Train
Read the CORE curriculum
Learn with diagrams and how-to videos
This curriculum describes the proper technique to safely and effective use point of care ultrasound for heart, lung, abdomen, and first trimester obstetrics pathologies in the family medicine setting. It includes protocols for image generation, image identification, and clinical integration. All examination questions are based on the curriculum.
SECTION 1
POCUS
basics
5 modules with diagrams
- Ultrasound controls
- Physics of ultrasound
- Probe movements
- Probe types
- System care
SECTION 2
Advanced skills for certification
6 modules with videos
- Sub-xiphoid cardiac
- Aorta
- Abdomen
- First trimester obstetrics
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumothorax
Sign up for a course
The following CORE courses are offered by independent organizations
(listed alphabetically A-Z)
Certain courses are accredited and meet
CPoCUS quality and training criteria
Note: CPoCUS does not determine course fees or cancellation policies
EDE Bootcamp
- Brantford, On
- IP certification courses
Three-day hands-on workshops and exams designed to provide certification in point of care ultrasound.
See AC CORE courses
EDE1/EDU1
- Canada
- Introductory courses
Two-day courses. Cours de deux jours.
See AC CORE courses
EM POCUS
- Doha, Qatar
- Introductory courses
- IP certification courses
Three-day hands-on workshops and exams designed to provide certification in point of care ultrasound.
See AC CORE courses
ePoCUS Essentials
- Montreal, QC
- Introductory courses
- IP certification courses
Introductory courses and IP certification courses providing POCUS instruction on CORE indications.
See AC CORE courses
Montreal PoCUS
- Montreal, QC
- Introductory courses
Introductory courses providing POCUS instruction on CORE indications.
See AC CORE courses
MTL-SONO
- Montreal, QC
- Introductory courses
Two-day introductory point-of-care ultrasound training taught by top experts in POCUS education to residents and medical students from across Canada.
See AC CORE courses
MUSE ECHO
- Montreal, QC
- Introductory courses
- IP certification courses
One-night per week IP certification courses for gradual learning in small groups, or one-day introductory courses, or one-day exam-only courses. All levels welcome. Cours d'un ou deux jours avec apprentissage en petits groupes. Tous les niveaux sont les bienvenus.
See AC CORE courses
PoCUSEast
- Halifax, NS
- IP certification courses
Three-day courses for point of care ultrasound training.
See AC CORE courses
Prairie POCUS
- Canada
- IP certification courses
Four-day hands-on workshop with integrated CPoCUS exams designed for participants to obtain full IP certification at the end of the course.
See AC CORE courses
RIPP
- Canada
- CORE IP certification courses
Four-day courses at the rural clinician’s facility for those that cannot find coverage when away at an ultrasound course or have no one to supervise the scans required for certification.
See AC CORE courses
SONO Manitoba
- Winnipeg, MB
- IP certification courses
Three-day hands-on workshops and exams designed to provide certification in point of care ultrasound.
See AC CORE courses
Try eLearning
Combine the online curriculum with online testing
Available in French or English for CORE tracks
Used by Canadian universities
Online curriculum
Didactic Material
Didactic material is divided into modules
- Ultrasound controls
- Physics of ultrasound
- Probe movements
- Probe types
- System care
- Sub-xiphoid cardiac view
- Aorta
- Abdomen
- First-trimester obstetrics
- Pleural effusion
- Pneumothorax
Instructional Videos
Videos are aligned with didactic material
Videos show scanning on live models with guidance for image generation, interpretation, and clinical integration.
Online Testing
Quizzes
Quizzes are aligned with modules and customized by course directors.
Final Exam
A final exam can be created from a combination of quizzes.
CERTIFY
How to get certified
as an Independent Practitioner (IP)
IP candidate completes a CPoCUS-accredited CORE introductory course
IP candidate completes logged scan requirements supervised by a CORE IP examiner
IP candidate passes three examinations with a CORE IP examiner
CORE IP examiner submits an IP request for the IP candidate
IP candidate pays one-time certificate fee to finalize IP certification
IP candidate receives IP number and CORE IP certificate
Brief overview of certification examinations
You must be a CPoCUS member to attempt any examination
All examination questions are based on the curriculum
Written examination assesses knowledge base.
The Written exam is conducted on a computer (one examiner supervises many candidates).
Pass score of 85%.
The Written exam is an online, multiple choice, closed book examination with 20-80 questions. If the candidate fails the first attempt, they receive a report detailing incorrect answers. Candidates may re-write the examination the next day.
Visual examination assesses image interpretation and ability to integrate POCUS findings into clinical care.
The Visual exam is conducted on a computer (one examiner supervises one candidate).
Pass score of 85%.
The Visual exam uses an online interactive video presentation. The examiner asks the candidate to interpret images and videos, and incorporate findings into case scenarios.
Practical examination assesses image generation.
The Practical exam is conducted on a standardized patient (one examiner supervises one candidate).
Pass score of 100%.
The Practical exam is an in-person scanning examination. The examiner uses a detailed checklist of essential techniques to assess the candidate.
The candidate should perform the techniques without hesitation and without prompting from the examiner.
Maintain
Keep up to date with MOC
Maintenance of Competency (MOC) helps refresh and expand your POCUS skills
Online quizzes available in French and English
Test your POCUS skills in these tracks:
Acute Care CORE
Acute Care MSK
Family Medicine CORE
Resuscitation
Diagnostic
How to complete MOC modules online
Login, select a MOC module in Members sections
Read Curriculum
Take Quiz (score ≥ 85%)
Download Certificate of Completion
Earn CME credits with MOC
Earn up to 48 Mainpro+ credits by reviewing the CORE curriculum
and passing the CORE MOC quizzes
Get certified by CPoCUS
Become a Member
Take advantage of the benefits below and more!