Certification Program
Updates
Application fees for certification and recertification have increased by $10 effective with all applications postmarked April 1, 2008 and thereafter. The new application fees are as follows.
Initial Certification
- $35 for NAHO member attending NAHO conference in last three years
- $60 for NAHO member not attending NAHO conference in last three years
- $60 for non-member attending NAHO conference in last three years
- $85 for non-member not attending NAHO conference in last three years
Recertification
- $20 for NAHO member attending NAHO conference in last three years
- $35 for NAHO member not attending NAHO conference in last three years
- $25 for non-member attending NAHO conference in last three years
- $35 for non-member not attending NAHO conference in last three years
In 1995 NAHO initiated a certification program for hearing officials. This program is dedicated to developing uniform standards of excellence and professionalism for hearing officials and administrative law judges across the country. Certification provides concrete evidence of your personal commitment to the hearing process.
Courses attended
at this year's conference may be considered towards meeting certification
requirements for 2008. Core requirements can be met at annual NAHO
conferences, or other recognized programs addressing the hearing process
including those sponsored by the National Judicial College, the National
Association of Administrative Law Judges, state agencies, state bar approved
Continuing Legal Education, accredited colleges, paralegal programs, or
law schools.
Course requirements for certification ensure that individuals have a sound background in administrative law and hearing procedures. Certified Hearing Officials (CHO) and Certified Administrative Law Judges (CALJ) are recognized during the annual conference and some states have implemented salary incentives to hearing officials certified by NAHO.
Objectives for the certification program include:
- Developing uniform standards of excellence and professionalism for hearing officials/administrative law judges.
- Strengthening the administrative hearing process nationwide.
- Providing fair and impartial judging to the public and the agencies served.
- Establishing curriculum of core courses to be completed as a requirement for certification.
- Complying with fair hearing requirements and promote due process in hearings.
- Enhancing professional and employer recognition as hearing officials/administrative law judges.