FAQs

Most Popular Questions

What are the requirements to take an NHA exam? Do I qualify to sit for an NHA exam?
To sit for an NHA exam, you must:
 
1. Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as the General Education Development test (GED) or other equivalency test recognized by the candidate’s state of residency, or diploma and official transcript reflecting equivalent education as evaluated by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for secondary education (if documents are not in English, a translation into English from a translation service approved in the United States for legal or government documents must be available upon request). Candidates that do not currently meet this requirement but will be able to do so within twelve months may be eligible for a Provisional Certification.
 
2. Successfully complete a training program or have relevant work experience as described below:
  • Training Program: Candidates must successfully complete a training program in the health field covered by the NHA certification exam offered by an accredited or state-recognized institution or provider.
    • Military: Formal medical services training in the health field covered by the NHA certification exam offered by any branch of the U.S. Military fulfills the Training Program. Candidates whose date of graduation or completion from their training program is five years or more prior to the date of application, also must have relevant work experience as described below.
  • Work Experience: Candidates must have at least one (1) year of supervised work experience in the health field covered by the NHA certification exam within the past three (3) years.


Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Candidates

Each candidate must be able to provide evidence that he/she has performed a minimum of:

  • 30 successful venipunctures
  • 10 capillary or finger sticks

These venipuncture and capillary sticks must be performed on live individuals.


Certified EKG Technician (CET) Candidates

Each candidate must be able to provide evidence that he/she has performed a minimum of:

  • 10 EKGs

The EKGs must be performed on live individuals.


ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam Candidates (CPhT)

To be eligible to sit for the ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam, you must:

1. Be within no more than 60 days of successful completion of all requirements needed to obtain a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as the General Education Development test (GED) or other equivalency test recognized by the candidate’s state of residency, or diploma and official transcript reflecting equivalent education as evaluated by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for secondary education (if documents are not in English, a translation into English from a translation service approved in the United States for legal or government documents must be available upon request).

2. Successfully complete a training program or have relevant work experience as described below:
  • Training Program: Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
1. Successfully complete a pharmacy technician training program offered by an accredited or state-recognized institution or provider; or
 
2. Successfully complete an employer-based training program that:
a. is recognized by the Board of Pharmacy of the state in which the candidate completes the training program; or
 
b. has been verified by the candidate’s employer to provide academic preparation, including technical skills and knowledge, sufficient to prepare the candidate to adequately perform the duties of an entry-level pharmacy technician.
  • Military: Formal medical services pharmacy related training offered by any branch of the US Military fulfills the training program. Candidates whose date of graduation or completion from their training program is five (5) years or more prior to the date of application, must also have relevant work experience as described below.

  • Work Experience: Candidates must have completed at least 1200 hours of supervised pharmacy related work experience within any one (1) year of the past three (3) years.
How do I register for an exam?
1. Log in to your existing account or create an account here. If registering, make sure to fill out all the required information.

2. At the bottom of the page, read the terms and conditions. If you agree, click the box next to the statement, “Yes. I agree.” Then click the “Register” button.

3. Select the exam type that you would like to register for, then read the attestation on the following page. If you agree to the statements, click the “Agree” button at the bottom of the page.
 
4. To select your exam date, click the calendar icon to choose from any available date or choose the “First available” button. Any available exam dates will be highlighted on the calendar in blue. After choosing an exam date, click the “Continue” button.

5. Answer the two prerequisite questions by selecting the circle next to your answer. Click the “Checkout” or “Finalize Application” button to continue. To register for more exams, click the “Register for Another Exam” button.
 
6. Verify the details for your exam registration are correct.
 
How do I register to take an NHA exam if my school or employer isn't partnered with NHA?
You may still sit for the exam if you are eligible. You’ll register to take the exam through PSI.
How to register at PSI:

1. Log in to your existing account or create an account here.

2. Enter all required information on the following screen. Select “Registering Individually” from the “Organization Type” drop-down menu.

3. From your home page, click “Apply.” Select the exam you would like to register for by clicking on the exam name.

4. Read the attestation. Click “I Agree” if you agree with the statements.

5. Next, select whether or not you have received a high school diploma or GED.

6. If you are finished registering for exams, click “Checkout” to complete your registration. If you need to register for an additional exam, click “Register for Another Exam”.

7. After completing your registration and paying for your exam(s), you will need to contact PSI at 833-537-1330 to schedule your exam date.

