Frequently Asked Questions

I know I need to get credentialed, but where do I start?
First, you will need to decide which credential you would like to obtain. There are two major credentialing organizations for sonographers - the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) and Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI.) Both ARDMS and CCI have great websites with resources at http://www.ardms.org and http://www.cci-online.org. Once you decide which credential you would like to obtain, you will need to confirm that you meet the exam prerequisites of either ARDMS or CCI. This is a very important step as you do not want to prepare for an ARDMS or CCI exam and then not be able to challenge the exam.

Your next step will be to decide on a timeline for sitting for the exams. If you have been given a deadline by your employer, there is no decision to be made. If you do not have a deadline, what is your goal? How much time do you have to devote to studying? If you have a lot of time, you can prepare quickly. If you do not have a lot of time to devote to preparing for an ARDMS or CCI exam, you will need to give yourself more time. Make a reasonable schedule or goal for yourself. But, do not wait until the last minute to start preparing. Passing a credentialing exam is not easy and requires time and effort.

Once you have decided the items above, send us an email at info@pegasuslectures.com. Please tell us which credential you would like to obtain (either with ARDMS or CCI) and your timeline. We will let you know what study and seminar options we have available to help you pass your exam.

I need to sit for my credentialing exam in 6 months. When should I attend a seminar?
We recommend that you attend our seminar approximately 1 - 2 months prior to sitting for your exam. For physics exam candidates, 3-4 weeks generally provides enough time for thorough review and practice after the seminar. Some individuals may find they need more or less time depending on their background and available study time. If you are planning on attending one of our physics seminars, we recommend that you register as soon as possible so you have plenty of time to read through the textbook that is mailed to you with registration (and complete pre-class physics material for the Pegasus Pass Guarantee.) Specialty exam candidates usually schedule their credentialing exam 2 - 4 weeks following the seminar. If you are planning on staying at the seminar hotel, it is also important to book your hotel room early to ensure you receive the discounted room rate for the seminar.

Why should I choose Pegasus?
Pegasus Lectures is also the only seminar provider that teaches the material in the clinical context. By linking the physics and/or specialty concepts to your day-to-day scanning, understanding and recollection becomes much easier. Our pre-class preparation, post-course study guidelines and access to our Online Education center reinforce the concepts taught in class. We are the only registry review seminar provider that guarantees their seminars. Pegasus Lectures undisputedly has the highest pass rate. Prepare with Pegasus and pass the first time. This offer is unparalleled!

What is the Pegasus Pass Guarantee?
We are so certain of the quality of our seminars that we offer a FREE, UNLIMITED return to a seminar if you do not pass your credentialing exam after attending our seminar. Click here for details.

How do I qualify for the Pegasus Guarantee?
It's simple. To qualify for the Pegasus Pass Guarantee, we ask our attendees to complete pre-class homework, attend the full seminar and sit for their exam within 6 months of attending our seminar.

How can Pegasus Lectures offer a Pass Guarantee?
Since 1992, our seminar attendees have consistently passed the credentialing exams at a rate above 90%. Our 2010 pass rates once again exceeded 94%. Not only do we know what you need to pass the exam, but we deliver the material in a way that makes it memorable, interesting, and related to your daily practice.

What is included in the seminar registration fee?
Detailed course workbooks come with your seminar registration. For the physics seminars you receive a two volume, hard bound text with an Animation and Image Library CD, approved for 35 CSDMS credits. The physics seminar includes 2 1/2 days of live instruction with additional online modules for a maximum of 30 CME (in addition to the 35 CME for the course text.) The specialty seminars include 1 1/2 - 2 days instruction with a maximum of 16 CME. Access to our online education center with online quizzing and feedback is also provided to each attendee. In addition, complimentary continental breakfast and afternoon snack breaks are also included with your registration fee. Monthly online office hours are offered for all physics attendees at no additional cost.

