How do I know if I need to recertify by exam?
If your certification(s) expired and you are past the six-month "grace period" for submitting recertification materials, you need to recertify by exam.
You have one year from your expiration date to recertify by exam before your certification(s) will lapse and be deleted from your certification records. During this year, you're not allowed to submit your recertification journal packet. You can only recertify by exam.
If you pass the exam you will be issued a new card and certificate with the same certification number as before. Note: Your recertification date will be your original due date, not the date you passed exam.
If you attempt to recertify by exam and fail, you will be decertified and must certify again as a new applicant.