Download these instructions as a PDF >

Once you have registered to test through PSI, you must take your exam within 6 months of your registration date. After 6 months, if the exam is not taken, the cost of your exam is forfeited and you must register and repurchase the exam.
How do I study for my NHA certification exam?
While it’s not required that you purchase NHA study materials to take or pass your exam, various study materials are available for purchase on the NHA store. Additional resources to study are available on this list.
Can I take an NHA certification exam if I’m still in high school or currently enrolled in a GED program?

If you are scheduled to graduate from an accredited high school or GED program, you may receive a provisional certification as long as you meet the following requirements:

  • You must take and pass your exam no more than 12 months before you graduate.
  • When applying for full certification after graduation, you must provide proof of graduation (high school diploma or GED).

Please note: Provisionally certified candidates will have a “P” associated with their certification number.

Provisional certifications expire 12 months after your exam date and cannot be renewed or reinstated. Provisional certifications may be converted to full certifications by meeting all certification eligibility requirements. Once your provisional certification is converted to a full certification, the expiration date will be based on your initial testing date. To keep your full certification valid, you must complete the standard continuing education requirements. Provisional certification is not available to candidates sitting for the ExCPT Pharmacy Technician exam.


Taking Your Exam

What are the requirements to take an NHA exam? Do I qualify to sit for an NHA exam?
To sit for an NHA exam, you must:
 
1. Possess a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as the General Education Development test (GED) or other equivalency test recognized by the candidate’s state of residency, or diploma and official transcript reflecting equivalent education as evaluated by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for secondary education (if documents are not in English, a translation into English from a translation service approved in the United States for legal or government documents must be available upon request). Candidates that do not currently meet this requirement but will be able to do so within twelve months may be eligible for a Provisional Certification.
 
2. Successfully complete a training program or have relevant work experience as described below:
  • Training Program: Candidates must successfully complete a training program in the health field covered by the NHA certification exam offered by an accredited or state-recognized institution or provider.
    • Military: Formal medical services training in the health field covered by the NHA certification exam offered by any branch of the U.S. Military fulfills the Training Program. Candidates whose date of graduation or completion from their training program is five years or more prior to the date of application, also must have relevant work experience as described below.
  • Work Experience: Candidates must have at least one (1) year of supervised work experience in the health field covered by the NHA certification exam within the past three (3) years.


Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) Candidates

Each candidate must be able to provide evidence that he/she has performed a minimum of:

  • 30 successful venipunctures
  • 10 successful capillary sticks

These venipuncture and capillary sticks must be performed on live individuals.


Certified EKG Technician (CET) Candidates

Each candidate must be able to provide evidence that he/she has performed a minimum of:

  • 10 EKGs

The EKGs must be performed on live individuals.


ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam Candidates (CPhT)

To be eligible to sit for the ExCPT Pharmacy Technician Exam, you must:

1. Be within no more than 60 days of successful completion of all requirements needed to obtain a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as the General Education Development test (GED) or other equivalency test recognized by the candidate’s state of residency, or diploma and official transcript reflecting equivalent education as evaluated by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers for secondary education (if documents are not in English, a translation into English from a translation service approved in the United States for legal or government documents must be available upon request).

2. Successfully complete a training program or have relevant work experience as described below:

  • Training Program: Candidates must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:
1. Successfully complete a pharmacy technician training program offered by an accredited or state-recognized institution or provider; or
 
2. Successfully complete an employer-based training program that:
a. is recognized by the Board of Pharmacy of the state in which the candidate completes the training program; or
 
b. has been verified by the candidate’s employer to provide academic preparation, including technical skills and knowledge, sufficient to prepare the candidate to adequately perform the duties of an entry-level pharmacy technician.
  • Military: Formal medical services pharmacy related training offered by any branch of the US Military fulfills the training program. Candidates whose date of graduation or completion from their training program is five (5) years or more prior to the date of application, must also have relevant work experience as described below.

  • Work Experience: Candidates must have completed at least 1200 hours of supervised pharmacy related work experience within any one (1) year of the past three (3) years.
How do I register for an exam?
1. Log in to your existing account or create an account here. If registering, make sure to fill out all the required information.

2. At the bottom of the page, read the terms and conditions. If you agree, click the box next to the statement, “Yes. I agree.” Then click the “Register” button.

3. Select the exam type that you would like to register for, then read the attestation on the following page. If you agree to the statements, click the “Agree” button at the bottom of the page.

