FAQ > Student FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions (Students)
Note: Answers to the following frequently asked questions apply to all certifications with the exception of the Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT). Browse through our site to find more information about ExCPT.
1. Where can I take an NHA Certification exam?
If you are currently a student enrolled in an Allied Health program at a school affiliated with NHA, you will probably take your certification at your school. Check with your school for details on scheduling your exam. If you are currently an Allied Health professional working in an area of certification for a minimum of one year, you will take your exam at one of over 600 PSI Testing Centers throughout the United States. Click here to see testing center locations. If you are currently a student enrolled at a school that is not affiliated with NHA, you will take your exam at one of over 600 PSI Testing Centers throughout the United States. Click here to see testing center locations.
Exams scheduled at PSI Testing Centers must be taken within 6 months of initial registration. After 6 months, the exam is no longer valid and the cost associated to the exam is forfeited. Once the exam is forfeited, the candidate must reregister as well as repurchase the exam.
In order to reschedule or cancel an exam scheduled at a PSI Testing Center, candidates must call PSI at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled test time. If a PSI Testing Center candidate does not cancel or reschedule their exam with PSI at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time, the cost of the exam is forfeited and the candidate must reregister as well as repurchase the exam.
2. What are the requirements to take the NHA National Certification Exam?
NHA Exam Eligibility
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.
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
ExCPT Exam Eligibility
Candidates must be:
- 18 years of age or older
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Not guilty of a felony
- Not had any registration or license revoked, suspended or subject to any disciplinary action by a state health or regulatory board
3. How do I register to take the exam?
To “pre-register” for an exam you must create an account with NHA at www.nhanow.com. For more information on the exam process, click here.
4. How do I study for my National Certification Exam?
Print and Online
Study Guides are available from ATI Allied Health.
5. What do I need to bring to the testing site?
Online Exam: If you are taking an online exam, you must bring a current government-issued photo ID.
Paper Exam: If you are taking a paper/pencil exam, you must bring a current government-issued photo ID and two number 2 pencils.
6. How soon can I retake the exam?
You must wait 30 days to re-test after each exam failure. Each time you take the NHA exam you are required to pay full price. After three failed attempts, you must wait 12 months after the last attempt.
7. How many times can I retake the exam?
After three failed attempts, you must wait 12 months before retaking.
8. What is NHA’s refund policy?
There are no refunds offered on certification exams unless the scheduled exam date is canceled by the NHA. However, the exam may be rescheduled within 6 months of the original exam date.
9. If I completed my training in one state and now I am moving to another, can I take the NHA certification exam in my new state?
Yes, you may take your exam at one of over 600 PSI Testing Centers throughout the United States. Click here to see testing center locations.
10. What are the requirements for testing with my employer?
If you are currently an allied health professional working in an area of certification for a minimum of one year you may take a NHA certification exam at one of over 600 PSI Testing Centers throughout the United States. Click here to see testing center locations.
11. How soon do I get the results of the exam?
Your results, certification ID card and certificate (with passing results) are mailed to you in approximately 5-7 business days. Results of computer-based Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ExCPT) are available immediately at the PSI testing center but a certification ID card and certificate will be mailed to you within approximately 5-7 business days.
12. How do I keep my certification current?
Once certified, you are required to complete 10 Continuing Education credits online and pay a recertification fee. More information regarding Continuing Education is available here.
13. If I took a Home Health Aide course, which NHA exam am I eligible to take?
If you have documented training experience in phlebotomy and EKG, you may qualify for our Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT) certification.
14. What if I have been convicted of a crime?
Exam for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians: Candidates who have been convicted of or pled guilty to a drug-related felony are not eligible for Pharmacy Technician certification. Candidates who were convicted of a nondrug-related felony occurring more than 7 years prior may petition to apply for the ExCPT. NHA will review and make decisions on their status on a case-by-case basis. NHA reserves the right to deny certification to any convicted felon. For all other certification exams, a criminal background is not considered for eligibility to sit for the exam though it may be a requirement for many employers.
15. What are the benefits of NHA certification?
The healthcare industry is growing at a rapid pace, creating many job opportunities in Allied Health occupations. Many employers prefer and often require their workers to obtain certifications.
Certification is granted to those candidates who demonstrate they meet the standards defined by the profession and can give you a competitive advantage, more job opportunities, a higher pay scale, and job security.
Your Allied Health certification offers the following:
- Demonstrates your commitment to your chosen profession
- Enables you to work anywhere in the country because it's a national certification
- Gives you a competitive edge during the job search
- Improves earnings potential, career opportunities and advancement options
16. Is national certification required?
In some states, certification is mandatory for Allied Health professionals. Check with your state regarding your specific Allied Health profession.
17. What are the requirements to take the NHA National Certification Exam?
NHA Exam Eligibility
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.
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
Evidence that a High School Diploma or GED has been earned, must be submitted via fax to NHA, Attn: CE Department, 913-661-6289, or may be sent via courier to the following address: National Healthcareer Association, Attn: CE Department, 7500 West 160th Street, Stilwell, KS 66085. Correspondence must be signed by the Provisional Certification holder and:
- Be received prior to provisional certification expiration
- Contain candidate’s full name
- Complete contact information (Address, Phone, Email)
- Provisional Certification held
- Copy of High School Diploma or GED
- An applicant scheduled to graduate from an accredited high school or GED Program may receive a provisional certification under the policies listed below.
18. What is NHA’s pilot scoring policy?
Click here to learn more about our pilot scoring process.