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THW Recertification Process

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.

Step 1: Complete all Traditional Health Worker Continuing Education Requirements

For each renewal period of THW Certification, all THWs shall:

Step 2: Submit a completed Traditional Health Worker Full Certification and Renewal Application and required documents.

(The recertification application is the same one as the initial THW Certification Application.  Check “renewal" box at the top of the application)

Note:  If you will be submitting a renewal application with a different email address than your original application, please contact us at thw.program@dhsoha.state.or.us, to let us know, otherwise you will be issued a new THW number. Please, always provide us with a current email address. 

  • Attach proof of completion of the continuing education units (certificates, letters of participation, or transcript) 
  • Email your application and documents to: thw.program@odhsoha.oregon.gov.

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:

Step 4: Once you have been approved for recertification with the Oregon Health Authority, we will update your information in our state THW Registry.