CHDS and CMT Recertification

Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMTs) and Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialists (CHDSs) maintain their credential through participation in professionally relevant continuing education activities. Recertification is required every three (3) years.

Maintaining and building on your competency in the field of healthcare documentation is the primary objective for participating in continuing education activities. Although AHDI membership is not required for CMTs and CHDS, there are several continuing education opportunities included with membership.

Recertification Guidelines, Policies, and Resources

Each CMT/CHDS is responsible for complying with all current CE and Recertification Guidelines & Policies. AHDI publishes two guides to assist you with your CMT or CHDS recertification:

CMT/CHDS Recertification Guidelines & Policies (.pdf)

Includes policies and procedures on recertification, as well as forms you may need as part of the recertification process.

AHDI Recredentialing Resource Guide (.pdf)

Contains information on preapproved continuing education activities, guidelines on creditworthy activities, and an overview of the CEC categories required for recertification.

CEC Preapproval Program

Contains information and guidelines on the preapproval program, a list of preapproved activities, and a form to request 3rd party approval for your organization.

NOTE: If you hold multiple AHDI credentials, please refer to the CEC Summary Table for Multiple Credentials for the total number of CECs needed and in which categories.

Also, to support the new roles and responsibilities healthcare documentation specialists have been assuming over the past decade, the CCHD has updated the recertification policies as  of January 1, 2020. The new policies are in place and the new forms below should be used for recertification. As a reminder, list MTT and TW credits under the Technology & Tools (TT) category on the new CEC Summary form. Read about the new policy changes here.

New Forms and resources (effective January 1, 2020):

CEC Requirements Table

CEC Approval Request Form

CE Summary Form (PDF)

CE Summary Form (Word)

CE Activity Preapproval Program

List of Preapproved Activities (PDF)

Non-Member CEC Policy

Online CEC Quizzes

Continuing Education Credits

A minimum of 30 continuing education credits (CECs) must be accrued with at least 26 of these in the core areas of Clinical Medicine, Technology and Tools, Professional Development, and Medicolegal issues. The remaining 4 required CECs may be obtained in either the core areas or the optional area of Complementary Medicine. It is recommended CMTs/CHDSs obtain more than the minimum 30 CECs, in the event a question arises as to the creditworthiness of an activity. For recertification guidelines and policies, download a copy of the CMT/CHDS Recertification Guidelines and Policies.

Bridging from CMT to CHDS

In 2013, AHDI rebranded our credentialing exams to both better align with our name and to reflect the expanded skill set competencies noted on the additional blueprint domains. CMTs are not be required to pursue the CHDS; doing so is optional and voluntary. AHDI will continue to service the CMT credential under its current recredentialing program requirements.

Extensions

CMTs and CHDSs may purchase a 60-day extension to complete the recertification requirements. Extensions must be in writing and accompanied by a $50 extension fee prior to your original recertification deadline. You must email the Credentialing Department at credentialing@ahdionline.org to request an extension and call the Credentialing Department at 209-341-2456 to pay your $50 extension fee prior to your expiration date.

Failure to Recredential

CMTs and CHDSs are responsible for knowing when their credential expires and recertifying prior to the expiration of your credential. CMTs and CHDSs must notify AHDI promptly if your contact information changes or reminders, statements, or recredentialing information have not been received as expected. If you do not complete the recredentialing requirements by expiration date of your credential, your credential will expire and you may no longer be eligible to identify yourself as a CMT or CHDS.

Lapsed Notices, Grace Period, and Reinstatement

You will receive a lapsed notice if you do not complete and submit your recertification materials by your recredentialing deadline (or extension date). CMTs and CHDSs will have 90 days from the date the notice is sent to complete the requirements if they wish to reinstate their credential. In addition to the original recertification fees, there is a $50 reinstatement fee due at the time of reinstatement.

NOTE: If you allow your CMT or CHDS to lapse and fail to reinstate within the 90-day window, you will have to earn your credential back through examination. Effective January 1, 2021, if your CMT or CHDS expired within the past 6 years, you may bypass the RHDS exam and sit for the CHDS exam only. You must apply for CHDS exam eligibility through the AHDI website.