100+ Free IBHRE CEPS Practice Questions

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IBHRE Certified Cardiac Device Specialist

Practice Questions100 questions

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: IBHRE CEPS Exam

200 questions

Allied Professional CEPS exam multiple-choice question count

IBHRE - Allied Professional CEPS Exam

4 hours

Time allowed for the Allied Professional CEPS exam, in hard-timed sections

IBHRE - Allied Professional CEPS Exam

30%

Invasive Electrophysiology is the largest CEPS content domain

IBHRE - Allied Professional CEPS Exam Content Outline

20%

Fundamentals of Electrophysiology is the second-largest CEPS domain

IBHRE - Allied Professional CEPS Exam Content Outline

$990 USD

Fee for the June 3, 2026 Allied Professional CEPS exam, all categories

IBHRE - Allied Professional CEPS Exam Fees

Scaled cut score

Pass/fail is set by a standard-setting study, not a fixed percentage

IBHRE - Overview and Scoring

PSI centers

CEPS is a computer-based exam delivered at PSI testing centers

IBHRE - Allied Professional CEPS Exam

10 domains

The CEPS content outline spans ten weighted content areas

IBHRE - Allied Professional CEPS Exam Content Outline

The IBHRE Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) is an advanced certification for allied professionals in clinical cardiac electrophysiology. The Allied Professional CEPS exam has 200 multiple-choice questions delivered in 4 hours at PSI test centers in hard-timed sections. The fee for the June 3, 2026 administration is $990 USD for all candidate categories. Scoring is pass/fail against an undisclosed scaled cut score set by a standard-setting study. The blueprint emphasizes Invasive Electrophysiology (30%) and Fundamentals of EP (20%); CEPS is the EP-procedure credential, distinct from the CCDS device exam. This 100-question bank gives original, blueprint-weighted practice with full explanations.

Sample IBHRE CEPS Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your IBHRE CEPS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1During an EP study, programmed atrial extrastimulation reproducibly initiates a tachycardia only when a critical AH-interval prolongation ('jump') occurs. This finding is most characteristic of which arrhythmia?

A.Typical AVNRT (slow-fast)

B.Focal atrial tachycardia

C.Sinus node reentry

D.Atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (orthodromic)

Explanation: A sudden AH 'jump' reflects block in the fast pathway and conduction down the slow pathway of the AV node, the prerequisite for typical slow-fast AVNRT. The jump-then-tachycardia pattern is the hallmark of dual AV nodal physiology initiating AVNRT.

2A ventricular extrastimulus delivered during supraventricular tachycardia when the His bundle is refractory (His-synchronous) advances the next atrial activation. What does this prove?

A.An accessory pathway is present

B.The mechanism is AVNRT

C.The atrium is not part of the circuit

D.The tachycardia is focal atrial tachycardia

Explanation: If a His-refractory ventricular extrastimulus advances (or delays) the atrium, conduction must have reached the atrium over a pathway other than the His-Purkinje system, i.e., an accessory pathway. This is a classic maneuver to demonstrate the presence of a bypass tract during SVT.

3During SVT, ventricular entrainment produces a post-pacing interval (PPI) minus tachycardia cycle length (TCL) of less than 115 ms and a corrected VA interval that is short. These findings most support which mechanism?

A.Orthodromic AVRT

B.Typical AVNRT

C.Atrial tachycardia

D.Atrial flutter

Explanation: A PPI minus TCL less than 115 ms indicates the ventricle is close to the reentrant circuit, which occurs in orthodromic AVRT because the ventricle is an obligate part of the circuit. A long PPI-TCL (>115 ms) instead favors AVNRT, where the ventricle is a bystander.

4On cessation of ventricular overdrive pacing that entrains an SVT with 1:1 VA conduction, the atrial electrograms return in a 'V-A-V' response. This excludes which diagnosis?

A.Atrial tachycardia

B.AVNRT

C.Orthodromic AVRT

D.Junctional tachycardia

Explanation: A V-A-V response after entrainment indicates the atrium and ventricle are linked in the circuit, which excludes atrial tachycardia (which shows V-A-A-V). The V-A-V response is consistent with AVNRT or AVRT.

5What is the normal range for the HV interval measured during an electrophysiology study?

A.35-55 ms

B.10-25 ms

C.70-90 ms

D.120-200 ms

Explanation: The normal HV interval, reflecting conduction from the proximal His bundle through the His-Purkinje system to ventricular myocardium, is approximately 35-55 ms. Prolongation above 55-70 ms suggests infranodal conduction disease.

6During sinus rhythm, the normal AH interval recorded at the His catheter primarily reflects conduction through which structure?

A.The AV node

B.The His-Purkinje system

C.The sinoatrial node

D.The accessory pathway

Explanation: The AH interval is measured from the atrial to the His electrogram and reflects conduction time through the AV node, which is decremental and autonomically modulated. The normal AH interval is roughly 50-120 ms.

