THW Recertification Process

On this page you will find information on how to recertify an active or expired Traditional Health Worker Certification.

Important reminders:

• All re-certifications are good for three years from the issue date, then you must renew.

• Because of the time that it takes to process recertification applications, individuals are strongly advised to submit renewal applications at least 60 days before their current certification expires. We cannot extend the deadline of your certification per Oregon Administrative Rules (OARs).
  

• All THW's shall complete at least 20 hours of Authority-approved continuing education during every three-year renewal period, with exception of family support specialists and youth support specialists, whereas the renewal requirement is least 40 hours of Authority-approved continuing education.

Step 1:

Gather Required Documents

Complete the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for your worker type:

• Birth Doula
  
• Community Health Worker (CHW)
  
• Peer Support Specialist (PSS)
• Note: If you are certified both in PSS-Adult Addictions and a CRM, you must re-recertify your CRM with MHACBO as it is a separate process.
• Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS)
• Personal Health Navigator (PHN)

Suicide Prevention Training

Every worker type must complete 3 hours of suicide prevention training as part of your total CEU required hours. Click link to access online suicide prevention trainings: Suicide Prevention Training

Oral Health Training

Every worker type must complete 1.5 hours of oral health training. Click link to access online oral health trainings: Oral Health Training

Competency Tests

If your certification has been expired for more than 6 months, you have the option of taking a competency skills test for your worker-type OR you can retake a foundational training. 

If you choose to take a competency test, you still need to submit all required renewal documentation: 

• Proof of completion of competency skills test

• Proof of CEUs required for worker type (must be completed in the last 3 years)

• Suicide prevention training (must be completed in the last 3 years)

• Oral health training (must be completed in the last 3 years)

Competency skills test are administered by our community partners. Below are links to access the competency skills tests for each worker type:

• Doulas
  
• Community Health Workers
  
• Peer Support Specialists
• Family Support Specialists
  
• Youth Support Specialists  
• Peer Wellness Specialists
  
  
  

Step 2:

Submitting Your Application

• You are required to apply for recertification in the Health Workforce Registry-Applicant Portal: https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/

• Login to your account in the Health Workforce Registry-Applicant Portal.
  

• If you have not set up an account yet, enter your original email address on the log in page and click “forgot your password." A code will be sent to you to enter a password. Log in again after you have set up a password. After confirming your account is active you can then update any information.

• Select “Renew Traditional Health Worker Certification" and click on the certification you wish to renew.

Step 3:
Complete Background Check

• The THW Program will review your application for completeness. If your application is complete, we will submit your information to the Background Check Unit (BCU) to start your background check. Completing the background check is a required step for all applications, even if you have had one in the past.
  

• You will be sent an email from the BCU with a link to provide your consent and disclosure (also check your spam/junk folder). You have 7 days to complete this step, or your application will be closed. If your background check closes, please email THW Program at thw.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov to request a resubmission. We can resubmit your background check one time, as a courtesy. Please remember that it is your responsibility to keep an eye on your email folders and respond promptly. If you need additional support, please contact us.

• Occasionally, the BCU will require fingerprints or request more information regarding the details in your background. The THW Program will email you a fingerprint letter with thorough instructions on how to get your fingerprints taken. If more information is requested, the BCU will mail a letter with instructions. Your diligence in monitoring emails and following the process is greatly appreciated.

• This process will take around 4 weeks to complete.

• More information regarding the criminal background check:
  

Criminal Background Check Rules

Background Check Weighing Test

Step 4:

Recertification completion

The BCU will notify you and the THW Program once your background check is completed. If approved, the THW Program will continue to process your application and send a determination letter with new expiration dates and update the Registry (you can always change your preferences via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/.)