Individuals who hold the CCHT® designation have successfully completed a training program consisting of both classroom education and hands-on clinical training in a dialysis facility under the direction of a registered nurse following CMS ESRD Conditions for Coverage. The individual possesses a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and has passed a rigorous national certification exam that validates their knowledge and clinical competencies. CCHTs maintain their certification through clinical experience and continuing education.

Continuing competence is the ongoing ability of a dialysis technician working under the registered nurse's direction to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills, judgment, and personal attributes required to practice safely. To maintain competence and prevent professional obsolescence, the Board of Commissioners requires that each CCHT continue working in the field of nephrology and participate in continuing education to refresh existing knowledge and skills. The three-year time period established for recertification is based on both the scope of issues that face dialysis technicians and the Board’s belief that new practices, research, and information are introduced in the field with enough frequency that professional development activities should be conducted routinely so that CCHTs remain current with best practices and emerging knowledge.