4. To select your exam date, click the calendar icon to choose from any available date or choose the “First available” button. Any available exam dates will be highlighted on the calendar in blue. After choosing an exam date, click the “Continue” button.

5. Answer the two prerequisite questions by selecting the circle next to your answer. Click the “Checkout” or “Finalize Application” button to continue. To register for more exams, click the “Register for Another Exam” button.

6. Verify the details for your exam registration are correct.

Download these instructions as a PDF >
How do I register to take an NHA exam if my school or employer isn't partnered with NHA?
You may still sit for the exam if you are eligible. You’ll register to take the exam through PSI.
How to register at PSI:

1. Log in to your existing account or create an account here.

2. Enter all required information on the following screen. Select “Registering Individually” from the “Organization Type” drop-down menu.

3. From your home page, click “Apply.” Select the exam you would like to register for by clicking on the exam name.

4. Read the attestation. Click “I Agree” if you agree
with the statements.

5. Next, select whether or not you have received a high school diploma or GED.

6. If you are finished registering for exams, click “Checkout” to complete your registration. If you need to register for an additional exam, click “Register for Another Exam”.

7. After completing your registration and paying for your exam(s), you will need to contact PSI at 833-537-1330 to schedule your exam date.
Download these instructions as a PDF >

Once you have registered to test through PSI, you must take your exam within 6 months of your registration date. After 6 months, if the exam is not taken, the cost of your exam is forfeited and you must register and repurchase the exam.
How do I study for my NHA certification exam?
While it’s not required that you purchase NHA study materials to take or pass your exam, various study materials are available for purchase on the NHA store. Additional resources to study are available on this list.
Can I take an NHA certification exam if I’m still in high school or currently enrolled in a GED program?

If you are scheduled to graduate from an accredited high school or GED program, you may receive a provisional certification as long as you meet the following requirements:

  • You must take and pass your exam no more than 12 months before you graduate.
  • When applying for full certification after graduation, you must provide proof of graduation (high school diploma or GED).

Please note: Provisionally certified candidates will have a “P” associated with their certification number.

Provisional certifications expire 12 months after your exam date and cannot be renewed or reinstated. Provisional certifications may be converted to full certifications by meeting all certification eligibility requirements. Once your provisional certification is converted to a full certification, the expiration date will be based on your initial testing date. To keep your full certification valid, you must complete the standard continuing education requirements. Provisional certification is not available to candidates sitting for the ExCPT Pharmacy Technician exam.

Where do I take my exam?

We offer exams through NHA-affiliated schools, through PSI, a third-party testing administrator, and Live Remote Proctoring (LRP).

If you are not currently enrolled at an NHA partner school or employer, you will take your exam at a PSI Testing Center or through LRP.

PSI Testing Center Openings

What do I need to bring to the testing site?
  • Online Exam at your institution: bring a current government-issued photo ID.
  • Paper Exam at your institution: bring a current government-issued photo ID and two number 2 pencils.
  • Online Exam at PSI: bring a current government-issued photo ID. Please note: the name on your photo ID must match the name you are registered under exactly.
How can I reschedule my exam if I am testing at my institution?
1. Log in to your account at www.nhanow.com.

2. Click the ‘My Applications tab located on the left side of the screen.

3. Click the square calendar icon to the right of the exam that you would like to reschedule.

4. Select your desired exam date by clicking the coinciding line, then click the ‘Continue’ button (see above).

5. Verify the exam details (date, time, location, etc.) for your new exam date.

6. If everything is correct, click the ‘Ok’ button.

Download these instructions as a PDF >
How can I reschedule my exam if I am testing through PSI?
To reschedule an exam scheduled at a PSI testing center, you must call PSI (833-537-1330) at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam time. If you do not reschedule your exam at least 24 hours before your scheduled exam time, the cost of your exam is forfeited and you must register and repurchase the exam. 
I didn’t pass my exam. How soon can I retake it?
  • If you don’t pass your exam, you are allowed a second and third attempt to successfully pass the exam, with a waiting period of a minimum of 30 days between each examination attempt.
  • After your third attempt, you must wait 12 months between attempts. 
Please note: you must pay for each exam retake.
If I completed my training in one state and am moving to another, can I take the NHA certification exam in my new state?
Yes, you may take your exam at a PSI testing center in your area. PSI testing centers are located throughout the United States. Contact PSI at (833-537-1330) or Find a testing center >
Does NHA provide special accommodations?
NHA provides exam accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Candidates who have a documented disability may submit an accommodation form along with the necessary supporting documentation.
English is not my primary language. Am I allowed to use translation tools or can my NHA certification exam be translated into another language?
Exams will not be translated into languages other than English, and interpreters or language dictionaries will not be permitted to assist with translation.
What should I do if I see someone breaking the rules (cheating on an exam, copying an exam, helping another candidate answer exam questions, etc.)?
NHA takes the integrity and security of our exams seriously. When candidates register to sit for an exam, they certify that they will not cheat or violate the confidentiality of the exam. If a candidate violates any part of the attestation, NHA may revoke his or her certification. If you observe a fellow candidate, proctor or school official breaking the rules, you should notify the proctor or a school official or contact NHA directly at compliance@atitesting.com. Your report will remain confidential.


