We are excited to share an important enhancement to NHA's provisional certification program that will provide greater flexibility for your students and better align certification opportunities with high school health science program timelines.

What's Changing?

NHA is expanding provisional certification opportunities to help students earn industry-recognized credentials earlier and make a smoother transition from the classroom to the workforce.

Beginning October 1, 2026:

• CCMA, CPT, CMAA, CET, CEHRS, CBCS, and CPCT provisional certifications will be extended from 12 months to 18 months.
• Pharmacy Technician (ExCPT/CPhT) will now offer a 12-month provisional certification pathway, making it available to high school students for the first time.

As a reminder, the provisional certification period begins on the date a student passes their certification exam.

What Happens to Current Provisional Certifications?

Candidates who have registered for an exam but take and pass the exam after October 1, 2026 will be given 18 months (12 months for ExCPT) from the date they pass the exam. Provisional candidates who have already taken and passed the exam prior to October 1, 2026, must complete their diploma or the equivalent within the original 12 month period (not available for the ExCPT).

What This Means for Your Program and Learners

Enable Juniors to Earn Certifications Earlier

With an 18-month provisional period (12 months for ExCPT), many programs can confidently offer certification opportunities to students during their junior year. This gives students more time to complete graduation requirements while already holding an industry-recognized credential.

Create Opportunities for Multiple Credentials

The extended timeline allows students to pursue and earn multiple certifications before graduating. Programs can build stackable credential pathways that enhance student confidence, employability, and career readiness.

Support Earlier Workforce Readiness

Students can validate their skills sooner and be better prepared to enter healthcare careers after graduation. This supports both student success and the growing demand for qualified healthcare professionals.

Expanded Access for Pharmacy Technician Students

For the first time, eligible high school Pharmacy Technician students will have access to a provisional certification pathway, bringing greater consistency across NHA certification offerings.

Looking Ahead

We know educators have been asking for greater flexibility in provisional certifications for years, and we're excited to deliver a solution that better supports today's health science programs and learners. These updates are designed to help you expand credentialing opportunities, increase student achievement, and better prepare learners for future healthcare careers.

Additional resources and FAQs will be available prior to launch.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.