Please ensure you thoroughly review the NAMSS Education Policies and Procedures before submitting your NAMSS CE accreditation application. This will help ensure that your application is complete and meets all necessary requirements for NAMSS CE Accreditation approval.
Check out the new NAMSS CE Accreditation FAQ to help answer common questions about the NAMSS CE Accreditation Application submission process.
The purpose of the NAMSS CE Program Accreditation Center is to grant NAMSS-approved Continuing Education (CE) credits to organizations offering industry-related continuing education activities. These activities must contribute to the MSP's continued competence in the field.
Continued competence is defined by NAMSS as demonstrating knowledge, skills, or abilities to proficiently perform as a certified provider credentialing specialist or as a certified professional in medical services management throughout the certificant's professional career.
Qualifying NAMSS CE activities include:
- Conferences
- Seminars
- Workshops
- Training sessions
- Teleconferences
- Webinars
- Online coursework
Activities That Do Not Qualify for Continuing Education Credits:
- Product-specific training that is useful only for a given piece of equipment or a particular system and or "product-specific" topics and content are NOT eligible for accreditation
- Continuing Education Credits (CECs) will not be granted for programming that directly competes with NAMSS Educational Offerings as determined by the Education Committee
- Courses submitted that appear to be sales pitches or product endorsements will not receive approval. This distinction is important because NAMSS does not endorse a specific manufacturer's products. NAMSS endorses competence in given areas of expertise. Product-specific courses may be approved when they are designed to increase efficiency, workflow, convey application guidelines, or troubleshooting techniques
- Attendance at internal department, medical staff, or other facility-specific or system-specific work-related meetings or content. Educational offerings (i.e. workshop, webinar, etc.) may qualify for CE credits
- Personal wellness activities such as yoga and/or fitness classes do not qualify for CE credit. Educational offerings (i.e. conference session, workshop, webinar, etc.) on managing stress and stress reduction may qualify for CE credits if specifically applicable to only MSPs. Please note that there is a limit of two eligible stress reduction sessions per program.
- Viewing equipment at trade shows/exhibits
- Developing and writing policies and procedures related to work or other professional responsibilities
- Volunteer service on non-NAMSS related boards or committees
- **NAMSS Webinar recordings do not qualify for additional certification. Please visit the NAMSS Store for information on purchasing group access to a webinar recording.**
Organizations interested in receiving NAMSS accreditation must complete the online application form, which includes an approved tag line.
- When submitting an application, organizations must upload an agenda that includes session topics, lengths, and scheduled breaks. This information should also be filled out in the application’s required fields, which may match the uploaded agenda. Additionally, a brief course description is required, detailing the intended audience and specific course objectives for each session seeking CE credits. Applications will not be processed without this complete information.
- Accreditation requests should be submitted at least two months prior to the program date. This will ensure adequate time for NAMSS to process the application and allow the sponsoring organization to insert the appropriate information regarding credits in their marketing materials. Programs submitted less than 30 days before the event will be evaluated on a best-effort basis. Programs submitted between 30 and 15 days before the program date will be subject to a $50 late fee, while those submitted between 15 and 0 days before the event will incur a $100 late fee. Paying a late fee does not guarantee that your application will be reviewed in time for the scheduled program. Please allow at least two weeks for application processing.
- Previously approved sessions do not automatically guarantee acceptance for subsequent submissions. Each application must be reviewed and approved based on current guidelines and requirements.
*Please note that any application submitted after the program has taken place, will NOT be approved for CE credit.
How many applications do I need to submit for events with multiple dates or times?
- Each program an organization wishes to have accredited requires a separate online application.
- If your program consists of multiple sessions that are not part of one comprehensive event, each session must be submitted individually to allow for individual Continuing Education certificates to be awarded.
- Example: a series of six different lectures where attendees can choose which to attend would have to be submitted as six separate programs/applications, as attendance at every session is not a requirement.
- If your program contains multiple sessions AND registration is comprehensive of the full program and attendance assumes completion of the entire program, you may submit the program in one application.
