Before you book the SPI, it helps to know exactly what it costs, how it is scored and what happens if you need a second attempt. This page collects those facts in one place, taken from the official ARDMS / Inteleos SPI exam page, which we checked on September 29, 2026. Fees and policies can change, so confirm them there before you pay.
SPI exam facts at a glance
| Item | What ARDMS publishes |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | $275 USD |
| Application and exam window | Year-round |
| Length and format | Approximately 110 multiple-choice questions over two hours, plus a five-minute survey |
| Scoring | Pass/fail, on a 300–700 point scale. 555 or better passes; not percentage- or curve-based |
| Score report | At the test center after you finish, and in your Pearson account. Results post to your Inteleos portal within one week |
| If you do not pass | You can reapply after three days, but must wait 60 days before retaking |
| Who must take it | Everyone pursuing an ARDMS credential (RDMS, RDCS, RVT, RMSKS) |
How much does the SPI cost?
ARDMS lists the SPI exam fee at $275 USD. That is the cost of one attempt; it does not include study materials, your program, or any specialty exam you take afterward. Retaking means reapplying, so budget for a second fee: if the fee is unchanged, two attempts would cost $550. Check the current ARDMS fee schedule for the exact retake amount.
This is the practical argument for preparing carefully the first time: the fee is the same whether you pass or not, and a failed attempt also costs you at least 60 days before you can retake.
How the SPI is scored
Scores are reported on a 300 to 700 scale, and 555 or better passes. ARDMS states the score is not a percentage and not curve-based. That matters for studying: you cannot convert the score into a number of questions you can miss, and a practice test percentage does not map directly onto the real scale. Treat practice scores as a guide for what to study, not as a prediction.
The retake rules
- You can reapply three days after an unsuccessful attempt.
- You must wait 60 days between attempts before retaking.
- Use the waiting period on your weakest domains. Your score report shows how you did, and the domain weightings tell you where the points are. A 30- or 45-day plan fits inside the 60-day wait.
The five-year rule
The SPI is required for every ARDMS certification track. To earn RDMS, RDCS, RVT or RMSKS, you must pass the SPI and the corresponding specialty exam within five years of each other, in either order. After you have passed the SPI once, you do not need to retake it for additional ARDMS certifications as long as you keep your status active. See our comparison of the four specialties for choosing a track.
SPI pass rates, 2013–2023
ARDMS publishes pass rates for prior administrations. The table below reproduces the published figures exactly. "First-time" means candidates taking the exam for the first time; "overall" includes repeat candidates.
| Year | First-time takers | Overall |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 72% | 65% |
| 2022 | 70% | 63% |
| 2021 | 68% | 60% |
| 2020 | 76% | 68% |
| 2019 | 73% | 65% |
| 2018 | 73% | 65% |
| 2017 | 75% | 67% |
| 2016 | 78% | 70% |
| 2015 | 83% | 72% |
| 2014 | 79% | 71% |
| 2013 | 81% | 72% |
Source: ARDMS / Inteleos SPI exam page. Three things stand out. First-time pass rates ranged from 68% (2021) to 83% (2015) over this period. In 2023, 72% of first-time takers passed, which means roughly 28% did not. And overall rates run below first-time rates every year, since repeat candidates pass less often on average.
These figures describe all candidates, not SonoPrep users. SonoPrep does not publish a pass rate because it has no verified data on one.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait to retake the SPI?
ARDMS requires 60 days between attempts, although you can reapply after three days.
What score do I need on the SPI?
A score of 555 or better on the 300–700 scale passes.
Is the SPI exam scored on a curve?
ARDMS states that the score is not percentage-based or curve-based.
Do I have to retake the SPI to add another credential?
No. After passing once, you do not need to retake it for additional ARDMS certifications as long as you maintain active status.
Planning your preparation? Start with the free practice test, then see the timed Exam Simulator when you are ready to practice the real format.
Written by the SonoPrep Editorial Team from ARDMS / Inteleos publications, checked September 29, 2026. SonoPrep is not affiliated with ARDMS or Inteleos.