Entry-to-Practice Exams
To apply for the examinations:
If you have not already done so, you will need to create a free Sonography Canada account online in order to submit your application. A membership is not required to submit your application or access the examinations.
Registration closes July 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM EST
Candidates registered for remote-proctored exams are required to review the following material in preparation for their exam(s):
Exam Fees
(exam fees are in Canadian dollars and subject to change without notice)
| Non-refundable application fee | $125.00 |
| Core | $300.00 |
| Generalist | $600.00 |
| Cardiac | $600.00 |
| Vascular | $600.00 |
| Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA™) | $1800.00 |
All Sonography Canada credential candidates must successfully complete the Core Examination which assesses fundamental skills applicable to all sonographers.
The Core Sonographic Skills Examination consists of 80 multiple-choice questions to be answered within an 80-minute timeframe.
Successful completion of the Core Sonographic Skills Examination is required for certification as a Generalist Sonographer, Cardiac Sonographer and Vascular Sonographer. Credit for this exam is transferable towards additional certifications in the future.
Examinable Material
Reference Material for Core Content
To qualify for certification as a Generalist Sonographer, candidates are required to successfully complete two exams:
- The Core Sonographic Skills Examination
- The Generalist Sonographer Examination will include all of the required content from Abdomen/Superficial Structures/Peripheral Venous and Obstetrics/Gynecology. The examination consists of 240 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a 240-minute timeframe. A 10-minute break will be provided after completion of question 140.
Examinable Material
Reference Material for Generalist Content
To qualify for certification as a Cardiac Sonographer, candidates are required to successfully complete two exams:
- The Core Sonographic Skills Examination
- The Cardiac Sonographer Examination, which will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a 180-minute timeframe.
Examinable Material
Reference Material for Cardiac Content
To qualify for certification as a Vascular Sonographer, candidates are required to successfully complete two exams:
- The Core Sonographic Skills Examination
- The Vascular Sonographer Examination which will include all of the required content from the following four categories: Cerebrovascular, Peripheral Venous, Peripheral Arterial and Abdominal Vascular. The exam will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions to be answered within a 180-minute timeframe.
Examinable Material
Reference Material for Vascular Content
The Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA™) is the clinical component of Sonography Canada’s credentialing process.
The skills evaluated are based on the clinical, or ‘C’ level, competencies outlined in the National Competency Profiles (NCPs). The candidate’s clinical performance should be consistent with the definition of entry-level competence.
Accredited Program Candidates will have completed the Canadian Clinical Skills Assessment (CCSA) during clinical placements as part of their program.
Alternate Pathway Information:
Alternate pathway candidates can only apply for the CCSA after they’ve successfully completed the written examinations. Candidates must pass the CCSA (within their given eligibility period) before a Sonography Canada credential can be awarded. There are no exemptions from the CCSA.
The Alternate Pathway CCSA is formatted as a one-day (approximately 8-hour) assessment, during which the candidate scans the required cases under the observation of two Sonography Canada credentialed assessors.
To begin the process, please apply on our website. Once approved, your application will be added to the existing queue, and you will be notified via email once we are ready to begin scheduling your CCSA. Please be aware that a response may take up to six (6) weeks, subject to the current waitlist.
Canadian Registered Generalist Sonography (CRGS®)
Alternate Pathway – Summary of Required Cases
For all case types, an abnormal case can be used in place of a required normal case
Total of six cases
Required Case Types
| Abdomen | Two abnormal cases (One must also be technically difficult) |
| Superficial Structures | One abnormal thyroid or scrotal case |
| Gynecology (Both transabdominal and transvaginal scans are required | One abnormal case |
| Second and third trimester pregnancy | One detailed second trimester pregnancy case (normal or abnormal) |
| Lower extremity venous | One case that is technically difficult, and/or abnormal |
Note: Not all findings are considered abnormal
Canadian Registered Cardiac Sonography (CRCS®)
Alternate Pathway – Summary of Required Cases
For all case types, an abnormal case can be used in place of a required normal case
Total of five cases
Required Case Types
| Cardiac | For all case types, an abnormal case can be used in place of a required normal case a total of six cases |
Note: Not all findings are considered abnormal
Canadian Registered Vascular Sonography (CRVS®)
Alternate Pathway – Summary of Required Cases
For all case types, an abnormal case can be used in place of a required normal case
Total of five cases
Required Case Types
| Abdominal Vascular – Renal or Liver | One case that is either technically difficult and/or abnormal |
| Extracranial / Carotid Arteries (must be bilateral) | One hemodynamically significant stenosis (abnormal) |
| Peripheral Arteries – Lower Extremity (Duplex & Physiological Assessment – ABI at minimum) (must be bilateral) | One case that is either technically difficult, and/or abnormal |
| Peripheral Arteries – Upper Extremity (Duplex & Physiologic Assessment) (unilateral with bilateral arm blood pressure) | One case that is normal, technically difficult and/or abnormal |
| Peripheral Veins Upper Extremity for DVT (unilateral) | One case that is normal, technically difficult and/or abnormal |
| Peripheral Veins – Lower Extremity (Reflux/Insufficiency with compression for DVT) (unilateral) | One case that is normal, technically difficult and/or abnormal |
