Q&A Report: Preparation for the Academy of Surgical Research’s Certification Exams
The answers to these questions have been provided by:
Lisa Johnson, BA, SRS, LATg
Veterinary Surgeon
Veterinary Services
Charles River Laboratories
What qualifications do you have to have to take each of the exams?
Each certification level has its own set of requirements. I’d like to refer you to the certification section on the Academy of Surgical Research website rather than list out all of the requirements here. If you have any questions after reviewing the website information, you can email the Certification Committee at certificationcommittee@surgicalresearch.org or reach out directly to me.
Will the questions be asked in metric or imperial units?
Both units could be used and some of the complex calculation questions could require you to convert between lbs and kgs, mg to kg, etc. You should know temperature ranges in both units (i.e., normal body temperatures, steam autoclave temperatures, room temperatures).
Are calculators allowed on the exam?
Yes, but only basic calculators. Nothing that can be programmed or connected to WIFI is allowed (no cell phones or tablets, for example).
Do "large animals" include horses and cows, or is it mostly swine, goats, and sheep?
In general, in the research world, the term large animal would refer to any species from rabbits and up, not just livestock. Specifically, for our exams, you should be familiar with general procedures for any species used in research, with the emphasis on those that are more commonly used.
If someone were not to pass the exam on their first try, are they able to sit for the exam again the following year? And would they need to resubmit their portfolio to do so?
If you do not pass the exam on the first attempt, you are allowed to retake the exam the following year and you do not need to resubmit a new application. We do ask you to confirm that you will be retaking it, and if we don’t hear we will reach out to you.
What are the criteria for maintaining certification?
People need to maintain their membership to the Academy, which is renewed yearly. In addition, you need to submit 15 CEU’s earned over the most recent two-year period. If you are due to renew in 2024, for example, your credits need to be from 2023 and 2024. CE packets are due by December 31st of the year you are due to renew. CE forms, along with a chart of activities through which you can earn credits, can be found on the Academy’s website. One thing to keep in mind is that the activity must pertain to the general field of surgical research. General animal research presentations cannot be used.
Does imaging techniques include MRI, fluoroscopy, and CT?
Yes, all imaging techniques that could be used as part of surgical research are fair game for questions on the exam. However, keep in mind that you only need a general knowledge. We wouldn’t expect you to know the details of running an MRI unit, for example, but you should know that you would need special MRI compatible equipment to monitor an animal.
For the SRA exam specifically, is it recommended that we study suture material and patterns?
No, you do not need to know suture material for the SRA exam. Wound healing, suture knowledge, instruments, and surgical knowledge are not part of the SRA exam. Please refer to the charts linked in the handouts section of the presentation for a detailed breakdown for what is covered on each exam.
If coming to the conference to take a certification exam, what would that look like? Somewhere to check in and then taking the exam in a proctored exam room?
There will be a registration table which is for both people registering for the whole meeting and for the exam. There will be a conference room set up with tables so that test takers are spread out. The doors open at 7:30AM. We offer a light continental breakfast. Around 8AM, we will make a few announcements and have people come up to the front of the room with ID and will hand out the “picture portion” of the exam. You can’t start until everyone is seated. You have up to 1 hour to complete this portion. You will bring it back to us and receive the written portion of the exam. You have 3 hours to complete this portion. Most people are done by 11 or 11:30.
For the SRA exam specifically, is it recommended that we study suture material and patterns?
No, you do not need to know suture material for the SRA exam. Wound healing, suture knowledge, instruments, and surgical knowledge are not part of the SRA exam. Please refer to the charts linked in the handouts section of the presentation for a detailed breakdown for what is covered on each exam.
Are all exams written in person?
Yes, the exams are only given at our annual meeting each year. There isn’t a remote option.
When are we told the results of the examination?
We place the results in envelopes at the registration desk on the last day of the meeting, just prior to the luncheon. Anyone who doesn’t pick up their envelope will be emailed.
Do we need to know molecular formulas, or should we know the usage, the mechanism of action and elimination, and contraindications?
You should know why you would use a drug, how it works (in general), how it’s eliminated, and contraindications. You should also know classifications (opioid, steroid, tranquilizer, sedative, analgesic, classification if it’s controlled, and so on). You will not be shown a molecular structure and be asked to identify it.
If a case log was submitted for either SRT or SRS and the info wasn’t sufficient, would there be an opportunity to remedy what was missing or needed to be updated?
When applications are submitted, they are reviewed by the committee. The candidate would be contacted about any information that was missing or lacking and given the opportunity to make corrections and submit updated items.