How to Become a Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.)
Learn the three pathways to becoming a Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.), including accredited education, the Practical Experience Pathway, and advancement for current Cer.A.T. holders.
Gregory H.
1/21/2026
Certification requirements reviewed in September 2026.
If you want to become a Certified Anesthesia Technologist, the first thing to know is simple:
There isn't just one path to certification.
Whether you're new to anesthesia technology, have been working as an anesthesia tech for years, or already hold the older Cer.A.T. credential, there may be a pathway to becoming a Certified Anesthesia Technologist (Cer.A.T.T.).
The key is figuring out which path applies to you.
What Is the Cer.A.T.T.?
Cer.A.T.T. stands for Certified Anesthesia Technologist.
The credential is administered by the American Society of Anesthesia Technologists and Technicians (ASATT).
You may also see experienced anesthesia technicians with the Cer.A.T. — Certified Anesthesia Technician credential. ASATT no longer offers the Cer.A.T. examination to new candidates, but existing Cer.A.T. credentials continue to be recognized when properly maintained.
Today, there are three routes to Cer.A.T.T. exam eligibility.
The Cer.A.T.T. credential is awarded after meeting eligibility requirements and passing ASATT’s national certification exam.
Path 1: You're New to Anesthesia Technology
If you're just entering the profession, the traditional route is to complete a CAAHEP-accredited/CoA-ATE-approved anesthesia technology program and then qualify for the National Certification Examination.
This route gives you structured education in anesthesia technology before you enter or advance in the profession.
Before enrolling in any program, verify that it meets the current requirements for Cer.A.T.T. exam eligibility. Don't assume that a school offering an anesthesia-related program automatically qualifies.
ASATT maintains information on its approved anesthesia technology programs.
Path 2: You're Already an Experienced Anesthesia Tech
Already working as an anesthesia tech? Pay attention to this pathway.
For years, experienced anesthesia technicians could know the job inside and out but still have difficulty finding a route to certification because they hadn't graduated from an accredited anesthesia technology program.
ASATT's Practical Experience Pathway (PEP) gives qualifying, currently uncertified anesthesia technicians another route.
Who Qualifies for PEP?
ASATT currently requires either:
5 years of anesthesia technician experience in the United States at a Level I or Level II facility; or
7 years of anesthesia technician experience at a tertiary or outpatient facility.
You also need at least 40 continuing-education credits in specified topics, plus qualifying BLS and ACLS credentials from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. ASATT requires employment verification from the appropriate HR department or departments.
And the experience has to be in anesthesia technology. Experience in another healthcare position doesn't substitute for the required anesthesia-tech experience.
Once your PEP application is approved, ASATT currently gives you 12 months to take the National Certification Examination.
One Important Change to PEP
You may find older information saying that PEP applicants must complete Anatomy & Physiology I and II and General Chemistry.
That requirement changed.
Effective March 9, 2024, ASATT made those courses highly recommended rather than mandatory for PEP applicants.
This is a good example of why you should always check ASATT's current requirements rather than relying on an old article or something a coworker remembers from several years ago.
Path 3: You Already Hold the Cer.A.T.
If you already hold the older Certified Anesthesia Technician (Cer.A.T.) credential and it's in good standing, you don't necessarily have to start from scratch.
ASATT provides an Advancement Program that can lead to eligibility for the Cer.A.T.T. examination.
This pathway is specifically important for technicians who became certified under ASATT's earlier credentialing system.
What Happens After You're Eligible?
Once you've satisfied the requirements for your pathway, the next step is the National Certification Examination (NCE).
ASATT currently administers the exam through secure computerized testing at Meazure Learning contracted assessment centers throughout the United States. Application requirements differ depending on which pathway you're using.
Follow ASATT's current application instructions carefully. Incomplete applications can delay the process.
Experience Doesn't Replace Studying
This is especially important if you're coming through the Practical Experience Pathway.
You may have spent years setting up anesthesia machines, preparing invasive-line equipment, assisting with difficult-airway equipment, troubleshooting equipment, and working in the OR, MRI, CT, IR, or other anesthesia locations.
That's valuable experience.
But the certification exam may test subjects you don't think about every day.
ASATT describes the Cer.A.T.T. credentialing examination as covering six competency domains, including equipment and technology, basic sciences, pharmacology, basic and advanced principles of anesthesia, and professional aspects of anesthesia technology.
Don't underestimate the exam because you know the job.
Use your experience as an advantage, then study the areas you don't use routinely.
How Should You Prepare?
Start by figuring out where you're strongest—and where you're not.
An experienced technician may be excellent with equipment and workflow but need more review in pharmacology or basic sciences. Someone coming directly from an anesthesia technology program may have recently studied those subjects but have less real-world experience.
Your study plan should reflect your weak areas.
ASATT publishes certification information and recommended study resources. Use those as your primary source when preparing.
TheAnesthesiaTech.com also offers an independent Anesthesia Tech Practice Exam to help you test your knowledge and identify areas that may need more review.
Our practice exam is not affiliated with ASATT, does not contain official ASATT examination questions, and cannot guarantee that you'll pass the NCE.
The point isn't to memorize questions.
It's to understand the material.
What Happens After You Become Certified?
Passing the exam isn't the end.
Cer.A.T.T. holders currently need 30 continuing-education credits during each two-year certification period and must maintain qualifying ACLS/ALS certification through the American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
That's worth knowing before you pursue the credential.
Certification comes with an ongoing responsibility to maintain it.
Is Certification Worth It?
Certification doesn't replace experience.
It doesn't automatically guarantee higher pay, a promotion, or a better job.
But it does provide something valuable: a nationally recognized professional credential showing that you've met an established standard in anesthesia technology.
For technicians pursuing advancement, changing employers, traveling, or simply wanting their professional knowledge formally recognized, that can matter.
It matters to the profession too.
If anesthesia technology is going to continue pushing for greater recognition, stronger education and certification standards should be part of that conversation.
Already Working? Don't Assume You Missed Your Chance
If you've been working as an anesthesia technician for years without certification, don't automatically assume the door is closed.
Look at the Practical Experience Pathway.
If you're new to anesthesia technology, investigate accredited education.
And if you already hold the Cer.A.T., look at the Advancement Program.
Your first step isn't filling out an application. It's figuring out which pathway is yours.
Then verify the current requirements directly with ASATT before spending money or making an educational decision.
ASATT Certification Exam & Application Information
ASATT Practical Experience Pathway
ASATT Certification & Recertification Information
Certification Is a Beginning
Becoming a Certified Anesthesia Technologist is an accomplishment.
But passing an exam doesn't finish your professional development.
Certification provides a foundation. Experience builds on it. Continuing education keeps you moving forward.
And the stronger those three become, the stronger anesthesia technology becomes as a profession.