- Example: a conference over multiple days or a webinar series over multiple weeks/months wherein attendance of all webinars is included/required.
What if I want to partner with another organization for my program?
- If your organization is sponsoring the program, please select "Yes" for cross-promotion when submitting your application. Additionally, email info@namss.org to notify NAMSS of your intent to collaborate with another organization on your program.
What credentials does NAMSS allow with program speakers' names?
- To ensure the quality and credibility of NAMSS certifications, NAMSS permits NAMSS-accredited education programs, along with related instructional and marketing materials, to reference only acronyms and credentials that are accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or a similar reputable national accreditation body, such as the American National Standards Institute.
In addition, NAMSS allows the inclusion of degrees, fellowships, and any accredited certifications with speakers' names in their programs and materials, provided these credentials also meet the high standards of reputable national accreditation bodies. Examples of such accredited credentials, fellowships, and degrees include:
- Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS®)
- Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM®)
- Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)
- Fellow of the National Association of Medical Staff Services (FMSP)
- Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE)
- Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE)
- Master's Degree: e.g., Master of Arts (M.A.), Master of Science (M.S.)
- Doctoral Degree: e.g., Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
This ensures that all referenced credentials maintain the integrity and excellence expected in the field.
The National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) is committed to enhancing the professional development of and recognition for professionals in the medical staff and credentialing services field. The NAMSS certification program establishes industry standards and serves as a comprehensive measure of knowledge in the field. The Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS®) and Certified Professional Medical Services Management (CPMSM®) offered by NAMSS have met the rigorous requirements to become accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). To safeguard the quality of these certifications, NAMSS will permit NAMSS-accredited education programs, and related instructional and marketing materials, to reference only acronyms and credentials that are also accredited by NCCA or a similar reputable national accreditation body, like the American National Standards Institute.
One hour of qualified education will qualify for 1.0 NAMSS continuing education credit, with the expectation that no more than 10 minutes of each hour may be utilized for housekeeping activities such as speaker introduction, attendance, etc. Credit is not awarded for breaks, meals, networking activities, or business or administrative meetings.
Sponsor Types:
- State Chapter Affiliate
- Not-for-profit Organization (not-for-profit hospitals and non-profit organizations)
- For-profit Organization (corporations, vendors, law firms, etc.)
Applications must be submitted by the sponsoring organization with correct fee type. A sponsoring organization is identified as the organization which:
- Is hosting the program in-person or on a virtual platform.
- Is responsible for the content, either serving as the speaker or has sourced and hired an outside speaker.
- Is collecting registration information including fees when applicable.
- Is sending promotional materials*.
- Is distributing NAMSS-approved CE certificates.
- Is the primary contact for all questions related to the program content in the event follow-up is needed from NAMSS.
Please note, if a For-profit Organization (corporations, vendors, law firms, etc.) is meeting any of the above criteria, they are required to submit a NAMSS CE application under the sponsor type of a For-profit Organization (corporations, vendors, law firms, etc.) for the program and pay the associated fee type.
What if I want my organization to receive NAMSS CEs from another organization's program?
The sponsoring organization of the program must submit their own NAMSS CE application based on their sponsor type, which can be:
- State Chapter Affiliate
- Not-for-profit Organization (not-for-profit hospitals and non-profit organizations)
- For-profit Organization (corporations, vendors, law firms, etc.)
In the application, the sponsoring organization must select "yes" to cross-promotion. Once the program is approved, your organization will work with the sponsoring organization to receive NAMSS CE certificates for your attendance directly from the sponsoring organization.
Please note: Per NAMSS Policy, submissions made on behalf of a sponsoring organization will not be accepted or approved for NAMSS CE credits. For example, State Chapter Affiliates cannot submit an application on behalf of a For-profit Organization (such as corporations, vendors, or law firms). The sponsoring organization is required to submit its own application.
If you have specific questions regarding your eligibility to submit please contact us at info@namss.org, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
*Cross-promotion is allowed by outside organizations with prior approval from NAMSS.
If outside organizations will be helping promote your program, please list them
and their relationship with your organization in your application.
