Those who received initial certification in 1985, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2003 or 2006 are due to recertify in 2009. To see a list of those due to recertify in 2009, please click here.

Policies and Guidelines
2009 Recertification Application

Applications will not be accepted until after August 1, 2009.

Report credits to the NAMSS Executive Office between August 1 and December 15 only, of the recertification year. Fifteen (15) of thirty (30) required hours must be NAMSS approved credits.

The certification cycle begins at the time of notification of successful completion of the certification examination and continues through December 15, three years later, and every three years thereafter. The certification cycle for those holding dual certification begins at the time of notification of successful completion of the first certification exam and continues through October 31, three years later, and every three years thereafter. Subsequent certifications are rolled into the initial certification cycle.

Dual Certification
NAMSS Member $125
Non-Member $275

Late fee: $50 (assessed for applications postmarked after the December 15th deadline)

New CE requirements for Dual Certificants, effective 2010

The CCN and the Board of Directors of NAMSS has unanimously voted to change the CE requirements for dual certificants (beginning in 2010). During the decision making process for this change, both Boards recognized that the two certifications (CPMSM and CPCS) were created because there are distinct differences in the level of skill, knowledge and expertise needed to perform the specific job functions and to pass each exam. Therefore, since such differences exist initially, the same holds true for recertification. Extensive research identified overwhelming evidence indicating organizations offering multiple certifications and/or licensures typically have specific recertification/re-licensure requirements for each certification/license held. Therefore, beginning with the 2010 recertification cycle, all dual certificants will be required to obtain 45 CE credits for recertification, of which 25 must be NAMSS approved. This requirement becomes effective with the first recertification cycle in which you hold dual certification for the entire three-year period. For example, if you were, or are due for:

• Recertification in 2007, 45 credits will be due in the next recertification cycle of 2010.
• Recertification due in 2008, 45 credits will be due in the next recertification cycle of 2011.
• Recertification due in 2009, 45 credits will be due in the next recertification cycle of 2012.

These changes were made in an effort to enhance continued knowledge, ability and proficiency in each field represented by certification. The change will also be the first step of many to raise the level of our profession. NAMSS and the CCN have begun the work through the Industry and Government Relations Committee to have the Certifications of NAMSS recognized in the standards of regulatory bodies. In the coming months, the CCN will be working to define what will be accepted as a CE and any equivalent CE sources for the purpose of recertification. In addition, we will offer information regarding the many ways available to obtain additional CE outside of the NAMSS Conference and your respective State Conferences. Please continue to check the NAMSS Web site and Synergy for further information regarding these subjects. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the NAMSS Executive Office and/or the members of the Certification Commission at certification@NAMSS.org or 202-367-1196.

Retired Status

Retired status can be requested for all currently certified individuals who have now retired from all employment related to the certification specialty. Please submit the request along with your current recertification application, fees and list of continuing education credits.