Beginning April 1st 2024, the Oregon Health Authority's Traditional Health Worker Program application portal is now live. We urge every applicant seeking OHA certification and renewing certifications to use the portal. The application portal also allows individuals to update personal information, access determination letters, and check application status anytime! The electronic system provides step-by-step guidance for efficient application submission.
A mobile-friendly and computer-friendly system at your fingertips. Start your THW application now.
All Traditional Health Worker Certifications and Recertifications are good for three years from the issue date, then you must renew. Individuals will need to submit the renewal application and proof of continuing education requirements at least
60 days before their current certification expires. An individual applying for renewal as a THW, whose certification lapsed for more than 6 months will be required to take a competency skills test administered by the Authority in addition to providing proof of completion of the number of CEUs required for their worker type.
(Note: If you are a Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and are registered through Mental Health and Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO), you are now required to also submit a THW Peer Support Specialist Application along with all other required documents).
Step 1: Complete all Traditional Health Worker Continuing Education Requirements
For each renewal period of THW Certification, all THWs shall:
Step 2: Apply for Traditional Health Worker (THW) recertification via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/
Note:
When setting up an account portal, use your original email address. After confirming your account is active you can then update any information.
- Attach proof of completion of the continuing education units (certificates, letters of participation, or transcript)
Step 3: Once OHA has approved your Traditional Health Worker application and supporting documents, you'll get an email from our Background Check unit. You must complete the background check application and return it to the Background Check Unit. The review process will take about 4-8 weeks and all costs are covered by the Oregon Health Authority.
For more information regarding the criminal background check:
All inquiries about the background check should be directed to:
Step 4: Once your applicatoin has been approved by the Oregon Health Authority, your information will be updated on the portal and the THW Registry.
Note: You informationm will only appear on the THW Registry if you have indicated so when you applied. (You can always change your preferences via the portal at https://healthworkforceregistry.oregon.gov/.
Competency Skills Test Links
Per OAR 950-060-0060(9)(f): An individual applying for renewal as a THW, whose certification lapsed for more than 6 months will be required to take a competency skills test administered by the Authority in addition to providing proof of completion of the number of CEUs required for their worker type.