Trainee?
Various licenses exist in order to appropriately reflect the level of supervision required of the licensee. The level of supervision is defined by the New Jersey Practice Act and is based on the licensee’s education and experience. A “Polysomnographic Technologist” is a person licensed by the Board to practice polysomnography under the direction of a licensed physician. Because this license requires the licensee to have passed the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT) exam, supervision from another polysomnography licensee is unnecessary. Direction from a licensed physician is required. A “Polysomnographic Technician” is a person who holds a temporary license issued by the Board and who practices polysomnography under the supervision of either a licensed physician or, because the licensee has not passed the BRPT exam, a licensed polysomnographic technologist. A “Polysomnographic Trainee” is a person who holds a provisional license issued by the Board. Because this licensee is relatively new to the field, he or she must be directly supervised by either a licensed physician or a licensed polysomnographic technologist when performing polysomnography.
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4. What happens if I apply too late for grandfathering?
You will be required to meet the requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:44L-2.2 for a temporary license as a polysom-nographic technician. You will be required to meet the requirements set forth in N.J.A.C. 13:44L-2.3 for licensure as a polysomnographic technologist.
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5. What is the current application fee and license fee?
Technologist - $100
nonrefundable application fee
$500 license fee
Technician - $100 nonrefundable application fee
$150 license fee
Trainee - $100 nonrefundable application fee
$50 license fee
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6. Do I need to be fingerprinted and complete a criminal history background check before I can be licensed?
Yes. You will need to complete a fingerprint-based criminal history background check. Once your application has been received and processed by Board staff, you will receive instructions about completing the criminal history background check. You should not attempt to complete the background check until you have received the instructions from the Board’s staff.
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7. How long is the license valid and when do I renew?
Technologist - the first licenses issued will be valid until February 28, 2013. Thereafter, the licenses will be renewed every two years. Technician - a temporary license as a polysomnographic technician shall be issued for a one-year period. The temporary license may be renewed for an additional period of one year pursuant to N.J.A.C. 13:44L3.3 to afford the holder of a temporary license the opportunity to take the certification examination. Trainee - a provisional license as a polysomnographic trainee shall be issued for a one-year period and shall not be renewed.
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8. Do I have to pay a separate application fee for each type of license?
Yes.
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9. Will the Board notify me when it is time to renew my license?
Yes. You will receive a renewal notification approximately 60 days before your license expires.
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10. Do I need to be fingerprinted again if I have undergone the background check for another licensing board of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs?
No. However, you will still need to complete the criminal history background check. The cost for the criminal history background check without digital fingerprinting is $25.30.
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11. Do I need to have my fingerprints recorded every time I renew my license?
No.
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12. What if I fail to renew before my license expires?
You may still renew your license during the 30-day grace period; however, you will be required to pay a late fee.
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13. Are there any other requirements for renewal?
Yes. You must acquire continuing education (C.E.) credits.
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14. How many continuing education credits are required to renew?
Licensed technologists must have completed a minimum of 20 credits of continuing education related to polysomnography, with a minimum of five credits completed in each year. However, technologists licensed in the second year of the cycle are only required to have completed 10 credits. Current certification in Basic Life Support for the Healthcare Provider from the American Heart Association or CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross is also required. See, N.J.A.C. 13:44L-4.1. Technicians must have completed a minimum of 10 credits of continuing education.
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15. How long must I retain documentation of continuing education, in the event of an audit?
You must retain documentation of C.E. credits for four years after completion.
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16. May I get a waiver of the continuing education requirements?
There is no provision for a waiver of continuing education in the Board’s regulations.
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