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Certification Process for Students

Individuals who pass the certification exam will be recognized as Nationally Certified Allied Healthcare professionals. With certification, you will earn credentials to use with your name, a certification ID card and a certificate.

Eligibility requirements to take an NHA certification exam:

To be eligible to earn an NHA certification, a candidate must:
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED
  • Have completed a training program or have one year work experience in the field
  • Be at least 18 years of age (Requirement for CPhT certification exam only)*

*Note: Pharmacy Technician certification requirements vary by state. Please review state-specific pharmacy technician requisites by contacting your state board of pharmacy.

Candidates may be required to provide evidence of training or work experience. Each certification program may have additional practical requirements as adopted by the Board.

An applicant scheduled to graduate from an accredited high school or GED Program may receive a provisional certification under the policies listed below.

  • Must sit no more than 12 months prior to graduation
  • A provisional certification expires 12 months after test date if no High School Diploma/GED evidence submitted
  • Provisional certificates and wallet cards are clearly marked with “Provisional”
  • Provisional certificates cannot be renewed
  • Provisional certificates cannot be reinstated
  • Expiration date follows initial testing date and requires all the continuing education of a full certification


If you are currently a student enrolled in an Allied Health program at an NHA affiliated school:

  1. "Pre-register" for an Exam to create an account with NHA.
  2. Your school will coordinate your exam date with NHA and provide you with direction on when you will be testing.
  3. When you've received information from your school that your testing date has been scheduled, log in to your NHA account to confirm your exam registration.
  4. Take your certification exam at your school at the specified date and time.
  5. Exam results for computer-based exams are available immediately. Computer-based exam candidates with a passing score will receive their certification ID card and certificate via mail within 5-7 days of the exam. Results of paper/pencil exams will be mailed 5-7 days after NHA received your text booklet. Paper/pencil exam candidates with a passing score will receive their certification ID card and certificate via mail 5-7 days after NHA received your text booklet.
  6. Your NHA certification is valid for two years. You can maintain your certification by completing 10 continuing education credits every two years and completing the recertification process.  (Note: Continuing education and recertification requirements vary slightly for Certified Pharmacy Technicians.)

If you are currently an Allied Health professional working in an area of certification for a minimum of one year:

  1. "Pre-register" for an Exam to create an account with NHA.
  2. Log in to your account. Select "Apply" and follow the process  to schedule your exam.
  3. You will take your exam at one of over 600 PSI Testing Centers throughout the United States.  Find Your Testing Location..
  4. After you check out, your confirmation email will include instructions on scheduling your specific testing location and time for your exam.
  5. Exam results will be available in 24-48 hours.You can access this information by logging into your NHA account.
  6. For individuals who achieve a passing score, your certification ID card and certificate will be mailed to you within 5-7 days of the exam.
  7. Your NHA certification is valid for two years. You can maintain your certification by completing 10 continuing education credits every two years and completing the recertification process.  (Note: Continuing education and recertification requirements vary slightly for Certified Pharmacy Technicians.)

If you are currently a student enrolled at a school that is not affiliated with NHA:


  1. "Pre-register" for an Exam to create an account with NHA.
  2. Log in to your account. Select "Apply" and follow the process  to schedule your exam.
  3. You will take your exam at one of over 600 PSI Testing Centers throughout the United States.  Find Your Testing Location.
  4. After you check out, your confirmation email will include instructions on scheduling your specific testing location and time for your exam.
  5. Exam results will be available in 24-48 hours. You can access this information by logging into your NHA account.
  6. For individuals who achieve a passing score, your certification ID card and certificate will be mailed to you within 5-7 days of the exam.
  7. Your NHA certification is valid for two years. You can maintain your certification by completing 10 continuing education credits every two years and completing the recertification process.  (Note: Continuing education and recertification requirements vary slightly for Certified Pharmacy Technicians.)