CRAT study guide
CRAT · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) is a credential listed by Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI), a credentialing body for cardiovascular professionals. CRAT sits alongside CCI's other credentials, including the Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT), Registered Cardiac Electrophysiology Specialist (RCES), and Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS). The CRAT study guide has 4 sections and about 2,029 words.
01Rhythm Analysis: Systematic Strip Interpretation and Core Rhythm Criteria
The Rhythm Analysis domain tests whether you can identify a rhythm from a monitor strip or 12-lead ECG and defend the label with measured criteria rather than pattern guessing. Expect items on sinus rhythms, atrial and junctional rhythms, AV blocks, premature beats, wide-complex tachycardia, and lethal rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation.
551 words, about 3 min02ECG Interpretation: Leads, Axis, Intervals, and Infarction Patterns
The ECG Interpretation domain tests your ability to read a 12-lead ECG: lead placement and quality, axis, intervals, chamber enlargement, conduction blocks, ischemia and infarction patterns, and drug or electrolyte effects. Items often give a short clinical stem plus lead findings, so localization matters as much as the pattern name.
541 words, about 3 min03Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology: Structure, Coronary Supply, and Hemodynamics
The Cardiac Anatomy and Physiology domain tests the structural and electrical basis for what you see on the monitor: chamber anatomy, valve and blood flow, coronary supply, the conduction system, electrophysiology, and hemodynamic relationships. Questions often ask why a particular occlusion produces a particular rhythm or lead pattern.
509 words, about 3 min04Patient Care and Monitoring: Setup, Artifact, Alarms, and Safety
The Patient Care and Monitoring domain tests the practical side of rhythm work: who needs monitoring, how to obtain a clean tracing, how to troubleshoot artifact and alarms, how to keep the patient safe, and how to document and escalate. Many items are scenario-based and reward assessing the patient before touching the monitor.
428 words, about 2 min