About the BRETC.
A registration examination for EMG technologists is offered by the Board of Registration for Electromyography Technologist of Canada (BRETC).
This board is comprised of physician members of the Canadian Society of Clinical Neurophysiologists (CSCN) EMG Section and registered technologist members of the Association of Electromyography Technologists of Canada (AETC).
The Board was formed to serve as the certifying body for EMG Technologists in Canada with the objectives below.
EXAM INFORMATION
About the Registration Exam.
The purpose of the examination is to assess the competence of the individual to effectively carry out the technical task in an EMG laboratory. Candidates technical skill, insight, adaptability and theoretical knowledge is evaluated during a two part examination.
Objective #1
To maintain and enforce the national standards of knowledge and proficiency in electromyography technology
Objective #2
To administer and conduct appropriate examinations to assess the knowledge and proficiency of electromyography technologists
Objective #3
To assist in the educational process for electromyography technologists as the Board deems necessary
Objective #4
To issue certificates of recognition to those who successfully passed the examination and to permit them to use the designation, Registered Electromyography Technologist, R.T. (EMG)
2026 Exam.
The next BRETC exam will take place at the end of May, 2026. Exact dates and location planning in progress. Check back for updates.
Subscribe to our emails to be notified once dates and locations have been determined.
November 2025
An open letter to the members of the AETC from the BRETC
Dear AETC Members,
As a volunteer Board, the BRETC has maintained a written and practical examination process that reflects a fair and balanced assessment of competence in the practice of electrodiagnostic testing. We have learned lessons over the years that allowed for continuous improvement in the validity and fairness of the examination, including an overhaul in format for the practical examination several years ago.
Many candidates arrive well-prepared to easily demonstrate their skills. However, despite the pre-exam requirement for performing 1000 cases, and information distributed (and more recently posted online) which outlines the requisite skills and
nerve conduction studies that could be examined, BRETC sees a considerable rate of insufficient preparation among candidates sitting the exam.
Among the recurring issues that arise, we see candidates who struggle with basic competencies, including:
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Anatomical landmarks and their nomenclature;
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General knowledge of neurophysiology;
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Machine settings and adjustments if needed;
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Identifying and troubleshooting sources of noise and artifact;
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Obtaining satisfactory supramaximal waveforms, or describing the process for doing so;
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Ability to perform or recognize common, standard NCSs;
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Understanding the basic clinical correlates of studies performed.
Furthermore, there is frequently a stated reliance by candidates on laboratory- and physician-specific practices and technical knowledge that are unwarranted, and which do not reflect the skills required to excel at being an EMG technologist. The technologist should strive to be the technical expert in the laboratory with the ability to perform any established nerve study in any facility in the country.
For BRETC, there is nothing better than registering skilled technologists who can take pride in attaining health care qualifications, and work in any electrodiagnostics lab in Canada.
At a time when human health resources are at a premium, we take this role seriously. We hope this letter helps generate discussion on the variability in training across the country to further the development of high-quality technologists who serve
Canadian patients.
Sincerely,
Scott Wiebe, MSc, MD, FRCPC
Physician Chair, Board of Registration of Electrodiagnostic Technologists of Canada
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa