SDM2®

Seroma Drainage Management & Aspiration (SDM2)®

BAA Praxis Clinical Certification in Seroma Drainage Management & Aspiration

The SDM2® Clinical Certification is designed for licensed healthcare professionals qualified to perform aspiration of seromas under sterile conditions. This advanced-level credential certifies your ability to safely and effectively manage fluid-related complications on post plastic surgical clients through invasive technique, with strict adherence to sterile protocols and post-aspiration care.

Seromas, if left unmanaged, can lead to infection, necrosis, scar distortion, and prolonged healing. The SDM2® credential validates your ability to prevent escalation through early detection and skilled intervention. This certification also affirms your knowledge of complex fluid dynamics, anatomy, clinical troubleshooting, and safety protocols during aspiration procedures.

Note: This certification is restricted to licensed professionals with a nursing degree or higher.

 

Who Is This Certification For?

This is a clinical certification for licensed healthcare professionals, including:

  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Nurse Practitioners (NP)
  • Physician Assistants (PA)
  • Physicians (MD/DO)

 

Certification Type:
Praxis Certification

Exam Length:
1 hour

Questions:

45

Passing Score:

80%

Exam Format:

Multiple Choice

Member price:
$395

Non-Member Price:
$695

Is the SDM2® Certification Right for You?

The SDM2® Certification is a specialized credential from the BAA-CORE Federation (BCF) designed for licensed healthcare professionals who perform clinical seroma aspiration and advanced fluid management on post-plastic surgery clients. Whether you’re an RN, NP, PA, or MD/DO, this certification confirms your expertise in safe, sterile aspiration techniques and complex post-op fluid care.

  • Peace of Mind: Professionals with SDM2® report greater confidence managing seromas and preventing complications.

     

  • Clinical Authority: This credential distinguishes you as a trusted clinical resource for seroma aspiration within your healthcare team.

     

Growing Field: Thousands of practitioners worldwide rely on SDM2® certification to elevate their practice in surgical recovery and aesthetics care.

Path to SDM2® Certification

Path to SDM2®

Before applying, ensure you meet both of the following sets:

Step A: Standard BAA Certification Requirements

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Hold a high school diploma or equivalent
  • Submit a complete application
  • Have no felony convictions that compromise ethical standing
  • No active license suspensions
  • Agree to abide by CSL’s Code of Professional Responsibility Guide

SDM2 Exam at a glance

The SDM2® exam consists of 45 randomized questions pulled from the following 10 domains. 

  1. Core Seroma Definitions & Anatomy
  2. Seroma Etiology & Pathophysiology
  3. Non-Clinical Management & Prevention Strategies
  4. Preparation & Safety Protocols 
  5. Technique & Execution 
  6. Complications & Troubleshooting During Aspiration 
  7. Seroma Progression & Advanced Complications
  8. Professional Assessment & Sensation
  9. Ethics, Scope of Practice & Client Support
  10. Biohazard, Sharps & Fluid Disposal Protocols

Step B: SDM2 Clinical Eligibility

  • Must be a licensed healthcare provider with a nursing degree or higher
  • Complete a BCF-approved training course that includes clinical aspiration
  • Current CPR certification
  • Active First Aid certification
  • Proof of sterile technique training or equivalent coursework (ie, wound care, blood borne pathogens, infection control, etc)

Exam Access & Rescheduling

  • Remote proctoring available 24/7
  • 3 attempts allowed within 1 year
  • 30-day wait between attempts
  • Rescheduling Fees:
    • No fee >31 days
    • $62.50 from 4–30 days
    • No changes allowed <3 days

Where SDM2® Professionals Lead with Confidence

How the SDM2® Certification Pays Off

Why Get Certified?

  • Reduce Client Complications: Identify and manage fluid issues before they escalate
  • Regulatory Clarity: Operate confidently within your license and avoid liability
  • Professional Recognition: Show clients and surgical teams you meet the gold standard
  • Stronger Client Retention: Handle complications in-house instead of referring them out
  • Higher Earnings: Increase the scope of reimbursable and private-pay procedures

Certification Benefits

  • Use the designation Certified Seroma Manager & Aspirator (CSMA)
  • Receive a framed certificate, lapel pin, and digital badge
  • Eligibility for CSL panels, protocol development, and leadership roles
  • Invitation to BCF’s annual pinning & honors ceremony

Maintaining Your SDM2® Certification

    • Required: Active respective healthcare license
    • Earn CPE Credits: Through CSL-approved or equivalent clinical education
    • Update Records: Promptly inform BCF of licensing or business status changes
    • Membership: MBMA membership required in year one

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the difference between Board Certification and Praxis Certification?

Board Certification recognizes competency in a specific modality or bodywork system tied to tissue behavior and treatment outcomes. Praxis Certification is professional-focused and confirms that an individual can apply defined skills responsibly within their scope of work.

Does this certification have to be renewed?

No.

Can I take this if I’m not a nurse or higher?

No. This certification is restricted to licensed healthcare professionals with a nursing degree or higher due to clinical procedure risks.

Does this allow me to aspirate seromas in all states?

Scope laws vary. This certification confirms clinical competence, but you must follow your state’s legal and licensing regulations.

What if I already took SDM1®? Do I still need SDM2®?

Yes. SDM1® is nonclinical and does not qualify you to aspirate. SDM2® is required for invasive care. The exams and questions differ with SDM2 having a focus on clinical aspiration.

Do I get my results right away?

Yes. Your score appears immediately after the exam.

How do I schedule my exam?

After application approval, you’ll receive an email with your BCF ID and instructions for ExamOnline.

Ready to Become SDM2® Certified?

Apply for the SDM2® Certification and stand out as a clinical authority in aesthetic recovery and seroma risk management.