0.1 ASATT Cer.A.T.T. Credential, Eligibility Pathways & Examination Format

Why the Credential Details Matter

The Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.) credential is awarded by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT) to candidates who establish eligibility and pass the ASATT National Certification Examination (NCE). Logistics are part of passing: an incomplete application is returned minus a processing fee, an eligibility notice expires after 90 days, and each pathway has its own continuing education (CE) rules. This section summarizes ASATT's published requirements and flags the details ASATT does not publish, so you know what to confirm directly.

A Short History of the Credential

ASATT still recognizes active Cer.A.T. holders, who renew with 20 CEs every two years, but new candidates can earn only the Cer.A.T.T. The ASATT Scope of Practice (revised September 2023) describes the Cer.A.T.T. as the credential earned by passing a comprehensive six-domain examination.

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The Three Eligibility Pathways

Every pathway ends at the same NCE. The pathways differ in how you prove readiness.

Pathway 1: Accredited or Approved Anesthesia Technology Program

This is the route for new entrants. ASATT's 2026 exam application lists these requirements:

• Successful completion of an approved or accredited anesthesia technology program (CAAHEP-accredited or CoA-ATE-approved; the Committee on Accreditation for Anesthesia Technology Education reviews programs through CAAHEP)
• A minimum of an associate degree, or a transcript showing the date the degree was conferred
• A signed CE Student Transcript Form and a copy of the diploma and/or certificate of completion
• Current BLS and ACLS certificates accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross (ARC)
• Your ASATT membership number, which determines the fee

Pathway 2: Advancement Program for Current Cer.A.T. Holders

The Advancement Program lets a certified anesthesia technician build the additional knowledge expected of a technologist. The 2026 Advancement application requires:

• Proof of current Cer.A.T., ACLS, and BLS certification
• A $250 non-refundable fee
• 40 CE credits from qualified providers, earned within a 24-month period, distributed as follows:

After ASATT approves the Advancement application, the candidate is notified of eligibility and submits the technologist exam application.

Pathway 3: Practical Experience Pathway (PEP)

The PEP is for uncertified anesthesia technicians with long experience in anesthesia technology. ASATT's PEP FAQ states that experience as a nurse, ER technician, or in another role does not qualify. The 2026 PEP brochure and ASATT's PEP page list these steps:

1. Verify experience first. Send official HR proof of employment showing at least 5 years as an anesthesia technician at a Level 1 or Level 2 facility in the United States, or at least 7 years at a tertiary or outpatient facility. If several employers are needed, each must supply HR documents. Wait for ASATT to approve the employment documentation.
2. Earn 40 CEs that meet the brochure's Appendix A topic rules. College coursework cannot substitute for these CEs. Examples of the minimums include 2 pediatric anesthesia CEs (one on pediatric airway management), 2 trauma CEs, 4 cardiac anesthesia CEs, 4 pharmacology CEs, 4 anesthesia gas machine CEs, 2 cell salvage CEs, 1 intra-aortic balloon pump CE, and 2 ultrasonography CEs (one on TEE and one on ultrasound theory and operation).
3. Hold current ACLS and BLS from the AHA or ARC. They are required but do not count toward the 40 CEs.
4. Submit the PEP application with the $200 fee. ASATT lists pre-approved CE programs at Oklahoma City Community College, Quincy College, MD Anderson, and the Kaiser Permanente Anesthesia Practical Pathway.

Once approved, a PEP candidate has 12 months to apply for and pass the NCE, with three attempts in that window. A candidate who fails three times must re-establish eligibility, which requires a new set of 40 CEs and a new application and fee.

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The Examination Itself

Format and Content Weighting

The content outline in ASATT's NCE Handbook lists 125 items across six domains:

The NCE is delivered by secure computerized testing. ASATT's current exam page names Meazure Learning contracted assessment centers across the United States; the older handbook text still names Scantron. ASATT's published materials describe test-center delivery only and do not describe a remote-proctored option.

Seat time is not published. Neither the handbook nor ASATT's exam page states the appointment length. Third-party prep sites often cite three hours, but your Notice to Schedule and confirmation email are the authority.

Scoring

The handbook says the score report shows pass or fail, that a raw score is the number of items answered correctly, and that pass/fail status is determined by the raw score on 125 items. ASATT does not publish a passing percentage. The 2026 application says results are provided at the end of the computer test and that failing candidates receive a domain breakdown. Because the score counts correct answers only, a blank item can never earn credit, so answer every item.

From Application to Test Day

1. Apply with the correct application, documents, and fee. Incomplete applications are returned minus a $100 processing fee.
2. Eligibility notice. ASATT sends confirmation in about 2 to 4 weeks; if nothing arrives within three weeks, contact ASATT. Eligibility is valid for 90 days, and a candidate who does not schedule and complete the exam in that window forfeits the application and fees.
3. Notice to Schedule (NTS). Meazure Learning emails a username and password. Submit your scheduling request at least four business days before your preferred date. Seats are first-come, first-served, and most centers offer morning and afternoon sessions.
4. Confirmation. You receive the exact location, date, and time by email. Bring the printed confirmation email to the test site.

The handbook's appointment rules add that you may cancel or reschedule online up to four business days before the appointment, with a $50 non-refundable rescheduling fee. Rescheduling later than that, arriving more than 15 minutes late and not being seated, or not appearing counts as a no-show. A rescheduled exam must occur within 90 days, and cancelling after eligibility is confirmed forfeits fees. Accommodation requests are due at least 30 days before the preferred date.

Fees

Reapplication fees apply for 12 months from the date of the original application. The PEP brochure lists ASATT individual membership at $85. The handbook lists duplicate score reports at $45 each and allows a written appeal to the ASATT Board of Directors within 45 days, with a $100 fee that is refunded if the appeal is found justified.

Retake Limits

ASATT's exam page states that an applicant can take the exam three times. After three failed attempts, the applicant must wait 12 months before reapplying.

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Keeping the Credential: Recertification

• Cycle: Certification is granted for a two-year period and expires December 31 of the renewal year. CEs begin accruing on January 1 of the year after certification, every CE must be earned inside the current period, and excess CEs do not carry over.
• Requirement: 30 CEs per cycle for the Cer.A.T.T., including a valid ACLS certificate from the AHA or ARC. ASATT required all Cer.A.T.T. holders to document ACLS on their profile by December 31, 2024.
• Fees and deadlines: $100 for members and $450 for non-members; active two-year members pay no fee but must still apply. Packets postmarked after December 31 add a $75 late fee. ASATT accepts packets through January 31, after which certification may be lost. Incomplete packets add a $50 processing fee.
• CE rules: Since January 1, 2025, CEs are accepted in 15-minute increments. Third-party CEs carry review fees, and ASATT accepts no more than 5 virtual third-party CEs per day. BLS counts as 4 CEs for an initial course and 2 CEs for a renewal.
• Lapsed or inactive: The Refresher Program serves technologists who have not practiced for more than two years and must recertify by examination. Provisional Recertification may be granted when certification lapses because of late or insufficient CEs.