HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED

Getting certified is a two-part process. Candidates must submit a formal application (included in this Handbook) to demonstrate eligibility to sit for one of the examinations. Once the applicant is deemed eligible, the candidate may sign up to take the examination. The candidate’s application is valid for twelve months from the date of approval to register and take the selected examination. The candidate must successfully pass that examination covering the functions performed in the specified credential (see examination blueprint). There are two options for taking the examination; onsite testing (paper and pencil) or computer based testing (electronically at Pearson VUE testing centers).  The application deadlines vary depending on whether it is an onsite testing (see page 8) or computer based testing (see page 11).

Applications are reviewed after each application submission deadline. Applications received after the published deadline will be processed for the next examination offering. For application deadlines, see below or visit the NBHHC^® website at www.nbhhc.org.   

 

Computer Based Testing *TESTING CENTER
TESTING SCHEDULE	WINTER	SPRING	SUMMER	FALL
Application Deadline	January 19	April 8	July 22	October 21
2024 Test Window*	February 1-29	April 15-May 13	August 1-31	November 1-30
On-site Testing *LAS VEGAS, NV
TESTING SCHEDULE		MANAGER	ADMINISTRATOR	EXECUTIVE
Application Deadline		March 18	July 15	TBD
2024Test Date		March 29	August 2	TBD

*Candidates may schedule to take computer based testing examinations any day within this period at a Pearson VUE local testing center (based on testing location availability).

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

All documentation submitted including the application form will become the property of NBHHC.  Please make a copy of your completed application for your record. Under no circumstances will the documents be returned back to the applicant. To ensure confidentiality of your information and delivery of your application, it is recommended that a reliable source of delivery service with a tracking system is used when sending in applications. Submit completed applications to:

 

NBHHC Certification Application              Telephone: 916-262-6800

3780 Rosin Court, Suite 150                    Email: certification@nbhhc.org

Sacramento, CA 95834                            Website: www.nbhhc.org

 

APPLICATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Please adhere to the following guidelines when submitting your application for review:

• Submit the completed application form, fee payment and supporting documentation to NBHHC by the published application deadline date that corresponds with the examination you wish to take. It is the responsibility of the applicant to meet all scheduled deadlines.
• Applications must be filled in completely (and legibly), or they will not be processed or reviewed. Applicant will be notified of the status of their application via email to the address provided.
• Application fee must be received with application paperwork, or the application will not be processed.
• Supporting documents must accompany application. All transcripts, diplomas, or certificates of completion must be submitted with the application form. 
• Applications received after the published deadline will be processed for the next examination offering. 
• To confirm NBHHC’s receipt of your application, please make sure to include a stamped/self-addressed postcard that may be returned as confirmation that the NBHHC office received the application OR an email address where you want notification of your application status to be sent. Please add NBHHC’s email (certification@nbhhc.org) to your safe email recipient list. 
• If you do not receive a notice of your application status by the examination registration date, please contact the NBHHC office at certification@nbhhc.org or (916) 262-6800.  

 

Application Fee

• The application fee entitles the applicant to a review of their application by NBHHC to determine eligibility.
• The certification application fee is non-refundable and non-transferable (NO EXCEPTIONS).
• Once your application is approved, your eligibility status is valid for one year from the date of approval.

 

Application Review
Applications received will be reviewed by NBHHC to determine an applicant’s eligibility to take the certification examination. Applicants will be notified of their application status via email approximately two-four (2-4) weeks from submission. This correspondence will include examination registration instructions. Once a candidate has received notification of eligibility, he/she must then register and pay the examination fee by the deadline date in order to take the certification examination.

 

Denial of Eligibility
Applicants may receive a notice of denial for any of the following reasons:

• If applicant has insufficient experience based on their application. 
• If application is incomplete, illegible or not signed.
• If there is misrepresentation, insufficient or no supporting documentation of education. 

If an applicant is deemed ineligible to take the certification examination, NBHHC will send notification via email indicating the areas of the application where the candidate did not meet minimum qualifications per reviewer. Applicants who reapply must submit a new, updated and completed application and application fee.

 

Application Appeals Process
An applicant who receives notice they are ineligible to take the certification examination due to insufficient experience may (within fourteen (14) calendar days of the notice) appeal the results in writing to the NBHHC. An appeal is a letter addressed to the Chair of the NBHHC c/o the Education Director at the NBHHC address. Appeals can also be accepted via email: certification@nbhhc.org. The appeals process allows the applicant an opportunity to provide an explanation of areas where the reviewer indicated insufficient experience.  It is also an opportunity for the applicant to submit any missing documentation that was previously omitted or to submit new items for consideration. The appeals process is not allowed for  applicants who are ineligible because their application had missing pages or if information was misrepresented in the application.

 

Candidate Confidentiality
In order to ensure confidentiality of the applicant’s information and candidate status, all communication regarding the applicant’s status is communicated directly to the individual via email to the address provided in the application. Application review results are not provided over the phone or to any third party.

 

CERTIFICATION FEES

Examination Registration Fee
The certification examination registration fee entitles candidates to take one certification examination, receive one score report and one copy of the certification certificate upon receiving a passing score.

 

CERTIFICATION FEES AND REFUND POLICIES
Fees must be prepaid by credit card or check. If paying by credit card, form must be filled out completely including cardholder signature.

 

INITIAL CERTIFICATION FEES	FEE RATE
Application Submission Fee:	$99
Examinations Registration Fee:	$499
Examinations Cancellation Fee:	$199
Examinations Hand Re-scoring Fee:	$99
RENEWAL FEES	FEE RATE
Renewal Application Submission Fee:	$99
Renewal Fee:	$299
Renewal Late Fee: (Certifications expired under one (1) year upon receipt of renewal application by NBHHC are subject to a late fee.)	$99

* Certifications expired for more than one (1) year are not eligible for renewal.

Fee Payment Policy: All returned checks will be subject to a $25.00 service charge per item. If the check does not clear, NBHHC will only accept a money order or credit card. All outstanding balances must be paid upon submission of application.

• Payment of Renewal Late Fee is required if the renewal application is received by NBHHC post expiration date through one (1) year after certification expiration.
• After one (1) year from certification expiration, the certification is ineligible for renewal. To obtain a new certification the candidate must follow the initial certification process. (See page 5 of Candidate Handbook for eligibility requirements and applying for examination.)