How to Apply for Site Recertification

Eligible 2025 Sites’ Certification Extended

HRSA will not be opening an NHSC site recertification application cycle for 2025.  All non-auto-approved NHSC sites will receive an additional year of eligibility for the NHSC, as long as they maintain all NHSC site eligibility requirements (for example, located in and serving a HPSA). The NHSC site recertification application cycle will resume in 2026.

NHSC site expiration dates for non-auto-approved NHSC sites will be adjusted prior to December 31, 2025, and will be evident by that date in all applicable site records: 

  • Sites with expiration dates of 12/31/25 will be adjusted to expire on 12/31/26.
  • Sites with expiration dates of 12/31/26 will be adjusted to expire on 12/31/27.
  • Sites with expiration dates of 12/31/27 will be adjusted to expire on 12/31/28.
  • Sites with expiration dates of 12/31/28 will be adjusted to expire on 12/31/29.

Site news and updates

We require NHSC-approved sites—except auto-approved NHSC sites—to submit a Site Recertification Application every three years. Sites eligible for auto-approval can request to become approved at any time.

How to prepare for site recertification

Start by reviewing the NHSC Site Agreement (PDF - 255 KB) and the Site Reference Guide (PDF - 676 KB).

These documents help you understand:

  • What you need to be eligible for NHSC approval
  • Required information and documents
  • The site recertification process

NHSC site application sections and required documents

The NHSC site application contains 11 sections, and site applicants must provide the required documents and information depending on their site type. For a list of required documents by site type, visit the “Apply to Become an NHSC Site” page and refer to the documents table under Section Ten: Upload Documents.

If a required document/item is missing, we will consider the application incomplete and may not approve it, including:

  • Behavioral health supporting documents
  • Clinician recruitment and retention plan
  • Policies on non-discrimination
  • Proof of access to comprehensive care documents
  • Sliding fee discount program documents
    • Policy
    • Patient application
    • Sliding fee schedule
    • Posted signage
      • Two photographs
      • Screenshot and link to published online statement
  • Substance Use Disorder (SUD) or Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) documents (if providing these services)

How to submit an NHSC site recertification application

Follow these steps in the Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW) Customer Service Portal:

  1. Log into the BHW Program Portal during an open recertification cycle.
  2. Under “My Sites,” select the site name.
  3. Select the option to apply for recertification.
  4. Start the NHSC Site Recertification Application.

The NHSC Site Recertification follows the same steps as the NHSC New Site Application.

For help navigating the portal, use the Site Points of Contact User Guide (PDF - 5 MB).

Remember: You can only submit a recertification application if your site:

  • Is currently active
  • Has an upcoming expiration date
  • Completes the application during an open site recertification cycle

Related resources

Site guidance

Provider recruitment

Fact sheets

Spanish fact sheets

Support network

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