Getting Your Exam Results and Certificate

When do I get my exam results?
  • Online Exams at an institution: Results are available immediately after your test.
  • Paper/Pencil Exams at an institution: Results will be available within 48 business hours of being received by NHA.
  • Online Exams at PSI: Results will be available within 48 business hours of your exam. 
How do I get my exam results?
You will receive an email notification when your results are available within the certification portal. For confidentiality, the notification email will not include your exam score. Once your exam results are available, you can view them by logging into your certification portal account and clicking the Results tab.
Where are NHA certifications sent?

Certifications, certification wallet cards and score results are confidential and are provided directly to candidates.

Confidential information is not disclosed without the student’s permission.

Information that is not considered confidential and may be shared with schools or employers includes certification status, certification number and the current status of a certification. NHA provides your institution with reporting that summarizes the pass rate of your students along with state and national average pass rates for comparative reference.


Renewing Your Certification

How do I keep my NHA certification current?
  • Your certification must be renewed every two years.
  • To stay current, you must complete 10 continuing education credits and pay a recertification fee every two years.


Read more about the continuing education and renewal process.


Download instructions on how to complete your CE credits >

Note for CBCS Certificate Holders
Certificants who passed the NHA CBCS exam prior to October 1, 2015 must complete a minimum of 5 of their 10 required Continuing Education (CE) credits in an ICD-10 specific related course(s). This requirement only applies at the certificant’s first renewal date. At all subsequent renewals, CBCS certificants will follow the standard NHA CE requirements in effect at the time of renewal.

How do I keep my Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT) certification current?
  • Your CPhT certification must be renewed every two years.
  • Once certified, you are required to complete at least 20 hours of continuing education (CE) including at least one hour of Pharmacy Law.
Download instructions on how to complete your CPhT CE credits >


Offering NHA Certification Exams

What is the process for offering NHA certification exams to our students or employees?
  • Visit our how to get started for schools and for employers pages to learn about the process of working with NHA.
  • For more information, please contact our dedicated team of certification specialists at 1.800.499.9092.
Can our school administer NHA certification exams to our students at our location?

In order to administer NHA exams, NHA partner institutions must meet minimum requirements set by NHA around testing facilities and sign a facility attestation.

Please note: the ExCPT exam for pharmacy technicians must be taken at a third-party testing center.

Will our school ever be asked to host exam participants from other institutions?
No - only students who have completed a program at your school will test at your school. NHA certification exams are available to students who are not associated with an institution through PSI Testing Centers. You should direct any outside students who inquire to visit our website to register for an exam at one of these locations.
Who covers the cost of the exams?
Most schools choose to include the cost of the exam as a part of their tuition cost and are invoiced for the student’s exam fees. Options are also available for institutions that prefer to have students pay NHA directly. Contact your certification specialist to discuss options.
How should we prepare our candidates for the exam?

While you are not required to use study materials from NHA exclusively, study materials including study guides and online practice exams are available for purchase on the NHA store.

Please note: the purchase of study materials is not required to sit for any NHA certification exams and does not guarantee a passing score on the exam.

Additional study resources are available here.


General

Is national certification required?
Some states require allied health professionals be certified, while other states require allied health professionals be licensed in order to practice. Check with your state to learn about regulations around your chosen profession.
What is NHA’s refund policy?

There are no refunds offered on certification exams unless the scheduled exam date is canceled by NHA. However, exams may be rescheduled within 6 months of the original exam date at no additional cost. Exams are non-refundable and non-transferable and must be taken by the person who is registered for the exam.

All sales of study materials, study guides, packages, practice assessments, and any other product are final. There are no refunds offered on NHA study materials.