The Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT) certification is a premier credential for healthcare professionals operating hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) systems. This exam validates a technician's expertise in safely delivering increased atmospheric pressure and high concentrations of oxygen for medical treatment. It is specifically designed for professionals with a foundational medical background—such as respiratory therapists, EMTs, or nurses—who have completed necessary hyperbaric training. Achieving this certification from the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology (NBDHMT) demonstrates a commitment to patient safety and technical excellence in this highly specialized field.

What the Course Entails and Exam Details

Preparing for the CHT exam requires comprehensive knowledge of both theoretical and practical hyperbaric principles. The exam content is rigorously focused on ensuring safe operational practices and excellent patient care within a high-pressure environment.

The core competencies covered by the training syllabus and test include:

Hyperbaric Physics and Physiology: You must understand how high pressure affects gases and the human body. Key topics include Gas Laws (Boyle’s, Dalton’s, Henry’s), mechanisms of oxygen transport, therapeutic effects, and physiological side effects of HBOT.

Equipment and Safety Systems: This section is vital and covers the mechanics of multiplace and monoplace chambers, gas handling, compressor operation, and safety maintenance. You must know fire safety protocols, facility regulations, and how to operate primary and emergency systems.

Clinical Application and Patient Care: Test topics include specific patient indications (e.g., decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, non-healing wounds), treatment protocols, patient assessment, documentation, and managing potential complications like barotrauma or oxygen toxicity.

 What to Expect in the Final Exam

The CHT certification exam is a computer-based, standardized test administered in a controlled environment. Candidates are expected to demonstrate critical thinking by applying their technical knowledge to real-world medical scenarios.

Format: The exam consists entirely of multiple-choice questions.

Number of Questions: There are typically 120 multiple-choice questions.

Time Limit: Candidates are allowed 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam.

Passing Score: The NBDHMT utilizes a scaled score system; a scaled score of 70 (out of 100) or higher is required to pass.

Rules: The exam is strictly proctored, and candidates are generally not allowed to bring outside resources, calculators, or reference materials into the testing area.

 How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation requires a balance of self-study, reviewing official materials, and practical testing.

To maximize your score, you should:

Practice with Practice Tests: Taking a dedicated Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test is one of the single most effective ways to study. Practice exams help you identify specific weak points in your knowledge, familiarize you with the question formatting, and build the critical test-taking stamina needed for a timed environment.

Master Official Handbooks: Thoroughly review the NBDHMT’s official candidate handbook and study guides. These are the gold standard for exam content.

Focus on Safety Protocols: Never skim safety guidelines; this section is often the highest priority in the exam.

Exam Centers:

The CHT exam is administered via a secure computer-based testing network. While some specialized, physical testing locations exist (often at large hyperbaric training facilities or hospitals), the primary method is now through online-proctored testing portals. These allow candidates to take the exam remotely from an authorized location, such as their workplace or a dedicated computer testing center, provided the environment meets strict proctoring security standards.

 Job Opportunities from the Course

Securing your CHT credential significantly enhances your professional credibility and job security. As hyperbaric oxygen therapy becomes an established treatment for complex chronic wounds and other conditions, hospitals and specialized clinics are increasingly requiring certified staff.

This certification unlocks diverse career paths, including:

• Certified Hyperbaric Technologist (CHT)
• Hyperbaric Facility Safety Director
• Hyperbaric Chamber Operator (Monoplace or Multiplace)
• Dialysis Patient Care Technician (Renal care background)
• Lead Hyperbaric Technician / Preceptor
• Hyperbaric Research Coordinator
• Veterinary Hyperbaric Technologist (Specialized training required)
• Manager of Wound Care and Hyperbaric Services