Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation® (RPVI®) Certification

The Physicians’ Vascular Interpretation (PVI) examination is now on demand!

These eligibility requirements can be used to apply

​​​​​​The Registered Physician in Vascular Interpretation® (RPVI®) certification documents the highest standard in vascular ultrasound interpretation. By earning the RPVI certification physicians can

  • Demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in vascular sonography
  • Gain a critical edge in promoting public safety in vascular interpretation ultrasound
  • Effectively communicate with vascular technologists, allowing for increased collaboration
  • Help enable or maintain hospital or laboratory accreditation

Please consult the information below to learn how to earn your RPVI certification, the application and examination process, and how certification pertains to your career in vascular interpretation.

Hear more about why physicians are earning the RPVI Certification​!

RPVI Certification Prerequisites & Examination 
To earn an RPVI certification, you must meet educational and professional prerequisites and pass the Physicians’ Vascular Interpretation (PVI) examination. Each Applicant must meet a set of prerequisites, that includes levels of education and clinical experience. Please consult the full list of prerequisites by visiting the PVI examination page and clicking the “Prerequisites” tab.
The PVI examination has 185 questions and takes four hours to complete. The examination features Picture Archive and Communication Simulation (PACSim) I​tems (questions)​. The new, patent-pending PACSim items simulate an interpretation workstation experience relevant to present-day medical practice.

For the examination, you’ll be assessed on your skills and abilities in the anatomy and hemodynamics of cerebrovascular, venous, peripheral and abdominal blood vessels.

Apply for the PVI Examination 
The PVI examination is now offered year-round. The PVI examination is administered at the Pearson VUE test centers located nationwide. Applicants must apply through MY APCA and present valid signature identification at the test center.

As soon as we review your application and it is approved, you’ll receive an Examination Confirmation Letter (ECL). From there you’ll be able to contact Pearson VUE to schedule your examination.

Learn More

Find out all the details you need to apply for the Physicians’ Vascular Interpretation (PVI) examination.

Sign-up now to receive the latest updates about the RPVI® certification and alerts of upcoming application and administration dates for the PVI examination.​​​​​