BHRS Nurse Accreditation

This accreditation will recognise the knowledge and skills expected of specialist arrhythmia nurses across the UK

Registration for the BHRS Nurse Exam will open in July 2025.  The new Nurse exam will launch and be held on 19th November 2025.

Introduction

Are you an Arrhythmia Nurse struggling with study leave or university funding?

The BHRS exam and accreditation could be the solution you’re looking for. This is your chance to have your knowledge and skills recognised at a national level and to show your employers that you are a fully accredited arrhythmia nurse, endorsed by the British Heart Rhythm Society.

In 2025, BHRS will launch its first Accreditation Exam specifically designed for nurses. This exam will recognise the knowledge and skills expected of specialist arrhythmia nurses across the UK, offering a cost-effective alternative to university modules with minimal time required away from clinical duties.

Why BHRS Accreditation?

Becoming accredited through the BHRS Nurse Exam offers significant benefits, including:

  • National Recognition: Demonstrate your expertise as an arrhythmia nurse specialist.

  • Cost-Effective: A more affordable option compared to university courses.

  • Minimal Study Leave Required: Continue clinical work while preparing for the exam.

  • Access to Resources: BHRS membership provides access to a vast array of online learning resources on arrhythmia management, which can be used as CPD for revalidation.

  • Career Progression: BHRS recommends accredited nurses to be recognised at Agenda for Change Band 7, reflecting their advanced skills and knowledge.

BHRS Nurse Exam Overview

The BHRS Nurse Exam assesses key areas in arrhythmia management, ensuring nurses have a comprehensive understanding of:

  • Arrhythmias – Clinical characteristics, diagnosis, ECG interpretation, and management.

  • Syncope – Diagnosis and management.

  • Pharmacology & Non-Medical Prescribing

  • Risk Stratification – Thromboembolism in atrial arrhythmias and anticoagulation.

  • Electrophysiology Studies

  • Implantable Cardiac Devices

How to Achieve Full BHRS Accreditation

To be fully accredited by BHRS, candidates must complete the following:

  • 1

    Complete the Core Competency Framework

  • 2

    Pass the BHRS Nurses Exam
    After passing the online exam, candidates must complete the clinical case studies.

  • 3

    Submit a Logbook
    A logbook must be submitted within 18 months of completing the exam. This logbook will consist of: 1) The completed Core Competency Framework 2) Two case studies (maximum of 1,500 words per case, excluding references).

Guidelines for Case Study Submission

Each case study should include relevant text, figures, tables, and images. There is no required template, but it is encouraged to follow the structure typical in scientific publications.

  • Word Limit: 1,500 words per case (excluding references).

  • Figures/Tables/Images: Maximum of 3 combined (not included in word count).

  • Format: Upload as a single document (e.g., Microsoft Word).

  • Demonstrate: Accurate interpretation of pathohysiology, relating to the element of arrhythmia management chosen.

  • Demonstrate: The ability to integrate and synthesise diverse knowledge of arrhythmia management and evidence and apply this within the case studies.

  • Demonstrate: A comprehensive and critical understanding of the legal, ethnical and professional issues and integrate into discussion.

  • Provide: Discussion demonstrating a systematic and critical understanding of treatment options based upon current best evidence/national guidance and policy

  • Adhere: To the formatting guidelines provided and the specified guidelines for presentation and referencing (Harvard).

  • Adhere: To policy for confidentiality and consent.

Submissions should be within 18 months of completing exam

A sample template is available below for your guidance. Candidates are encouraged to critically analyse clinical decisions, use national/international guidelines, and base their analysis on the best available evidence.  This logbook may even serve as a foundation for future publication of case reports!

FAQs

The exam cost is £200.

You have 2 hours to complete the exam.

There are 60 questions.

This will be a multiple choice of 5 possible answers.

nurse EXAM REGISTRATION
CORE COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK
CASE STUDY TEMPLATE
LOGBOOK SUBMISSION FORM

Exam Answer Sheet Guidance

Since 2011, the examination papers have been marked electronically. This allows British Heart Rhythm Society to be able to examine the questions and candidates responses in more detail, so that we can work to improve the quality and validity of the questions. It is therefore essential that candidates are aware of how they are required to mark their answers on the exam answer sheets

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