About Us

The National Board of Echocardiography, Inc. (NBE) was created by the merger of SCA Exam and ASCeXAM, Inc. in November 1998. Working in collaboration with the National Board of Medical Examiners, NBE has developed two examinations to allow physicians to test and demonstrate their knowledge of echocardiography, based on an objective standard:

The first examination in clinical echocardiography was given under the auspices of the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) as a field test in 1995. An examination of special competence was then given in 1996, again under the ASE, and in 1997 and 1998 under ASEeXAM, Inc. In parallel, the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) developed the PTEeXAM. This examination was administered in 1998 under the auspices of the SCA.

Since 1999 the exams have been administered annually by the NBE. For these examinations, the title of "Testamur" was designated for successfully passing the examination. This designation was chosen since applicants were not requested to supply information regarding successful completion of training dedicated to the study of Cardiovascular Disease nor completion of special training in echocardiography. With a mature and well-tested examination, a well-defined body of knowledge, published training guidelines, and published continuing quality improvement the NBE began offering certification through the ASCeXAM in 2001 and Board Certification through the PTEeXAM in 2004. The title of "Diplomate" is designated for physicians who are certified in echocardiography and certification is valid for ten (10) years from the year that the Examination of Special Competence was passed.

The first examination was administered in 1996; therefore, the 10 year anniversary is approaching for those who passed the examination in 1996-1998. The NBE administered the first Recertification Examination of Special Competence in Adult Echocardiography (ReASCE) in 2005. The NBE has developed a Recertification Examination that is similar in format to the ASCeXAM but designed specifically for those who have previously passed the ASCeXAM. The purpose of the Recertification Examination is to promote continued excellence in the performance and interpretation of cardiac ultrasound. This examination should be considered in conjunction with on-going continuing medical education in the field.

Officers and Board of Directors

President:	Edward A. Geiser, MD
President-Elect:	Jack S. Shanewise, MD
Secretary/Treasurer:	Steven A. Goldstein, MD
Immediate Past President:	Daniel M. Thys, MD
Directors:	Linda D. Gillam, MD Richard A. Humes, MD Michael H. Picard, MD Harry Rakowski, MD Robert M. Savage, MD Stanton K. Shernan, MD
Executive Director:	Aaron S. White