FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is eligible to take the exam?

Licensed or credentialed health care professionals are eligible.  

If an individual is not a licensed or credential health care professional,  they are eligible to take the exam by providing asthma education, counseling, or coordination services with a minimum of 1,000 hours experience in these activities.

How do I prove that I have 1,000 hours of experience?

The NAECB reserves the right to verify eligibility of candidates. Everyone applying under the 1,000 hour provision should be prepared to document their experience with notarized letters from their supervisors. The Board will also verify licenses and credentials of health care professionals.

I am interested in taking the exam, however, I cannot afford to pay the fee. Is there any financial help?

The Board incurs a substantial cost each time the exam is administered and cannot waive the fee. The Board hopes, in the future, to be able to offer some form of financial assistance. Watch the website for information.

Is the exam offered outside of the United States?

At this time, the National Asthma Educator Certification Board has not determined if the Certified Educator Examination will be offered outside of the U.S. Residents of other nations may come to the U.S. and take the exam here.

Where can I get a list of current asthma educators state to state?

You may contact your local Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA or the Association of Asthma Educators at 1-888-988-7747.

Does the Board offer study materials or suggest reading materials?

At present, accreditation regulations do not allow for certifying bodies to also provide training to take certification tests. However, the NAECB has published the candidate handbook which includes a test matrix and reading list to assist individuals to prepare for the test. 

Where can I find preparatory course for the exam?

Many groups have expressed an interest in developing preparatory courses for the certification test. Because the exam has just started, no group can say for sure that they can prepare individuals to take the test. Interested individuals should contact lung related health organizations and their professional organizations to inquire about possible preparatory courses.  Visit our sponsors and stakeholders pages to see a list of possible organizations.  To contact your local American Lung Association, call 1-800-LUNG-USA.

Once certification is completed and the asthma educator is now running a clinic, will there be specific reimbursable CPT codes?

This is a goal of the Board. An application for CPT codes was submitted in October 2001. It is a lengthy process. Interested parties should visit the NAECB website regularity to keep up to date on developments and for announcements.  An interactive map of the United States will be available soon outlining state by state methods of reimbursement.

If I wanted to volunteer my services to the National Asthma Educator Certification Board whom should I contact?

You can email LOverman@naecb.org and your interests will be forwarded to the appropriate board committee.

I am unable to open the information regarding the test. I would like information on the handbook and testing categories.

Perhaps a friend or associate can download the information for you. Many libraries have public computers/website access available. All candidates will receive a handbook when they register for the test. To register online, click here or call 913-541-0400.

I took an asthma educator exam sponsored by our local Lung Association, completed and passed the test. What importance is that exam now that a national exam is created?

Other programs awarded certificates which are not the same as being certified. These programs should be good preparation for sitting for the national certification test, however passing a certificate course will not grant certification. Individuals wishing to become nationally certified must take and pass the NAECB examination.

I've never taken a computer based exam before.  How can I prepare for this?

You may take a practice computerized exam.  Click here and then choose Respiratory Therapist.

How was the exam developed?

The exam was developed over 18 months and is based on a national job analysis.  The matrix is a result of the national job analysis and is based on sound scientific evidence for development.  The difficulty of the test is accounted for in the final cut score determination.  To find out how the test is scored, click here.