CCHT-A - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician - Advanced

The Advanced Certified Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT-A) certification validates the knowledge and skills of hemodialysis technicians with a higher level of experience. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers the exam, accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). It collaborates with the Center for Nursing Education and Testing (C-NET) in test development, test administration and test evaluation. CCHT-A credentials denote mastery of administering hemodialysis while monitoring the patient. Skills include machine set up, maintenance and cleaning to the highest professional standards.

Eligibility Requirements

• 5,000 hours and 5 years of experience working as a hemodialysis technician

• 30 contact hours relevant practice as a hemodialysis technician

• Current national certification as a CCHT, CHT or CCNT

Completion Time: Candidates have 3 hours to complete the CCHT-A exam

Cost: $250, includes a non-refundable $50 Exam Application Processing Fee

Exam Format

The CCHT-A certification exam consists of 150 questions of which 25 are unscored pilot questions. The exam focuses more on the technical aspect of hemodialysis and the roles and responsibilities than the CCHT exam for candidates without advanced experience. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. They must score 70% or better to pass and can expect to receive their Pass/Fail results immediately after completing the exam. CCHT-A exam topics include: 

• Clinical - 77-79%

• Technical - 29-31%

• Role responsibilities - 26-28%

• Environment - 14-16%

Candidates may download a test blueprint and test specifications from the NNCC website.

Steps to certification:

• Download the Certification Exam Application

• Complete application with appropriate section completed by employer

• Include copies of:

  • High school diploma or GED

  • Certificates of 30 contact hours

  • CCHT certification

• Include credit card information or cashier’s check or money order made out to C-Net

• Mail to:
  C-NET
  35 Journal Square
  Suite 901
  Jersey City, NJ 07306

CCHT-A certification is valid for three years. The NNCC sends reminders about every 30 days starting 120 days before certification expiration as a courtesy. Candidates must meet the requirements for recertification in one of the following two ways:

• Retaking the certification exam

• Clinical experience and continuing education

  • 3,000 hours of work experience as a dialysis technician during 3 years of current certification period

  • 30 contact hours of continuing education

Renewal Fee: Exam $250 / Continuing Education $100

One avenue for CCHT-A recertification includes completing 30 contact hours of continuing education (CE), which much include:

• 10 contact hours related to nephrology

• 20 contact hours related to health, science or nursing

CE must meet one of the following criteria:

• Program approved for nursing continuing education

• Independent study approved for nursing continuing education

• Academic credit related to health, science or nursing

  • 1 semester hour equivalent to 5 contact hours

  • 1 quarter credit equivalent to 3 contact hours

At least 10 contact hours must be approved by one of the following:

• Organizations accredited by the American Nurses' Credentialing Center

• Organizations accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education

• The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses

• The American Association of Nurse Practitioners

• The Council of Continuing Education

• The state board of nursing from one of the following states:

  • California

  • Florida

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Ohio

The NNCT has resources available to help prepare for the CCHT-A exam, including the Certification Preparation Guide.

References used to develop the exam include:

• Coe Curriculum for the Dialysis Technician

• Kallenbach’s Review of Hemodialysis for Nurses and Dialysis Personnel

• Regulations in the CMS Conditions for Coverage for End-Stage Renal Disease Facilities

• Certified Nephrology Nurse Practitioner (CNN-NP) credentials are ideal for NPs with 2,000 hours of nephrology experience over the last two years and who’ve completed 60 contact hours in nephrology

• Certified Nephrology Nurse (CNN) credentials are ideal for RNs with 3,000 hours of nephrology experience

• Certified Dialysis Nurse (CDN) credentials are ideal for RNs with 2,000 hours of experience caring for patients who require dialysis

• Certified Dialysis Licensed Practical Nurse or Licensed Vocational Nurse (CD-LPN/CD-LVN) credentials are ideal for LPNs/LVNs with 2,000 hours of experience caring for patients who require dialysis

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) credentials are ideal for dialysis technicians with 1,000 hours or 6 months of experience