Part 1 of the written examination consists of two portions. Both portions of the written examination are multiple choice. The first portion of the written examination tests knowledge in the areas of:
- Anatomy
- Physiology and pathophysiology
- Instrumentation and technical considerations.
- Nerve conduction techniques including blink reflex, late responses and repetitive stimulation
- Needle Electromyography (EMG)
- Clinical disorders and electrodiagnostic problem solving
- SFEMG
- Autonomic testing
- Ethics
Currently, the technique or interpretation of auditory,visual, and somatosensory evoked potentials is not tested on the examiniation.
The second portion of Part I tests the candidates ability to identify electrical potentials recorded with standard needle electrodes as displayed on lecture hall sized video screens. Information regarding gain, amplitude, and filter settings will be provided. There may be more than one question for a video waveform segment.
Candidates are asked to identify and describe (through multiple choice questions) the characteristics of:
- Motor unit action potentials: amplitude, duration, number of phases, stability, recruitment, and firing patterns.
- Spontaneous activity: fibrillation potentials, positive sharp waves, fasciculation potentials, myotonic discharges, biphasic endplate activity, monophasic endplate activity, myokymic discharges, complex repetitive discharges, cramp discharges, and neuromyotonic discharges.
This component of the examination may also contain video segments which test the candidate's ability to identify nerves, major muscles, kinesiologic relationships, and physical examination findings potentially encountered during an electrodiagnostic medicine evaluation
The results of both components of Part I are combined to produce a single score for the written examination. The scores on individual subsections of the written examination will not be separately considered in determining the pass/fail status of the candidate. The candidate must also pass the Part II (oral examination) to pass the overall examination.