United States
Hong KongRecertification
The CPhT credential is held for two years and renewed on continuing education. PTCB publishes the current hour requirements and subject conditions, and state CE requirements are separate.
The part of certification that continues after the exam, and the part candidates rarely budget for.
The cycle
The credential is held for two years. Renewal requires continuing education completed within the cycle, together with PTCB's renewal process and fee.
PTCB publishes the current hour requirement and any subject conditions attached to it. Read those rather than relying on a summary, because they have changed.
Why it exists
Because the content moves. The examination outline itself changed on 6 January 2026 following a job analysis, shifting weight onto federal requirements.
A credential earned against a 2019 body of knowledge and never refreshed would describe something other than current practice, which is what recertification is for.
Meeting PTCB's requirement does not automatically satisfy your state board, and the two cycles rarely align. Technicians who track only one discover the other late. Note both renewal dates in the same place the day you certify.
Who pays
Often the employer, and not always. Where CE is employer-provided it is usually convenient and sometimes narrow, so check that what is offered actually meets the requirement rather than assuming.
If it lapses
PTCB operates a reinstatement process with its own requirements and cost. It is recoverable and it is more expensive and slower than renewing on time.
Practical advice
- Note both renewal dates, PTCB's and your state's, on the day you certify
- Do the CE across the cycle rather than in the final month
- Keep your own records rather than relying on an employer's
- Check that any subject-specific requirement is met, not just the total
Common questions
How often is CPhT renewed?
Every two years, on continuing education.
How many CE hours are required?
PTCB publishes the current requirement and any subject conditions. Check PTCB directly, as it has changed.
Does PTCB CE satisfy my state?
Not necessarily. State CE is separate and on its own cycle.
Who pays for CE?
Often the employer. Check that what is provided actually meets the requirement.
What if my credential lapses?
PTCB operates a reinstatement process, which costs more and takes longer than renewing on time.