SDS Sleep Disorders Specialty Exam Study Guide 2026–2027
SDS Sleep Disorders Specialty Exam Study Guide 2026–2027
Comprehensive Review, Practice Questions, and Detailed Answer Explanations Aligned with NBRC Certification
By Capra Academy · Published July 22, 2026 · 305 pages
About This Book
Prepare for the NBRC SDS certification exam with a comprehensive study guide covering sleep architecture, polysomnography techniques, AASM scoring rules, sleep disorders (OSA, narcolepsy, parasomnias), PAP titration, pediatric sleep, and pharmacology. Includes 300 practice questions with detailed answer explanations.
What’s Inside
- 300 Practice Questions
- Detailed Answer Explanations
- Polysomnography Techniques
- AASM Scoring Rules
- Sleep Disorder Management
- Test-Taking Strategies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SDS exam?
The SDS (Sleep Disorders Specialty) exam is administered by the NBRC for respiratory therapists specializing in sleep medicine. It awards the CRT-SDS or RRT-SDS credential depending on the base credential held.
How many questions are on the SDS exam?
The SDS exam has 180 multiple-choice questions (160 scored + 20 pretest) with a 4-hour time limit. Candidates should expect polygraphic tracings based on AASM recording guidelines.
How much does the SDS exam cost?
The SDS exam costs $300 for new applicants and $250 for reapplicants. AARC members receive a $40 discount on their first application.
What are the eligibility requirements for the SDS?
Candidates must hold a CRT or RRT credential. Specific pathways include: CoARC program with sleep add-on track, CRT for 6+ months, or RRT for 3+ months.
Related Resources
SDS Resource Hub
Planning Your SDS Preparation
Who this exam information is for
This page is for candidates considering or actively preparing for the SDS Sleep Disorders Specialty. Use the linked exam resources to understand the credential, organize preparation, and identify the official requirements that must be confirmed before applying.
What to verify before scheduling
- Current eligibility and application documentation
- Current examination blueprint and domain weights
- Fees, testing windows, identification, and accommodation rules
- Question format, time limit, scoring, and score-report process
- Retake, renewal, and continuing-education policies
A practical study strategy
Begin with the current official content outline. Rank every domain by both blueprint weight and personal confidence, then spend the most time where high weight and low confidence overlap. Use practice questions diagnostically: record the tested domain, why the correct answer is best, why each distractor is weaker, and what source resolves any uncertainty.
Strengths and limitations of this study guide
The Capra Academy guide is designed to combine structured review with practice and answer explanations, making it useful for identifying weak areas and rehearsing exam-style decisions. It is a study aid—not the certifying organization’s candidate handbook, not a guarantee of a passing result, and not a substitute for current official eligibility or policy information. Requirements can change, so follow the official sources linked throughout this resource cluster.