CCHT - Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician

Advanced Certified Hemodialysis Technician certification (CCHT) validates the knowledge and skills of experienced hemodialysis technicians. The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) offers the exam, which is 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 credentials denote  mastery of administering hemodialysis while monitoring the patient. This also includes machine set up, maintenance, and cleaning to the highest professional standards. 

Eligibility Requirements

• High school diploma or GED

• Completed approved training program 

• Current or recent (within last 18 months) employment as a dialysis technician

• Documentation of 1,000 hours or 6 months of practice recommended but not required

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

Cost: $225

Application processing fee: $50

Exam Format

The CCHT certification exam consists of 150 questions of which 25 are ungraded pilot questions. Candidates have 3 hours to complete the exam. They must score 74% or better to pass and can expect to receive Pass/Fail results immediately after completing the exam. CCHT exam topics include: 

• Clinical - 71-78%

• Technical - 32-38%

• Environmental - 19-25%

• Role - 15-20%

Steps to certification:

• Download and complete the Certification Exam Application

• Include a copy of high school diploma or equivalent

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

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

CCHT certification is valid for three years. Candidates meet the requirements for recertification by retaking the certification exam or:

• Completing 3,000 hours of work experience as a dialysis technician during three (3) years of the current certification period

• Completing 30 contact hours of continuing education

  • 10 contact hours related to nephrology

  • 20 contact hours related to health, science, or nursing

Cost: 

• Through Exam: $225

• Through Continuing Education: $100

One avenue for recertification includes completing 30 contact hours of continuing education of which 10 must be related to nephrology. Continuing education for the CCHT-A 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 is equivalent to 5 contact hours

  • 1 quarter credit is 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 Council of Continuing Education

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

  • California

  • Florida

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Ohio

The NNCT has multiple resources available to help prepare for the CCHT, including: 

• Exam Blueprint

• Exam Specifications

• Certification Preparation Guide

References used to develop the exam include:

• Core 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 is ideal for nurse practitioners with 2,000 hours of nephrology experience over the last two years and who have completed 60 contact hours in nephrology (CNN-NP)

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

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

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

• Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician – Advanced is ideal for dialysis technicians with 5,000 hours and 5 years of experience (CCHT-A)