Note from the Certification Coordinator: This is it

by Penny Richards

This is it: my last day on Certification Watch here at ACDIS. It’s been a good run and I’m grateful for the relationships, friendships, and the love. I even learned a lot from the tough conversations, mostly about myself.

New online certification processes begin Monday. But as of yesterday, there will be no more paper applications, faxes, or scans, or emails. No more paper checks.

Breathe—it will be fine.

Start using the online recertification process (coming by the end of September) to log and track your CEUs. You should continue to hold onto the certificates in case your application is selected for an audit. When you have the number of CEUs you need and are within 60 days of your recert due date, all you  need to do is click a button on the website and submit your recertification application.

Please (please) get used to visiting the ACDIS website for certification and recertification matters. Almost anything you need to know is there, including answers to these common questions:

• Am I qualified to take either exam?
• How do I apply?
• How will I know if my application is accepted?
• When is my recertification due?
• What are the fees for certification exams or recertification?
• Which CEUs can I submit for recertification?
• How many CEUs do I need to submit?
• I missed my due date; can I still recertify?

Also, our customer service department is here to help you, too. You can call customer service for:

• A receipt
• Assistance logging into your ACDIS membership
• To ask when your ACDIS membership expires

Don’t forget, I may be retiring but I’m leaving the rest of the ACDIS team behind. ACDIS Director Brian Murphy, Associate Editorial Director Melissa Varnavas, and Editor Linnea Archibald are always more than happy to hear from our certification holders, so feel free to reach out to them as well.

As of today, my email has already been switched to auto reply so you can’t send me a goodbye message, but please know that I’ve appreciated all your well wishes these past few weeks as well as all the retirement hobby suggestions last week.

I leave you with this: Be kind to one another. Donate to a food pantry. Be well and happy.

Farewell, my friends. Last one out the door turns off the lights.

Editor’s note: Richards is the certification coordinator at ACDIS. Today is her last day before retirement after 19 years with ACDIS’ parent company. For all matters related to the CCDS or CCDS-O, please contact the certification office at certifications@hcpro.com.