Note from the Certification Coordinator: Let’s talk about CCDS recertification…again

By Penny Richards

Twice this week, I’ve had people contact me who are late recertifying—unaware that their ACDIS dues don’t cover the cost of their recertification. In one case, the individual was only a few months overdue and will be able to successfully recertify.

In the other instance, the individual certified in 2010 and never recertified. The individual was not pleased to learn she has been classified as expired for a number of years and must take the exam again to re-earn her certification.

I know we’ve been over the recertification process before, but I can’t say these things enough.

You must recertify every two years on the anniversary of the day you took the exam. You must complete the application and submit it with the required recertification fee.

ACDIS dues and CCDS certification are separate matters. Your ACDIS dues do not pay your recertification fee. Your recertification fee does not pay your membership dues.

You must submit evidence of 30 continuing education units (CEU) earned in the time you held the active certification. This means your CEUs need to be earned before your recertification due date. Review the document on the recertification page on the ACDIS website to learn what CEUs we accept (hint: it’s more than just ACDIS CEUs).

You are responsible to know your recertification due date. We email reminders, but we are not responsible if you don’t get the notice (whether it’s because you have changed emails or your employer or organization blocks mails).

If you don’t know your due date, visit our website and check the published list. The list is updated monthly on the first working day of the month.

You may submit your recertification no more than 60 days before your due date.

If you have a question, ask me for guidance.

Editor’s note: Richards is the certification coordinator for ACDIS. Contact her at prichards@acdis.org.