The Certification process begins with Candidacy. All NAHP candidates must complete an Application for Candidacy and submit it to their local/regional AHMA. The Candidate must be submitted with a non-refundable application fee of $80, made payable to NAHMA. Each Candidate will be responsible for tracking his/her progress, and should keep originals of all documentation, including course completion certificates and verifications of experience. Candidacy is required before applying for Certification.

Each Candidate will have a maximum of three years to complete the requirements for certification. If all requirements are not completed, or the Application for Certification is not filed within the three year period, the individual must file a new Application for Candidacy, and remit another Application for Candidacy fee.

The year after the Application for Candidacy is filed, each candidate will be invoiced for a $50 Candidate Maintenance fee. This fee will be assessed until the Application for Certification is submitted or the three year Candidacy term expires, whichever comes first. Candidates will be eligible to receive the NAHP Report and other NAHMA publications. Payment of this fee will ensure that the Candidate remains on active and good standing while working towards their certification.

The NAHP certification is comprised of education and experience components. All criteria must be met before the Candidate can be certified.