Echo trainees should have at least one (and ideally two) protected half-day tutorial sessions each week and have access to appropriate training materials (books, CD-ROMs, internet access) and echo meetings. Sonographers who undertake and report echo studies unsupervised should have appropriate seniority and accreditation.

Undertaking a recognised accreditation programme provides the sonographer with a structured means of attaining a minimum standard in echo. Although gaining accreditation does not in itself guarantee competence, it nonetheless provides a foundation on which to build one’s knowledge and skills. The process of learning about echo does not end with accreditation, but must continue to develop with continuing professional education and ongoing experience in performing echo studies, and by seeking reaccreditation at regular intervals.

Several national societies provide accreditation programmes. The BSE offers accreditation in: