Healthcare Credential
How to Verify a Dialysis Technician Certification
Dialysis (renal replacement therapy) technicians are certified by private credentialing organizations. Several states also require state registration or certification. Understanding which certification a candidate holds — and whether state registration is required — is essential before hiring.
Quick answer
The two primary dialysis technician certifications are CCHT (Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician) from BONENT and CHT (Certified Hemodialysis Technician) from NNCC. Verify BONENT credentials at bonent.org and NNCC credentials at nncc-exam.org. Some states additionally require state certification or registration — check the applicable state health department requirements.
Major dialysis technician certifications
| Credential | Full Name | Organization | Verify At |
|---|---|---|---|
| CCHT | Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician | BONENT (Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology) | bonent.org → Verify Credential |
| CCHT-A | Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician — Advanced | BONENT | bonent.org → Verify Credential |
| CHT | Certified Hemodialysis Technician | NNCC (Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission) | nncc-exam.org → Verify a Credential |
Both CCHT and CHT are nationally recognized and broadly accepted by major dialysis providers (DaVita, Fresenius, hospital-based units). Verify in the system matching the credential presented.
BONENT certification verification
BONENT (Board of Nephrology Examiners Nursing and Technology) administers the CCHT and CCHT-A examinations. BONENT also certifies nephrology nurses (CNN, CNN-NP) and peritoneal dialysis nurses (CPDN).
The BONENT verification portal at bonent.org allows credential lookup by name or credential number. Verification confirms:
- Credential type (CCHT, CCHT-A, CNN, etc.)
- Current certification status (Active, Inactive, Expired)
- Certification expiration date
BONENT CCHT certification must be renewed every two years. Renewal requires 30 continuing education credits. An expired CCHT is not a valid active certification.
NNCC certification verification
The Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC) administers the CHT examination for dialysis technicians, along with the CNN and CDN certifications for nephrology and dialysis nurses.
Verify NNCC credentials at: nncc-exam.org → Verify a Credential. The portal confirms credential type, status, and renewal date. NNCC CHT certification also requires continuing education for renewal.
State registration requirements
Several states require dialysis technicians to hold state-issued certification or registration in addition to (or in lieu of) a private national certification. States with specific dialysis technician requirements include:
- California: California requires dialysis technicians to be certified. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) oversees dialysis clinics, and technicians must meet CDPH certification requirements separate from national certs.
- Texas: The Texas Department of State Health Services regulates dialysis facilities and has technician training/competency standards.
- Washington: Washington State requires dialysis technicians employed in certified facilities to meet state competency and certification standards.
- Ohio: Ohio has state standards for dialysis facility personnel qualifications.
For any state not listed, check with the state health department's dialysis or end-stage renal disease program office for current technician certification requirements.
CMS and Medicare Conditions for Coverage
Dialysis facilities that participate in Medicare must comply with CMS Conditions for Coverage (42 CFR Part 494), which set minimum staffing and training standards for dialysis technicians. Under CMS rules, dialysis patient care technicians must:
- Complete a formal training program
- Pass a state or national competency examination within 18 months of employment
- Receive ongoing in-service training
CMS does not specify which national certification is required, but CCHT and CHT satisfy the competency examination requirement. Verify that the certification status is active at the time of hire.
Verification checklist
- 1. Collect credential name (CCHT, CHT), issuing organization, and credential number
- 2. For BONENT credentials: verify at bonent.org — confirm Active status and expiration date
- 3. For NNCC credentials: verify at nncc-exam.org — confirm credential type and active status
- 4. Confirm continuing education requirements for the current renewal cycle are satisfied
- 5. Check state-specific registration requirements for the state where the technician will practice
- 6. Confirm CMS 18-month competency exam requirement is satisfied for Medicare-certified facilities
Verify allied health program accreditation
Dialysis technician training programs may operate under CAHEA, CAAHEP, or state health department oversight. Use VerifyED to confirm that a candidate's training program was from an accredited institution before accepting their educational credentials.
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