Written examination

The written exam is the first stage of the assessment process to gain BSE accreditation (Level II). Written exams are delivered in partnership with Pearson VUE. Candidates can sit their exam at local centres across the UK, Republic of Ireland and some overseas areas.

Upcoming exams  

Spring 2023: TTE, ACCE and Congenital Echo to be delivered on Wednesday 29 March 2023. 

Pre-registration for Spring 2023 will become available from 7 November 2022 and close on 23 December 2022.

Autumn 2023: TTE, TOE, ACCE and Stress Echo to be delivered- Thursday 26 October 2023.

 Pre-registration opening on Monday 5 June 2023 and will close on Monday 24 July 2023

Please note all candidates who wish to sit our BSE theory examination must be paid BSE members, and are required to complete the pre-registration via our events page to register interest to take part in the exam.    

*Fixed start time applies if taking exam at a test centre.

Pre-registration for Autumn 2023 opening on Monday 5 June 2023 and will close on Monday 24 July 2023

  • All pre-registered candidates are expected to keep BSE membership payments up to date.
  • Any special requirements must be applied for in writing and approved by the BSE Chair of Accreditation in advance of the exam-during the pre-registration window. Find out more about test accommodations. 
  • Once pre-registration is complete we will transfer your information to Pearson VUE to confirm your eligibility to sit the exam.
  • Candidates who were unsuccessful in the previous attempt have been added to the exam authorisation list for this event. Pearson VUE will contact candidates accordingly.
  • Late requests for pre-registration beyond the closing date will not be accepted.
  • Pre-register here

Examination fees 

The examination fee is £275.00, which covers the written exam and practical assessment (excluding practical booking fee). The fee will be paid through Pearson VUE during the booking time-frame (usually 2-3 months before the exam). The resit fee is £137.50. Resits must be taken within 12 months of the first sitting.

If your hospital trust will be completing the payment for your BSE written exam on your behalf, please inform us within the pre-registration window. Email [email protected] with a purchase order (stating candidates full name and BSE ID number), the full contact details of the team responsible for your payment, including name of staff member and their email address. Please note that payment from the hospital trust must be received before the registration opening date via Pearson VUE. We can only issue voucher codes to help candidates secure their exam booking if the Hospital/Trust has paid. Failure to do so would result in the candidate paying for the exam themselves during the booking window.

What to expect in the written exam

You can find full details of the assessment process, including more information on the theory and imaging sections of the written exam, in the relevant accreditation pack.

Each candidate will have their own monitor and will be able to replay videos during the examination. Full instructions will be provided on the day of the exam. 

Find out more about what to expect in a Pearson VUE test centre.

Examination results

Results are released 4-6 weeks after the exam. Results are uploaded to member profiles.