Course descriptions must indicate the intended audience and course content must be a reasonable match for that audience. Courses with content inappropriate for the target audience will not receive approval.
Objectives should highlight how the session will contribute to the MSPs’ continued competence in the field. Continued competence is defined by NAMSS as demonstrating knowledge, skills, or ability to proficiently perform as a certified provider credentialing specialist or as a certified professional in medical services management throughout the certificate’s professional career.
Session Objective Examples:
At the completion of this course attendees will be able to:
- Report current JCAHO and NCQA accreditation and credentialing standards for acute care, managed care, and credentialing verification organizations
- Define legal principle of credentialing
Please note that each program session should have objectives clearly listed in the application
NAMSS Affiliates are eligible to receive discounts on NAMSS continuing education credits for State Association meetings when the educational program meets approved requirements. NAMSS Affiliates will be eligible for the NAMSS “Affiliate” rate. Non-affiliated State Associations or other non-profit organizations will be eligible for the non-profit rate.
Live Events
- State Chapter Affiliate
- $75.00 if the program charges NAMSS members
- $25.00 if the program is free for NAMSS members
- Not-for-Profit Organization - $155.00
- For-profit organizations/corporations - $550.00 for each program ($50.00 for each additional offering of the same program)
Enduring Materials
For more information, click the "Enduring / Recorded Content" tab
- State Chapter Affiliate - $120.00
- Not-for-Profit Organization - $245.00
- For-profit organizations/Corporations - $750 ($50.00 for each additional offering of the same program)
Additional Fees:
The following fees will be added to the application based on the number of credits requested.
| Number of credits |
Amount extra |
| 0.25 - 3.75 credits |
$0 extra |
| 4 - 5.75 credits |
$50 extra |
| 6 - 9.75 credits |
$75 extra |
| 10+ credits |
$100 extra |
Programs submitted less than 30 days prior to the program date will be evaluated on a best-effort basis. Programs submitted between 30 and 15 days before the program date will be subject to a $50 late fee and programs submitted between 15 and 0 days before a program date will be subject to a $100 late fee.
NAMSS recognizes the opportunity to record and repurpose continuing education opportunities. We give our accredited programs the chance to record the first offering of their program (whether presented as an online webinar or filming a live presentation) and pair it with a quiz for additional offerings during a two year period.
Courses must be accompanied by a true/false or multiple choice, 10 question quiz (you do not need to provide this quiz with your application). There is no limit to the number of times recordings may be offered. Recordings are valid for a two year period following the original date of the program offering.
Fees
- State chapters: $120 for a one time live presentation that is recorded and repurposed with a 10 question quiz (good for 2 years from date or original occurrence)
- Non-profit(not-for-profit hospitals and non-profit organizations) : $245 for a one time live presentation that is recorded and repurposed with a 10 question quiz (good for 2 years from date or original occurrence)
- For-profit organizations/Corporations: $750 for a one time live presentation that is recorded and repurposed with a 10 question quiz (good for 2 years from date or original occurrence)
Application process
Programs should apply using the NAMSS CE accreditation center at least 30 days prior to the date of first offering of the program. Select the Enduring materials option when you are starting a new application.
NAMSS will provide a certificate of attendance to the program sponsor, which may be reproduced and distributed to program participants, if desired.
Please note that purchases in the CE Accreditation Center are non-refundable. If you have to cancel your event for any reason, NAMSS will allow you to transfer payment to the make-up event or a future event worth the same number of CE credits.
Continuing Education Credits cannot be advertised by the sponsoring organization until approved. This includes marketing materials, draft agendas, and other course collateral. Please note phrasing such as, “This program has been submitted to NAMSS for approval” or "Pending NAMSS CE approval" is not permitted. Once approved, NAMSS will provide exact language that must be used when promoting programs offering NAMSS credits.
Primary promotion/advertisement of a program must come from the sponsoring organization.*
*Cross-promotion is allowed by outside organizations with prior approval from NAMSS. If outside organizations will be helping promote your program, please list them and their relationship with your organization in your application.