Big Changes Ahead: What You Need to Know About ARDMS Credentialing Updates 2026

Author: Judith Buckland

August 26, 2025

Better Education. Better Outcomes. Better Cardiology.

If you hold an ARDMS credential, big changes are on the horizon. Beginning January 1, 2026, the way you maintain your ARDMS credentialing will look different—and staying ahead of these updates will save you stress later.

The American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ARDMS) has announced important updates to its Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. These changes will directly impact how you maintain your RDMS, RDCS, RVT, or RMSKS credential.

Here’s what you need to know:

🔑 What’s Changing?

1. Knowledge Confirmation (KC) Requirement

Starting January 1, 2026, all active ARDMS Certificants will be required to complete four short, specialty-specific Knowledge Confirmation quizzes each year.
Your first set will be due by December 31, 2026.
Quizzes are delivered through the SKILLS Platform, which ARDMS first introduced in 2022 and has since refined based on community feedback.

2. Reduced CME Requirements

To recognize the time you’ll spend completing Knowledge Confirmation, ARDMS is reducing the number of CME credits required in each three-year cycle.
This change will apply to those with CME periods ending December 31, 2026 and beyond.
While ARDMS has not specified exact reductions, the goal is to offset the new Knowledge Confirmation component.

3. Annual Attestation & Renewal Fee Remain

You’ll still need to complete your annual attestation and pay your renewal fee by December 31st each year.

🖥️ How to Access the SKILLS Platform

You can get started with the SKILLS Platform now to familiarize yourself with the system before the 2026 requirement takes effect:

Browser Access: Login here with your MY ARDMS ID and password
Mobile App (iOS): Download from the Apple App Store
Mobile App (Android): Download from the Google Play Store

Pro tip: Log in today and explore the platform so you’re not scrambling when the requirement goes live.

🤝 How CardioServ Can Help You Prepare

At CardioServ, we know maintaining CMEs and credentialing changes can feel overwhelming—especially when balancing CME requirements with busy clinical workloads. ARDMS is committed to helping you transition smoothly and we are here to support you too!

Here’s how we can support you:

✅ Bridge the gap: Online, guideline-based CME courses designed for cardiovascular professionals.
✅ Stay proactive: Complete your standard CME requirements if your registry cycle ends in 2025.
✅ Save money: Take advantage of CardioServ’s CME program discounts through December 31, 2025.
✅ Stay informed: Sign up for our newsletter for CME discounts and compliance reminders.
✅ Stay ahead: Subscribe to ARDMS updates (scroll to the bottom of their homepage) to keep current on MOC changes.

By preparing now, you’ll be ahead of the curve when the new requirements go live.

📅 Next Steps

Review the full ARDMS update on the MOC Hub.
Mark your calendars: First Knowledge Confirmation quizzes are due December 31, 2026.
Plan your CME strategy: Explore CardioServ’s CME offerings to stay compliant with CME requirements.

Judith Buckland, MBA, RDCS, FASE

ARDMS industry spotlight