AAERT is preparing to introduce several updates to our certification assessments aimed at improving the exam experience and supporting upcoming enhancements to our certification exams.

The most immediate change is the launch of the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform, along with additional certification updates planned for the near future.

New AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform: Launching March 26, 2026

Beginning March 26, 2026, all CER, CDR, and CET Knowledge Exams will move to the new AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform.

Knowledge exams are currently delivered through RealTime Coach. As part of this transition:

• Exams scheduled before March 26, 2026 will remain available in RealTime Coach.
• Exams scheduled on and after March 26, 2026 will take place on the AAERT Knowledge Exam Platform.
• After this date, RealTime Coach will no longer be used for AAERT knowledge exams.

If you already have an exam scheduled, no action is required at this time. We will share additional guidance to ensure a smooth transition.

Please visit the AAERT website here to find more details including frequently asked questions and next steps for current exam candidates. 

CET Practical Exam Passing Score: Changing as of March 26, 2026

Following a comprehensive psychometric review and extended stakeholder consultation, the CET Practical Exam’s passing score will be recalibrated from 98 percent to 95 percent, effective for exams taken after March 26, 2026. This adjustment reflects both current industry benchmarking and AAERT’s ongoing commitment to ensure that the credential remains rigorous, equitable, and aligned with evolving professional standards. The passing score remains the highest of any comparable industry exam. 

Please visit the AAERT website here for more details including frequently asked questions and next steps for current CET Practical exam candidates. 

Additional Certification Updates Ahead

We also want to share a quick preview of other certification updates currently in development:

Updated AAERT Best Practices Guide
A revised version of the Best Practices Guide is coming soon to better reflect evolving industry standards. This will not immediately affect exam content, but will act as a reference for future exam development. 

Upcoming CER Practical Exam
AAERT is preparing to implement a practical exam component as part of the CER certification process. This will not change anything for current CERs, but new CER candidates will complete both a knowledge exam and a practical exam.

Watch your inbox for more details about both of these upcoming developments in the coming weeks.

What’s Next

Over the coming weeks, we’ll share updated instructions, guidance materials, and reminders ahead of the March 26 transition.

If you have questions, please contact us at aaert@aaert.org.