CCHT Certification: How to Become a Hemodialysis Technician 2026
Complete CCHT certification guide for 2026. Exam requirements, training programs, study tips, salary data, and free practice test resources for dialysis technicians.
CCHT (Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician) certification is issued by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). It requires completion of an approved training program, a minimum of 2,000 hours of clinical hemodialysis experience, and passing a 150-question certification exam. CCHT-certified technicians earn $35,000-$55,000 annually.
What Is CCHT Certification?
CCHT certification is the nationally recognized credential for clinical hemodialysis technicians. Issued by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), it demonstrates your competency in providing hemodialysis treatments to patients with kidney failure.
As a CCHT, your responsibilities include:
- Setting up and operating hemodialysis machines
- Preparing patients for dialysis treatments
- Monitoring patients during 3-4 hour treatment sessions
- Cannulating fistulas and grafts (inserting needles into vascular access)
- Monitoring vital signs and responding to complications
- Maintaining and disinfecting dialysis equipment
- Documenting treatment data and patient observations
With over 800,000 Americans on dialysis, demand for certified technicians continues to grow. Start preparing with our free CCHT practice test.
CCHT Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the CCHT certification exam, you must meet these requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of an approved hemodialysis training program — Programs are typically 8-12 weeks and include both classroom and clinical components. Major dialysis companies (DaVita, Fresenius) offer their own training programs.
- 2,000 hours of hemodialysis clinical experience — Approximately 1 year of full-time work. Hours must be accumulated within 24 months before the exam application.
- Current CPR/BLS certification
Alternative pathway: Some states allow you to work as a Patient Care Technician (PCT) in a dialysis center while accumulating your hours, with on-the-job training replacing the formal program.
Application fee: $225 for NNCC members, $300 for non-members.
The CCHT Certification Exam
The CCHT practice test format and exam details:
- Questions: 150 multiple choice (130 scored + 20 pilot questions)
- Time: 3 hours
- Passing score: Scaled score of 350 out of 500
- Delivery: Computer-based at PSI testing centers nationwide
Exam content areas:
- Patient care and assessment (35%) — Pre/post treatment procedures, vital signs, complications
- Dialysis procedures (30%) — Machine operation, water treatment, dialyzer preparation
- Infection control (15%) — Standard precautions, disinfection, bloodborne pathogens
- Safety (10%) — Emergency procedures, electrical safety, chemical handling
- Professional conduct (10%) — Patient rights, communication, documentation
The pass rate is approximately 70-75%. Most successful candidates study for 4-8 weeks using the NNCC study guide and practice exams.
CCHT Career Outlook and Salary
Hemodialysis technicians are in high demand due to the growing dialysis patient population:
| Position | Experience | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Dialysis PCT (uncertified) | 0-1 years | $28,000-$35,000 |
| CCHT (certified) | 1-3 years | $35,000-$45,000 |
| Senior CCHT | 3-5 years | $40,000-$52,000 |
| Charge Technician | 5+ years | $45,000-$58,000 |
| Biomedical Technician (dialysis) | 3+ years | $50,000-$65,000 |
| Travel Dialysis Tech | 2+ years | $55,000-$75,000 |
The CCHT certification adds an average of $3-$5 per hour over uncertified technicians. Major employers include DaVita, Fresenius Medical Care, and hospital-based dialysis units.
CCHT Questions and Answers
About the Author
Registered Nurse & Healthcare Educator
Johns Hopkins University School of NursingDr. Sarah Mitchell is a board-certified registered nurse with over 15 years of clinical and academic experience. She completed her PhD in Nursing Science at Johns Hopkins University and has taught NCLEX preparation and clinical skills courses for nursing students across the United States. Her research focuses on evidence-based exam preparation strategies for healthcare certification candidates.