Polysomnographic technicians, also known as sleep technologists, collect physiologic data and monitor patient sleep in labs or at home. They help patients diagnosed with a variety of sleep disorders. This graduate certificate program provides training for a career in this growing field.
Licensed technologists must have a high school diploma or GED certificate. They must be enrolled in an accredited educational program and provide polysomnographic services under direct supervision of a physician.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in sleep technology, you may be wondering what certifications you need to obtain. Having the correct certifications can help you get a job in your desired field and can even make you more competitive. The most popular certification is the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT). The RPSGT certification will allow you to move up in your career and earn a higher salary.
BRPT gives CPSGT certificate holders three years to earn their RPSGT credential, or rescind their CPSGT title. This is because the RPSGT credential is considered an advanced credential. During this time, you’ll need to hold a Basic Life Support certification or equivalent, adhere to BRPT standards of conduct, and pass the CPSGT exam.
Colin Baugh, a recent graduate of the A-STEP Introductory Course at Focus Sleep School, began working in a sleep lab in September 2026 and found this path very rewarding. He credits the AASM A-STEP modules and the A-STEP introductory course with helping him prepare for the CPSGT exam. Then, he was able to pass the exam and start his new career with confidence.
Prepare for the Certified Polysomnographic Technician Certification exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
Polysomnographic technologists are highly trained, professional members of the health-care team who specialize in sleep studies. They are responsible for collecting and interpreting data on sleep and assisting physicians specializing in sleep medicine with clinical assessment, monitoring, physiological testing, therapeutic interventions and management of patients suffering from various sleep disorders.
These technologists use their knowledge of medical equipment and technology to gather, analyze and record data during a patient’s sleep-based study. They also communicate with the physician about their findings and help the patient to understand his or her results. The demand for polysomnographic technologists is expected to grow significantly as more and more people suffer from sleep disorders.
To become a polysomnographic technician, you must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and complete a program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Commission on Respiratory Care (CoARC). You must also pass a registry exam administered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists (BRPT). There are two ways to prepare for this exam: Pathway 1 and Pathway 2. Both pathways require a minimum of 1,638 hours of clinical experience (paid or volunteer) that includes direct patient recording and scoring.
Sleep techs, also known as polysomnographers, play a key role in the evaluation and treatment of sleep disorders. They perform overnight sleep studies and gather data, including brain waves, eye movement, and oxygen levels. These measurements help doctors diagnose and treat a variety of sleep disorders, from insomnia to restless leg syndrome. These professionals typically work at night and may collect up to a thousand pages of data.
This program prepares students to assist physicians specializing in sleep medicine with clinical assessments, physiological monitoring and testing, and diagnostic tools for patients of all ages. It is based on the guidelines established by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and, along with at least 9 months of clinical experience or completion of 25 AASM A-STEP self study modules, prepares students to sit for the Registered Polysomnographic Technician Exam offered by the Board of Registered Polysomnographic Technologists.
The program is a full-time program that leads to an Associate in Applied Science degree. Graduates are eligible to apply to take the Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT) examination.