Exam Eligibility Requirements
Candidates may qualify for NHWCA® certification through one of the routes below. Choose the route that best matches your education and experience, then apply to test or submit an employer-verified exemption when eligible.
Route 1 — Program Graduate
Graduate of an allied-health training program aligned to the target credential.
- Completed didactic and (if applicable) skills/lab components
- Program outcomes map to the credential’s exam blueprint
- Upload diploma/certificate or official completion letter
Route 2 — Reciprocity (Another Board)
Current, good-standing certification from another recognized board in the same discipline.
- Upload credential card/certificate and status verification (if available)
- Provide the issuing board’s exam blueprint/competency statement for equivalency review
- NHWCA® confirms alignment; additional documentation or a bridge assessment may be required
Route 3 — On-the-Job Training (≥ 2 Months)
Employer-trained candidates with at least two months of supervised, role-relevant experience.
- Supervisor attestation of training dates, unit/department, and skills performed
- Skills checklist or competency log (if available)
- Eligible to sit for the NHWCA® exam
Route 4 — Employer-Verified 1-Year Experience (Exam Exemption)
Candidates with ≥ 1,000 hours over 12 months of verifiable practice at an accredited/licensed employer may request an exam exemption (board approval required).
- Employer Experience Verification Form completed and signed by HR or department leadership
- Job description and competency checklist aligning to NHWCA® exam domains
- Proof of employer accreditation/licensure (e.g., Joint Commission, state license), if applicable
- NHWCA® may audit or request additional evidence; exemptions are not guaranteed
Note: Misrepresentation may result in denial, revocation, or disciplinary action.
Documents You May Need
- Government-issued ID (identity verification for testing or reciprocity)
- Diploma/certificate or official completion letter (Route 1)
- Current certificate and verification from the other board; blueprint/competencies (Route 2)
- Supervisor/HR training attestation and skills log (Route 3)
- Employer Experience Verification Form + accreditation/licensure proof (Route 4)
- CPR card if required by the target credential
Security & Integrity
All routes are subject to identity checks, audit, and verification. NHWCA® may deny eligibility or rescind credentials if documentation is inaccurate or incomplete.
Accommodations
Testing accommodations are available upon documented request while preserving exam validity. Request during application.
Non-Discrimination
NHWCA® does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or other protected status.