How Long Does an EKG Certification Last?
Jun 03, 2025
An EKG certification, such as the Certified Electrocardiogram Technician (CET) certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), lasts two years. To keep your certification valid, you need to renew it every two years.
Knowing the validity period helps you plan your career steps and stay compliant with employer requirements.
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Validity period of EKG certifications
The validity period for EKG certifications varies depending on the certifying organization. The most recognized certification, the CET from the NHA, is valid for two years.
Other organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) also offer EKG-related certifications with similar expiration periods.
If you want to learn more about the difficulty of the certification, check out our article on how hard is EKG certification test.
NHA
The NHA’s Certified EKG Technician (CET) credential requires renewal every two years. This renewal ensures you stay updated with the latest skills and standards in the EKG field.
AHA
The American Heart Association offers certifications related to EKG but mainly focuses on Basic Life Support (BLS). Their certifications also generally require renewal every two years to maintain validity.
CET
The CET certification specifically refers to the NHA's Certified Electrocardiogram Technician credential. It holds a two-year validity and requires ongoing education and renewal to remain active.
Renewal certification requirements
To renew your EKG certification, you must complete continuing education units (CEUs) or retake the certification exam. The renewal process keeps you current with evolving healthcare protocols and technology. If you want details about the costs involved, it´s important to read more on how much does it cost to become an EKG technician .
What happens if you let certification lapse
If your certification expires, you might lose your eligibility to work in many healthcare settings. The EKG technician job description often requires an active EKG certification to ensure patient safety and compliance with regulations.
How do you maintain an EKG certification?
You maintain your EKG certification by completing required continuing education courses before the expiration date. These CEUs help you refresh your skills and learn new practices without retaking the full certification exam.
Can you work without renewing your certification?
Working without renewing your EKG certification is usually not allowed. Many healthcare employers and regulatory bodies require up-to-date certification to maintain high standards of patient care and legal compliance.