7A patient has typical (cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent) counterclockwise atrial flutter. Which ECG pattern is expected?

A.Negative sawtooth flutter waves in II, III, aVF

B.Positive flutter waves in II, III, aVF

C.Coarse irregular fibrillatory waves

D.Discrete P waves with an isoelectric baseline

Explanation: Counterclockwise cavotricuspid isthmus-dependent flutter produces negative sawtooth flutter waves in the inferior leads (II, III, aVF) and positive deflections in V1, reflecting cranial-to-caudal then caudal-to-cranial activation of the septum. This is the most common form of typical flutter.

8After cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for typical flutter, which finding confirms a successful bidirectional isthmus block?

A.Reversal of activation around the tricuspid annulus with widely split double potentials along the line

B.Termination of flutter alone

C.Persistent fragmented electrograms within the isthmus

D.Shortening of the flutter cycle length

Explanation: Bidirectional block is demonstrated by a complete reversal of the activation sequence around the tricuspid annulus during pacing from either side of the line, with widely separated double potentials recorded along the ablation line. Termination of flutter alone is insufficient because conduction may persist.

9Pulmonary vein isolation is the cornerstone of catheter ablation for which arrhythmia?

A.Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

B.Typical atrial flutter

C.AVNRT

D.Idiopathic right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia

Explanation: Triggers from the muscular sleeves of the pulmonary veins initiate most paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, so electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins is the primary ablation strategy. Demonstrating entrance and exit block confirms isolation.

10During an EP study for SVT, the earliest site of retrograde atrial activation is at the His region with a concentric, symmetric pattern. The VA interval is very short (less than 70 ms). This is most consistent with which mechanism?

A.Typical AVNRT (slow-fast)

B.Orthodromic AVRT via a left lateral pathway

C.Atypical AVNRT (fast-slow)

D.Left atrial tachycardia

Explanation: Typical slow-fast AVNRT shows the earliest retrograde atrial activation near the His/anteroseptal region (fast pathway) with a very short VA interval, often with the atrial signal inscribed within or just after the QRS. Septal VA less than 70 ms strongly favors AVNRT over AVRT.

About the IBHRE CEPS Exam

The IBHRE Certified Electrophysiology Specialist (CEPS) credential certifies allied professionals who work in clinical cardiac electrophysiology, including nurses, cardiovascular and EP technologists, scientists and industry-employed clinical staff. The Allied Professional CEPS exam is a 200-question, computer-based, multiple-choice test administered at PSI testing centers over a 4-hour window in hard-timed sections. Its content outline spans ten domains, with the greatest weight on Invasive Electrophysiology (30%) and Fundamentals of Electrophysiology (20%), followed by Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology and Laboratory Considerations (10% each). The exam tests EP study technique, intracardiac electrogram interpretation, differential diagnostic pacing maneuvers, mapping and ablation, arrhythmia mechanisms, antiarrhythmic pharmacology and inherited arrhythmia syndromes. It is distinct from the IBHRE CCDS (Certified Cardiac Device Specialist) exam, which focuses on implantable pacemakers, ICDs and CRT.

Assessment

200 multiple-choice questions delivered in hard-timed sections; once a section is submitted you cannot return to it. The blueprint is weighted toward Invasive Electrophysiology (30%) and Fundamentals of Electrophysiology (20%).

Time Limit

4 hours total, divided across sections that each carry their own hard time limit.

Passing Score

Determined by the total scaled score relative to an established cut score from a formal standard-setting study; IBHRE does not publish a fixed percentage pass mark.

Exam Fee

$990.00 USD for the June 3, 2026 Allied Professional CEPS exam, applying to all candidate categories. Cancellation incurs an $85 processing fee plus tiered withholdings depending on timing. (International Board of Heart Rhythm Examiners (IBHRE); delivered at PSI test centers)

IBHRE CEPS Exam Content Outline

30%

Invasive Electrophysiology

EP study indications and contraindications, baseline interval measurement, intracardiac recording and recognition, refractory-period determination, differential diagnostic pacing, evaluation of narrow and wide complex tachycardia, response to programmed stimulation and drugs, ablation strategies, left atrial appendage closure, electroanatomical 3D mapping and novel mapping technologies.

20%

Fundamentals of Electrophysiology

Normal conduction-system properties and intervals, the cardiac action potential and ion currents, conduction-system abnormalities and the three mechanisms of arrhythmia: reentry, enhanced/abnormal automaticity and triggered activity (EAD/DAD).

10%

Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology

Cardiac chamber and conduction-system anatomy, cardiovascular hemodynamics, electrophysiology of conduction, and the anatomy and physiology of acquired, inherited and iatrogenic cardiac conditions relevant to arrhythmia.

