Before you apply for or renew a certification, review the program in the Portal. The overview page explains the program, shows whether you or your organization already hold it, and tells you whether you can apply now.
When to Use This
Use this task when you want to review a certification program before you start an application or renewal. You can also use it to get to the application form when your association has not given you a direct Apply for Certification link.
If you already know which program you want, this page is still the supported place to start. Browse the certification programs, open the program you want, and use its application button.
Prerequisites
- You're signed in to the Portal with a linked contact record.
Open a Program's Overview
- Browse your association's certification programs in the Portal.
- Select the program you want to review.
Result
The program overview page opens and shows the program name, logo, and description.
What You See About Your Own Standing
Based on your certifications, your organization's certifications, and current eligibility, the overview page also shows any of these options that apply:
- View My Certification, if you personally hold a certification in this program.
- View My Organization's Certification, if your organization holds one.
- Submit Application/Renewal, if you, your organization, or an organization below yours is eligible to apply or renew under this program right now.
- A notice that you applied for this program before, with the application date and a link to open that application.
If none of these options appear, you usually do not hold a certification in the program yet and are not currently eligible to start an application for it.
Tip
The previous application notice links to one specific application you made under this program. If you have made more than one, the notice does not always show your most recent application, so open it if the date looks unfamiliar.
Start an Application or Renewal
- On the program overview page, select Submit Application/Renewal.
Result
Rhythm takes you to the application process for this program. After you continue, Rhythm determines which application or renewal process you use, and who the application is for.
Tip
Submit Application/Renewal only appears when at least one application process is currently open to you, your organization, or an organization beneath yours in your organization's hierarchy.
If a Program Won't Open for Someone
If a member reports an access error when opening a program overview and you cannot reproduce it, try basic browser checks before treating it as a configuration or permissions issue. Ask them to clear their browser cache and try again, and check whether they were using a VPN, since a VPN can sometimes cause access issues.