Welcome to NHCO Certification
Welcome to the National Healthcare Certification Organization (NHCO)! Whether you are earning your certification for the first time or renewing an existing credential, NHCO has designed the certification process to be completed entirely online. This guide provides an overview of the certification journey and outlines the steps you will complete from creating your account through receiving your certification.
Certification Journey
Most candidates will complete the following steps:
- Create your NHCO Portal account.
- Register for an account using a valid email address.
- Ensure your account information is accurate before submitting your application.
- Purchase the appropriate certification application and exam.
- Select the certification exam that applies to your credential.
- Complete and submit your application.
- Provide all required information and documentation.
- Review your application carefully before submission.
- Wait for application review and approval.
- Applications are reviewed by NHCO auditors.
- Once approved, you will receive an email notification and access to the exam.
- Prepare for and complete your online certification exam.
- Review the exam instructions and technical requirements before beginning.
- Receive your exam results and certification.
- Candidates who successfully pass the exam will receive their certification.
To help ensure a smooth certification experience, make sure you have:
- A valid email address.
- A reliable internet connection.
- A compatible computer.
- Google Chrome installed.
- A webcam and microphone for online testing.
Before beginning your certification process, review the available NHCO instructional guides and videos, including:
- CPT Application Guide — Provides step-by-step instructions for completing and submitting your application.
- CPT Exam Guide — Provides information about exam requirements, preparation, and testing procedures.
These resources are designed to help you understand each step of the certification process before you begin.
Common Mistakes to AvoidTo prevent delays or issues with your certification process, avoid the following:
- Waiting until your course or exam access is close to expiring before submitting your application.
- Attempting to access the exam before your application has been approved.
- Waiting until exam day to install the Honorlock Chrome extension or complete required system checks.
- Waiting until exam day to review exam instructions or prepare your testing environment.
- The NHCO certification process is completed online from application submission through exam completion.
- Candidates are responsible for reviewing all exam requirements and preparing their device before starting the exam.
- Completing the required preparation steps in advance helps prevent avoidable technical issues or delays.
