CHFT Frequently Asked Questions
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1. How many questions are on the exam and how much time is allowed to complete the exam?
The CHFT Exam consists of 144 questions. Three (3) hours is given to complete the exam.
2. If I do not pass the first time, may I retake the exam? Will I have to pay the application fee again?
Candidates may schedule to retake the exam as soon as reasonably possible after paying the Retesting fee. There is no limit to the number of times the exam can be taken. Proctor coordination and any related online proctoring fees may apply. See the Fees page for additional information. There will not be an additional application fee. If retesting does not occur within 1 year (12 months) after last test attempt, the full exam and application fee will be required.
3. Does my certification expire?
As long as annual maintenance fees are maintained, the certification is valid for three(3) years. After three years, re-certification is required by completing the required continuing education credits or by retaking and passing the certification exam.
4. After I apply, how long before my application is reviewed/accepted?
Typically, applications are reviewed within 48 hours.
5. How long do I have to take the exam after application acceptance?
If candidate chooses the fee based online proctoring method, testing is typically scheduled within 30 days after proctor payment. If candidate chooses the no fee site based proctor (Candidate must identify a qualified proctor), the test will typically be completed within 30 days after the qualified site proctor has been trained. Approved applicants are given 12 months to schedule their exam.
7. Is there a cost to maintain my credential?
An annual fee is required to maintain the credential. Along with the annual fee, the credentialed member will need to submit at least 30 qualifying continuing education credits (CEC’s) over a three year period. If the annual fee or CEC’s are not maintained, retesting and any associated fee’s will be required.
8. What areas are covered on the exam?
The CHFT exam covers six (6) areas:
- Life Safety
- Ventilation & basic HVAC system operation and components.
- Electrical safety, electrical equipment testing, & basic healthcare electrical systems.
- Medical gas cylinders and basic medical gas systems and components.
- Infection Prevention
- Healthcare department special features.
9. How do I prepare for the exam?
There are several pathways and methods to prepare for the exam. Because the exam is driven by industry specific standards and work experience, years of comprehensive healthcare experience will provide a good foundation for the exam. More specific training and reference material is also readily available. Following are several options:
- Applicant will be enrolled in a CHFT prep course. Length of course will vary based on healthcare type. The prep course covers 90% of content on exam.
- A Study Guide will be provided listing documents, standards, and related information.
- Completion of Owensboro Community & Technical College Healthcare Facilities (HFT) certificate program.
- Completion of qualified healthcare facilities technician apprenticeship.
- Attending exam specific training sessions.
- Working in the healthcare facilities technician profession should also provide a foundation for parts of the exam.
- An optional fee based module called Exam Cram is also available. It includes testing tips and exam content review based on subjects that have scored poorly on previously completed exams.
10. What happens if I let my certification lapse?
If Continuing Education Credits (CEC’s) and/or annual maintenance fees are not maintained, then the individual will need to reapply and retest to continue utilizing the certification designation. There will be a 60 day grace period after the certification expires to submit CEC’s and/or make the annual maintenance payment. If no action is taken within the 60 day grace period, then the certification will no longer be valid. All benefits of the certification and its use will be revoked. The individuals name will be removed from the certified list.
11. Where can I take the exam?
In order to ensure a high level of accessibility and lowest cost options, the following options are available:
- Fee based online proctoring. See the Cost and Fees page pricing.
- Site based proctoring – Candidate may identify a qualified proctor at their organization that will be trained to monitor and facilitate the exam. See proctor guidelines in the CHFT handbook for proctor requirements. There is no fee for this service.
- Organized proctoring – Organizations, and ASHE Chapters, and healthcare conferences may host proctoring in coordination IHFEA. Fee is subject to host organization.
12. What are the requirements for Proctors?
If the candidate chooses a no fee site based proctor, the candidate must identify an individual in the organization that is titled as an educator or manager and is not in a direct reporting relationship with the candidate. The identified proctor must read and sign the NOCTI Proctor agreement before the test can be scheduled.
13. What will I get after successful completion of the exam?
A certificate of successful completion will be sent within 30 days of completion of the exam. The candidate will become a Certified Member and will have access to additional benefits including training, products, and networking services provided through the IHFEA platform. The Certified Member will also be encouraged to use and promote the certification credentials on resume’s, email, name badge, etc…
14. Who certifies the CHFT exam?
NOCTI and Nocti Business Solutions have earned full accreditation from the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC). This recent accomplishment ensures that a neutral third party has properly evaluated both organizations and held them up to international standards. ICAC accreditation signifies that NOCTI's career and technical education (CTE) assessments and certifications, as well as Nocti Business Solutions' technical skill assessments, follow the best international industry practices and standards outlined in ISO 17024.
15. Will my results be shared with my employer?
While specific test scores will not be shared, names of those obtaining the certification will be made available in order to recognize the achievement and also to provide a verification process for those validating and maintaining their credentials.
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