10%

Laboratory Considerations

EP-lab supplies, equipment, connectology and troubleshooting, patient preparation, vascular access and trans-septal/epicardial approaches, recording/signal acquisition, radiation and electrical safety, infection control, sterile technique and management of complications and emergencies.

Clinical Assessment

Patient cardiac history and physical assessment, clinical assessment of arrhythmia, diagnostic tests (tilt-table, ambulatory and invasive monitoring, stress testing, echo/TEE, MRI/CT, 12-lead ECG), ECG localization of pathways and ectopy, inherited arrhythmia syndromes and channelopathies and the initial diagnostic workup.

Pharmacology

Antiarrhythmic drug classes and pharmacokinetics, anticoagulation, intravenous sedation/analgesia and reversal agents, drug-device interactions and drug effects on cardiac rhythm, conduction and refractoriness.

Physics of Electrophysiology

Units and relationships of measurement, signal concepts, electronic circuitry and filter settings, and the biophysics of ablation energy sources (radiofrequency, cryo and pulsed-field).

Implantable Devices

Pacemaker modes, basic timing cycles and algorithms, ICD/CRT/loop-recorder therapy and programming, indications for implantation, troubleshooting and recognition of device problems including EMI, sensing and capture failures and inappropriate therapy.

Real-time and Diagnostic Imaging

Interpretation of TTE, TEE, fluoroscopy, intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and chest X-ray for implanted devices, catheter positions, clinical symptoms/diagnosis and abnormal structures or motion.

Research Methodology and Interpretation

Clinical trial methodology, statistical analysis and the results of major landmark electrophysiology clinical studies.

How to Pass the IBHRE CEPS Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Determined by the total scaled score relative to an established cut score from a formal standard-setting study; IBHRE does not publish a fixed percentage pass mark.
Assessment: 200 multiple-choice questions delivered in hard-timed sections; once a section is submitted you cannot return to it. The blueprint is weighted toward Invasive Electrophysiology (30%) and Fundamentals of Electrophysiology (20%).
Time limit: 4 hours total, divided across sections that each carry their own hard time limit.
Exam fee: $990.00 USD for the June 3, 2026 Allied Professional CEPS exam, applying to all candidate categories. Cancellation incurs an $85 processing fee plus tiered withholdings depending on timing.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

IBHRE CEPS Study Tips from Top Performers

1Anchor your study on the blueprint: nearly half the exam (50%) is Invasive Electrophysiology plus Fundamentals of EP, so prioritize EP study technique, intracardiac electrograms and arrhythmia mechanisms.

2Master the three arrhythmia mechanisms (reentry, automaticity, triggered activity) and the maneuvers that distinguish them, such as entrainment, parahisian pacing and the response to ventricular extrastimuli during SVT.

3Drill intracardiac electrogram sequences: HRA-His-CS-RV activation patterns, AV vs VA relationships and how the His-to-ventricular interval changes with bundle branch block.

4Learn the standard intervals cold (AH, HV, sinus node recovery time, Wenckebach cycle length) and the values that signal disease so you can interpret baseline EP measurements quickly.

5Use the IBHRE Cardiac EP Reading List and the HRS Core Concepts in EP review course as your primary sources, then test recall with practice questions under timed conditions to build section pacing.

6Keep CEPS and CCDS content separate in your mind: device timing cycles and troubleshooting are only 5% of CEPS, so do not over-study device content at the expense of mapping and ablation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the IBHRE Allied Professional CEPS exam?

The Allied Professional CEPS exam has 200 multiple-choice questions delivered in hard-timed sections over a 4-hour window. The separate Physician CEPS-A/CEPS-P exam has 175 questions in 4.5 hours.

How is the CEPS exam scored?

Scoring is pass/fail based on the total scaled score relative to an established cut score. The cut score is set through a formal standard-setting study by subject matter experts and approved by the IBHRE Board; IBHRE does not publish a fixed percentage pass mark.

How is CEPS different from the IBHRE CCDS exam?

CEPS (Certified Electrophysiology Specialist) focuses on invasive cardiac electrophysiology: EP studies, mapping, ablation and arrhythmia mechanisms. CCDS (Certified Cardiac Device Specialist) focuses on implantable pacemakers, ICDs and CRT devices. They are separate credentials with separate exams.

Which domain carries the most weight on the CEPS exam?

Invasive Electrophysiology is the largest domain at 30%, followed by Fundamentals of Electrophysiology at 20%. Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology and Laboratory Considerations each carry 10%.

How much does the Allied Professional CEPS exam cost?

The fee for the June 3, 2026 Allied Professional CEPS exam is $990.00 USD and applies to all categories, including HRS member, nonmember, first-time, retest and recertification. Cancellation incurs an $85 processing fee plus tiered withholdings.

Where is the CEPS exam administered?

The exam is a computer-based test delivered at PSI testing centers on scheduled exam dates. It is divided into sections that each have a hard time limit, and you cannot return to a previous section once it is submitted.