Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Nationally Accredited & Certified (NAC™) credential through the National Medical Accreditation and Certification Board (NMCAB), applicants must meet at least one of the following eligibility pathways. These pathways ensure that candidates have the education, training, or experience needed for safe and effective performance in healthcare roles.
Eligibility Pathways
| Pathway | Requirements |
|---|---|
| 1. Education Completion | Completion of an approved training or educational program aligned with the credential. Curriculum must cover the job domains relevant to that credential. |
| 2. Work Experience | Minimum of 200 verified work hours in the role (or equivalent) within the past 2 years. Supervisor or employer verification required. |
| 3. Combined Education + Experience | A mix of formal education and supervised on-the-job experience, when one pathway alone does not cover all required domains. |
| 4. Prior Credential | Holding a related credential may grant eligibility. For example, to pursue Pediatric Phlebotomist (NACPP™), one must already hold Phlebotomy Technician (NACPT™) or equivalent. |
| 5. Specialty / Advanced Prerequisite | Some credentials require completion of foundational or prerequisite credentials—such as Echocardiography Technician, Surgical Assistant, etc.—before applying. |
General Eligibility Conditions
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- All education, experience, or credential prerequisites must be documented with transcripts, certificates, or employer verification.
- Training or work experience must align with the duties defined in the credential’s job domains.
Credential-Specific Examples
- NACMA™ – Medical Assistant: Requires either completion of an MA training program or combined experience in clinical, administrative, and diagnostic support.
- NACPP™ – Pediatric Phlebotomist: Must hold NACPT™ or equivalent recognized credential.
- NACEchoT™ – Echocardiography Technician: Requires prior cardiovascular credential (e.g. NACET™ or NACCT™).
- NACSA™ – Surgical Assistant: Requires prior credential or experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist (NACST™) or equivalent surgical training.
How to Apply
- Review credential requirements and identify which eligibility pathway matches your background.
- Gather documentation such as transcripts, certificates, and employer/supervisor letters.
- Complete the application through your NMCAB account and select the pathway being used.
- Submit the required fee as listed in the credential chart.
- Wait for approval, after which you will be cleared to schedule and take the exam.
Schools & Employers Partnerships
Are you a school or employer interested in working with NMCAB to offer our credentials, provide training, or facilitate exams? Visit our Schools & Employers Partnerships page for information on how to collaborate, certify programs, and support students or employees.
Validity & Transparency
- Validity: Eligibility pathways are based on NMCAB’s formal job analysis, which includes SME panels, surveys of incumbents and employers, and task inventories. These are reviewed & updated every 3-5 years to ensure alignment with current healthcare practice.
- Transparency: All eligibility criteria are published and clearly tied to job duties, so applicants, schools, and employers can understand what’s required before applying.