Designed for experienced sonographers ready to demonstrate mastery of standardized image acquisition, scanning efficiency, and protocol proficiency through formal assessment. 
 
Candidates must have completed a minimum of one hands-on SDEP® Abdomen training weekend or equivalent and are considered an advanced sonographer proficient in complete abdominal scans using the SDEP® Abdomen Progression. Successful candidates have regularly practiced SDEP® Abdomen for a minimum of one year and have been accepted to apply via the application form HERE.
 
SDEP® Certification recognizes the highest level of competency in the Sonographic Diagnostic Efficiency Protocol (SDEP®) by evaluating image quality, diagnostic efficiency, and the ability to accurately perform and communicate the SDEP® Abdomen protocol. Successful certification validates both the sonographer's expertise and their hospital's commitment to providing advanced ultrasound diagnostics.
 
Must be completed within 12 months of enrollment
Certification Program (non-CE): Delivered through online examination, practical assessment, and telemedicine-supported case submission
 
Prerequisites:
Attended a minimum of one Hands-On SDEP® Abdomen Training, LIVE Virtual SDEP® Abdomen Training, or completed the SDEP® Abdomen On-Demand Ultrasound Training. If you are unsure if you qualify, please email sdep@sonopath.com,
Be an advanced-level sonographer with proficiency in the SDEP® Abdomen Protocol as assessed by telemedicine submissions at a minimum of 10 per month for the previous 6 months (Note: Once eligibility is approved, an invitation to apply for and purchase the SDEP® Certification course is sent),
And successful application to the certification program HERE.
 
Certification Overview
The SDEP® Abdomen Certification Program is designed for clinicians seeking formal recognition of advanced competency in standardized abdominal ultrasound.
 
Certification extends beyond image acquisition alone. Candidates are assessed on their ability to consistently obtain diagnostically complete abdominal studies using the SDEP® protocol while demonstrating efficient scanning technique, high-quality still and cine loop acquisition, and a thorough understanding of protocol methodology.
 
Following completion of a qualifying SDEP® hands-on, LIVE virtual, or equivalent training program, participants complete both a written examination and a practical performance assessment. Practical examinations are submitted remotely through SonoPath's Educational Telemedicine® platform, allowing participants to continue to receive guidance while refining their image acquisition skills.
Successfully earning SDEP® Abdominal Certification demonstrates mastery of standardized abdominal scanning techniques while providing professional recognition of advanced sonographic competency.
 
Certification Requirements
To earn an SDEP® Abdomen Certification, participants must:
Have completed the prerequisite: An approved Hands-On SDEP® Echo Hands-On, LIVE Virtual, or equivalent SDEP® training
Pass the certification written examination with a minimum score of 90%
The written examination is found within your SonoPath Education Certification course link
Note: A minimum passing score of 90% is required on the written examination. If you do not achieve a passing score on your first attempt, you may retake the exam until a passing score is achieved. Examination content may be updated periodically by SonoPath to reflect current educational standards and other revisions.
Successfully complete the practical examination
Requires submission of 3 perfect SDEP® Abdomen ultrasounds, each completed within 15 minutes, on genuine telemedicine patient cases: one cat, one small-to-medium dog, and one large dog (over 65 lbs). Cases are submitted using SonoPath’s Educational Telemedicine®*.
Successful completion is achieved by demonstrating
A complete SDEP® abdomen examination
Efficient image acquisition techniques
High-quality still images and cine loops
Correct application of the SDEP® protocol
Ability to verbalize key protocol landmarks and methodology
*Note: Practical examinations are submitted via SonoPath's Educational Telemedicine® case submission process and are invoiced at the current report rate.
 
Program Outcomes
Successful certification will validate advanced sonographic competency. Certificate recipients will have
Demonstrated mastery of the complete SDEP® Abdomen Protocol
Produced diagnostically complete abdomen image sets efficiently and consistently
Applied standardized scanning techniques across varying patient sizes
Improved scanning confidence, workflow, and reproducibility
 
What’s Included
12 months of certification program access
Written certification examination
Practical certification assessments
Official SonoPath SDEP® Certification upon successful completion