Certified Clinical Densitometrist

Information for those Practicing outside of the US.

I am already a CCD™® & wish to be Re-Certified

What is CCD™® Certification?

Certified Clinical Densitometrist (CCD™®) is a professional certification in the field of bone densitometry. It recognizes medical practitioners who meet specified knowledge requirements measured through a standardized testing process. Successful candidates can use the CCD™® designation after their names. This is a five year (5) certification. The CCD™® exam for those practicing in Canada is offered with two different testing options. The individual can attend an International Bone Densitometry Course or sit for the exam at a Prometric testing Centers throughout North America. The exam is comprised of 75 questions. Participants have 2 hours to complete the exam. Remote Testing is also available.

Who is eligible to sit for the CCD™® Exam?

Certification is open to clinicians who interpret bone densitometry examinations and includes: physicians, certified nurse practitioners, certified physician assistants, fellows, resident and PhD's.
Clinicians must be in good standing with their medical licensing board. Fellows/Residents must have their Program Director acknowledge their good standing in the Fellow/Resident program.

International Bone Densitometry Courses

ISCD's education courses and certification exams are the world-recognized quality standard in the field of skeletal assessment. The ISCD is now providing education courses and certification exams to countries outside the United States at very low cost. This will help local organizing committees to better budget for the state-of-the-art ISCD Clinician and Technologist Bone Densitometry Courses. It also enables ISCD to fulfill its mission of advancing excellence in the assessment of skeletal health. ISCD benefits greatly from the interactions with international colleagues who share our interest in skeletal assessment.

What if I do not pass the CCD™® exam?

An individual may also re-exam during any scheduled ISCD International Course. Remote Testing is also available.

How many times can I sit for the CCD™® exam?

A candidate may sit for the exam up to three times within one year from the original failed exam date. Thereafter, if they are still unsuccessful in passing the exam, the candidate must show documentation of an additional 12 hours of CME credits in the field of bone densitometry, osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease.

How does Remote Testing Work?
(Not Available for those who practice in the US)

The ISCD believes that no candidate should be denied success in becoming certified because of access difficulties or language. To accommodate such difficulties, ISCD allows a candidate to apply to have the ISCD Certification Exam proctored at a remote testing site, approved by ISCD (university, hospital, Sylvan or Kaplan Learning Center). The ISCD is working to develop translations of ISCD certification exams in major world languages. During the translation development period, provision will be made to accommodate international candidates who require testing in languages other than English. A candidate may have the option of taking the exam with a non-physician/non-technologist translator present. This option may be available in special circumstances to accommodate specific testing needs.

How to Apply for Remote Testing?

The candidate must apply to the ISCD for this option and bear all expenses associated with such testing, including the cost of a personal translator. The candidate will be required to submit to the ISCD details of the potential proctoring facility by application and, if approved, the exam will be forwarded to the proctoring facility directly by the ISCD. The exam, on completion, must be returned directly to ISCD by the proctoring facility for marking. Such requests must be made by written application to the ISCD by the candidate, and all costs of such provisions must be borne by the candidate. To request more information about remote testing, please complete our Information Request Form.

How to become Re-certified?

ISCD Certification lends assurance to patients, state regulatory agencies and third party payors that an individual has achieved a certain level of competence. By using limited-term certifications, ISCD assures that the certification holders have met the ISCD competency criteria and continue to keep their skills up-to- date. Continuing education is an integral part of the emphasis on education and is an essential tool for technologists and clinicians in delivering quality care. This assures the public and the medical community that certificants continue to provide quality professional care.

To maintain your certification using continuing education credits please complete the ISCD CCD™® international recertification application. You must provide documentation of 35 hours of CME credit (clinicians/technologists) in the field of bone densitometry, osteoporosis, or metabolic bone disease from a minimum of two separate activities. Credit hours must be earned by attending formal educational programs, lectures, or seminars in the fields of bone densitometry, osteoporosis, or metabolic bone disease, and must include at least two different programs or activities. Please review the ISCD recertification application for detailed information regarding international recertification guidelines.

ISCD has several resources available to earn the CME/CE requirement in the field of bone densitometry, osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease.

You can maintain your certification by taking the exam immediately following the course at each international course location. Attendance at the course is not required to take the exam. Remote Testing is also available.