If you’re a Medical Assistant certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), your certification must be renewed every two years. ACI Medical & Dental School recommends completing your renewal before your CCMA certification expires to avoid any disruptions in your credentials or access to NHA benefits. Here’s a simple guide to help you renew or reinstate your certification.
NHA Certification Renewal vs. Reinstatement: What’s the Difference??
The NHA offers two options for keeping your Medical Assistant certification valid: renewal and reinstatement.
- Renewal: Used when your certification is still active. You complete the required steps to keep it current.
- Reinstatement: Used when your certification has expired. You’ll need to complete additional steps to reactivate it.
If your certification expires:
- You must retake and pass the certification exam.
- If you hold multiple certifications, you’ll need 10 total CE (Continuing Education) credits.
- If reinstating after expiration, you’ll need 15 CE credits instead.
What Happens If My NHA Certification Expires?
If your NHA certification expires:
- You can no longer work as a certified Medical Assistant.
- You lose access to NHA resources and benefits.
- You may fall behind on current best practices in your field.
To avoid this, NHA recommends renewing each year to stay current and compliant.
How to Renew Your NHA Certification
If you have multiple certifications, you can renew them together. Renewal is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends. The process for renewal is as follows:
- Complete 10 Continuing education (CE) credits
- Log in to nhanow.com.
- Click “Find CE Courses” on the left menu under Continuing Education.
- Choose your course– select “View Content” and then “Take Exam.”
- Follow the step-by-step instructions provided.
- Renew Certification
- Log in to your NHA account, and select “Renew Certifications” on the left menu of your NHA launchpad to begin the checkout process.
- Check out
- Pay your two-year certification renewal fee.
The Benefits of Renewing Your NHA Certification
There are many benefits to renewing your NHA certification, including the following:
- Keeping your professional credentials up-to-date.
- Renewing your NHA certification ensures that your professional credentials are up-to-date. This is important because it shows employers and clients that you are knowledgeable and skilled in your field.
- Maintaining your professional status.
- Your NHA certification also allows you to maintain your professional status. This is crucial because it will enable you to continue working in your chosen career and provides you with the opportunity for advancement.
- Access to exclusive resources.
- With your NHA certification, you gain access to exclusive resources, including the latest information and best practices in your field—providing you the knowledge to stay up-to-date on your field’s latest data and trends.
- Discounts on professional development opportunities.
- Upon renewal, you may be eligible for discounts on professional development opportunities, such as conferences and workshops, furthering your professional development and career growth.
What If I Miss My Renewal Deadline?
As an NHA-certified professional, you have access to the resources you need to stay ahead of the curve as a Medical Assistant and earn continuous education credits (CECs). The NHA requires ten continuing education credits to renew your certification. If you completed a 6-hour class, you would have completed 3 of your 10 CE credits. There are options available if you miss the renewal deadline:
- If your certification expired less than a year ago, you can still renew by completing 15 CE credits and paying additional fees.
- If it’s been more than a year, you must retake and pass the exam.
- CE credits earned from other sources may count toward your renewal requirements.
Paying & Completing Your Recertification
The renewal fee is approximately $179 every two years. There’s no penalty for renewing early—in fact, it’s encouraged to avoid lapses.
Need Help?
Contact ACI Medical & Dental School for assistance with your renewal. We’re here to help you stay certified and succeed in your career as a Medical Assistant.