Eligibility & Fees

Eligibility

In addition to requirements imposed by state licensing authorities, applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

  • Technicians (CHT) — a copy of your high school diploma or official transcript (with principal’s signature and/or school seal), a minimum of 6 months of experience in nephrology patient care and current active participation in an ESRD facility.
    • If you have no experience as a patient care technician/technologist, you may apply to take the BONENT exam within 2 years of successful completion of a BONENT Approved Program.
  • Technicians (CHBT) — a copy of your high school diploma or official transcript (with principal’s signature and/or school seal), a minimum of 6 months of dialysis Bio-Medical (BM) experience and any BM training certificates, and current active participation in an ESRD facility.
  • Technicians (CHT & CHBT)
      • No High School Diploma: If you have more than 4 years of work experience in dialysis, but cannot provide proof of graduating high school, BONENT will accept your work experience and waive the requirement for a high school diploma.

  • Nurses (CHN, CPDN) — a valid RN license, one year of experience in nephrology and current active participation in an ESRD facility.
  • LPN or LVN: a valid LVN or LPN license, current active participation in an ESRD facility and for the following exams:
    • CHN or CPDN — two years of experience in nephrology
    • CHT — 6 months of experience in nephrology.
  • Water Specialists (CHWS)
    • A minimum of 3 years of dialysis water experience and a copy of your high school diploma or official transcript (with principal’s signature and/or school seal), OR
    • A minimum of 2 years of dialysis water experience and a copy of your Associates degree or official college transcript. OR
    • A minimum of 1 year of dialysis water experience and a photocopy of your Bachelors/Baccalaureate degree or proof of current certification (BONENT: CHT/CHBT; NNCO: CCNT/CBNT; or NNCC: CCHT) or a healthcare credential (e.g., nursing, physician assistant, pharmacist).

All experience must be verified by two signed and dated reference letters:

  • One from the applicant’s immediate supervisor (the same person who signs the verification section of the application)
  • The second letter must come from a professional in nephrology (physician, technician, nures or dietitian)
  • Both letters must include the applicant’s legal name and verify total length of experience in nephrology (past and present), character and specific job duties.

Currently Unemployed: If you are currently unemployed but have the minimum experience as noted for the exams above, you will be required to have your immediate past supervisor sign the verification section of your application and write a reference letter. All other stated requirements apply. Application Form (pdf)

Fees

Exam Fees

Country

ppe cbt

USA

$225
($235 as of 2/1/24)

$250
($255 as of 2/1/24)

Locations Outside USA**

$250
($260 as of 2/1/24)

$250
($255 as of 2/1/24)

Expedited Application

$100 plus above exam fee as of 2/1/24 (applicant will hear from
BONENT within 7 days of application received) Credit card only

**US dollars only (credit card or money order).

Exam application fees and annual certification fees are not tax deductible.

Candidates will not receive a Confirmation Letter until receipt of all application requirements and fees. NO exceptions will be made.

Additional Fees

Incomplete Application

$70

Exam Withdrawals & Transfers

$120

Returned Check Fee

$85

Incomplete Fee

Applications submitted without signed reference letters, scholastic documentation, license or any other information left blank on the application will be assessed an incomplete application fee.

Returned Check Fee

A Returned Check Fee will be charged for returned checks.

BONENT Annual Certification Fee

To maintain a BONENT certification, nurses, technologists/technicians, and water specialists are required to pay an Annual Certification Fee of $60 ($65 as of 5/1/24). There are two payment options — annually, or four years in advance ($210; $240 as of 5/1/24). If fees are NOT received by the due date noted on your invoice, a $10/yr. late fee will apply during the first three years of your certification period. The fee will increase to $20 in the fourth year of your certification.

BONENT Recertification

There is NO extra fee for the Recertification process and wallet card in the fourth year, but the Annual Certification Fee is still applicable. Learn more on How to Recertify. NNCO Recertification: click here for details and fees.