What is the length of the physics class?
In order to provide maximum flexibility and minimize travel expenses for participants, the physics class now consists of 2 1/2 day live instruction coupled with online modules. Specific instructions will be given at the seminars for viewing the online modules. Seminar attendees will also have free access to Frank Miele's online Office Hours to give you the extra edge as you finalize your preparation to challenge your credentialing exams.

How should I compare physics seminar providers?
Considerations should include:

Why do you recommend that I take both the physics and specialty seminar at the same time?
Most importantly, the physics provides a solid foundation for the topics and principles discussed in the specialty seminars. With the release of the ARDMS SPI Physics exam, core physics concepts common to all modalities are tested on the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation exam and specialty specific physics questions have been moved to the each corresponding specialty exam. For those candidates planning to earn the RCS credential from CCI, physics and cardiac specialty concepts are covered on the single Non-invasive/Echocardiography Registry Exam. Similarly, for those candidates planning to achieve the RVS credential from CCI, physics and vascular specialty concepts are covered on the one-art Vascular Registry Examination. By attending both the physics and the specialty exams at the same location, you will minimize your preparation time and effort while simultaneously maximizing your ability to succeed. Additionally, there is a discount for attending both a physics and specialty seminar. If you are unable to attend both the physics and specialty seminars in the live format, we offer the option of taking part of the seminar in a live format with the remaining content delivered online or completing the entire course online.

Why do you recommend to those sitting for one of the CCI specialty exams (Non-Invasive Echo or Vascular) that they take a physics seminar, as well?
Candidates planning to earn the RCS credential from CCI, both physics and cardiac specialty concepts are covered on the single Non-invasive/Echocardiography Registry Exam. Similarly, for those candidates planning to achieve the RVS credential from CCI, physics and vascular specialty concepts are both covered on the one-art Vascular Registry Examination. By attending both the physics and the specialty exams at the same location, you will minimize your preparation time and effort while simultaneously maximizing your ability to succeed. Additionally, there is a discount for attending both a physics and specialty seminar.

If I can't make it to a physics seminar, what products do you recommend?
Many of the Pegasus Lectures seminars are also available in an online format. In addition to eliminating travel time and costs, the online seminars provide an opportunity to view the eCourse on your schedule, at your pace. Click here to view a list of the Pegasus eCourses.

How do I qualify to get the Pegasus attendee discount?
All attendees of a Pegasus physics or specialty seminar qualify to receive the Pegasus VIP discount on Pegasus products. Pegasus seminar attendee discounts range from 15-50% on various products.

Why use ExamSim Programs in prep for an exam?
Our ExamSim Programs include a package of tools that provide a wealth of information on your test-taking skills as well as content strengths and weaknesses. These exams are not just paper exams in electronic format like many other ExamSim Programs. The Intelligent Analysis Package utilized on these ExamSim Programs is so unique it is patented. The Pegasus ExamSim Programs begin with an interactive strategy session, teaching you how to take tests, reducing stress and improving scores. Our ExamSim Programs mimic the testing environment in regards to pacing, answering, navigation, and content percentages. For those who have not recently taken a computer-based exam, the Test-Taking Strategy section will help to eliminate test format anxiety by evaluating your test-taking habits, allowing you to focus on the exam content. In addition, the ExamSim Programs includes a patented analysis package that provides you with information on types of questions that you have difficulty with, requiring further study. Every question on the ExamSim Programs includes a detailed review section with information on the answer, why it is correct, and common pitfalls. When you pass one of our exams, you can feel confident that you will do well on your credentialing exam. Our ExamSim Programs shorten the studying time needed to prepare for the exam by targeting your specific areas of weakness. You can confidently assess your level of preparedness for your credentialing exam with the Pegasus ExamSim Programs.

How do you pronounce Miele?
It's me-a-lay.

I did not pass my exam and need to have my eCourse reset. What do I need to do?
All we ask is that you email or fax to Pegasus your exam results page. We will reset your eCourse at no additional charge.