CPHQ® Recertification
The CPHQ demonstrates your value. Recertification confirms your commitment.
Recertify to show your qualification and dedication
You’ve done the hard work to earn your CPHQ. Don’t lose this valuable badge of honor that confirms your dedication to continued learning and helping to improve healthcare Quality and safety. Each year, recertification is open from July 1 – Dec. 31.
The Joint Commission endorses the CPHQ,
recommending it for skilling individuals and coordinating teams
Enjoy a simpler recertification process
We have streamlined the recertification steps and updated the requirements to provide even more value to your certification. Recertification is a two-year cycle. Your next steps are determined by where you are in the process. Unsure when you need to recertify? Contact us.
Review requirements
Review the recertification requirements* and complete handbook.
Obtain resources
Obtain professional development resources and services.
Complete application
Complete the recertification application** and pay the fee.
*Updated as of 1/1/24
**In the event of an audit, you may need to upload documentation and list continuing education activities
Recertification requirements and fees
When do I need to recertify?
You must recertify every two years, with each recertification cycle beginning Jan. 1 of the year following your initial certification. The cycle ends on Dec. 31 of the second year. If you are not sure when you are due to recertify your CPHQ, log in to your NAHQ account and verify your certification’s expiration date within the My Certification section.
What requirements must I meet to be able to recertify?
Thirty CE credits are required to complete recertification, see the handbook for complete details. You can earn two CE credits by completing the NAHQ Professional Assessment at least once during your recertification cycle. The Professional Assessment is free to all CPHQs.
How much does it cost to recertify?
Advanced rate
July 1 – Sept. 30)
NAHQ member: $175
Nonmember: $230
Oct. 1 – Dec. 31
NAHQ member: $225
Nonmember: $280
Grace Period (Jan. 1 – 31)
NAHQ member: $275
Nonmember: $330
Continuing education activities and hours
What are examples of CPHQ CE activities?
You can earn CE credits through a number of activities, including conferences, webinar and speaking engagements. See the CPHQ Recertification Handbook for more information.
How do I calculate my activity into CE hours?
Refer to pages 6-7 pf the CPHQ Recertification Handbook for details.
Do I need to provide documentation of my CE credits?
No, you only need to provide documentation if you are randomly selected for audit. Those selected for audit will receive an email outlining next steps within a week of recertifying.
What can I do if I can’t find CE activities?
If you are struggling to find CE activities, be sure to reach out to us for help with finding activities to apply toward your recertification. You can reach us at info@nahq.org or (847) 375-4720, Monday–Friday between 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. CT.
Audit
What happens if I’m selected for an audit?
If you are randomly selected for audit, you will be asked to provide documentation that has the following information, at a minimum: date of your activity, timeframe of the activity (or pre-approved CE amount) and title of the activity. You may be requested to provide additional supporting information as needed.
Miscellaneous
Can I take the CPHQ exam to recertify?
Those who are due to recertify cannot retake the CPHQ exam as a means to recertify.
Does the recertification process allow for a one-time hardship? I’m not sure I can recertify by my deadline.
At this time, the CPHQ program does not offer a one-time hardship policy and therefore, if you do not recertify by your deadline, your certification will lapse. In order to regain the credential, you will need to retake the CPHQ exam.
Can I recertify by mail and pay by check?
Yes, please download and complete the paper application. Please mail the application and check for the appropriate fees to:
HQCC/NAHQ
8600 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue
Suite 710 N
Chicago, IL 60631
How do I handle recertification when I retire?
If you’re retiring, you do have the opportunity to maintain your credential by applying for CPHQ-Retired status. To be eligible, you must:
- Retire from the profession with no plans to return or renew certification
- Be a current CPHQ at the time of retirement
- Pay the associated fee of $100
- Please complete the CPHQ Retired Status Form and mail it along with the fee to NAHQ.
What happens if I don’t recertify?
If you don’t recertify by your stipulated deadline, you’ll no longer be able to use the CPHQ credential. If you wish to earn the CPHQ credential at a later time, you need to apply and take the exam again.
Become a member
NAHQ is the professional home for more than 10,000 professionals working in healthcare Quality. Join the NAHQ community to learn, network and improve healthcare for all.
