Hand Therapy Certification Commission

03/23/2026

FAQ: How do I become a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)?

There is no single educational path to becoming a CHT. Many therapists develop an interest in hand therapy through working with patients who have upper extremity conditions or by collaborating with hand therapists and hand surgeons.

To become eligible for the CHT examination, therapists must complete 4,000 hours of direct practice experience in upper extremity rehabilitation. Because of this requirement, it is helpful to seek employment in a setting that provides hand therapy services.

Many therapists also choose to:
• Take continuing education courses in hand therapy
• Participate in fieldwork experiences or fellowships
• Join study groups to connect with other hand therapy professionals

HTCC also offers resources such as job postings and continuing education listings to help therapists gain the experience and resources needed to pursue certification

When you feel prepared, reviewing the Examination Blueprint can help guide your study by outlining the knowledge and skills covered on the exam.

Learn more about the pathway to certification and how to apply on the HTCC website.

03/19/2026

This year marks an exciting milestone for the hand therapy community — 35 years of the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential.

HTCC administered the first CHT examination in 1991, beginning a legacy of recognizing advanced clinical expertise in the treatment of hand and upper extremity conditions.

For more than three decades, the CHT credential has represented a commitment to excellence, specialized knowledge, and high standards in hand therapy practice.

We’re proud to celebrate 35 years of advancing the profession and supporting the therapists who dedicate their careers to improving upper extremity care.

03/12/2026

Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) is more than earning a credential — it’s joining a community of dedicated professionals committed to excellence in hand and upper extremity care.

The journey to certification takes hard work, experience, and perseverance. But along the way, many therapists build lasting professional relationships, find mentors, and connect with peers who share the same passion for advancing patient care.

And when that moment comes — passing the exam and celebrating a new milestone — it’s a reminder that the effort was worth it.

Congratulations to all who have taken this important step in their professional journey.

03/06/2026

Headline: Calling all new CHTs heading to Philly! 🔔

Are you attending the Philadelphia Hand Symposium? We need 3 more panelists for the CHT Exam Prep session on March 28th.

Help the next generation of therapists while earning professional recognition and contact hours. No formal presentation prep is required—just your honest experience and advice.

Deadline: Friday, March 6th.
Apply here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WMJ8CSN

03/06/2026

Calling all new CHTs heading to Philly! 🔔

Are you attending the Philadelphia Hand Symposium? We need 3 more panelists for the CHT Exam Prep session on March 28th.

Help the next generation of therapists while earning professional recognition and contact hours. No formal presentation prep is required—just your honest experience and advice.

Deadline: Monday, March 9th.
Apply here:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

02/27/2026

🔁 Recertification FAQs: Renewing Your CHT Credential

There are two ways to recertify your CHT credential, as long as general eligibility requirements are met. If they are not met, an Inactive Status option is available.

Recertification by Professional Development
• First-time recertifying:
✔ 2,000 hours of work experience in hand therapy
✔ At least 1,000 hours in hand therapy clinical practice
✔ 80 professional development hours

• Recertified once or more:
✔ 2,000 hours of work experience in hand therapy
✔ 80 professional development hours

Recertification by Examination
✔ Available to any CHT
✔ Required if your certification has expired

Inactive Status
✔ Available for up to five years
✔ Must be renewed annually
✔ Designed for CHTs who do not meet requirements and do not wish to test at this time

📄 For full details, download the Recertification Requirements brochure on our website.

🔗 Learn more at htcc.org

02/25/2026

📚 Making time. Finding resources. Taking the next step.

Preparing for certification or recertification takes intention — and the right support. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or a full schedule, HTCC offers resources designed to help you move forward with confidence.

As you look ahead to 2026, now is the time to explore available tools, plan your next steps, and invest in your professional growth.

🔗 Learn more about certification and recertification resources at htcc.org

02/23/2026

✨ This is your sign. ✨

If becoming a Certified Hand Therapist has been on your mind, now is the time to take the next step. The Spring CHT application window is open, and this could be the moment that moves your career forward.

Earning the CHT credential is a powerful way to demonstrate advanced clinical expertise and commitment to excellence in hand therapy.

🔗 Learn more and apply at htcc.org

02/20/2026

📍 How to locate a test center

Planning to take the CHT Exam? Finding a test center is quick and easy.

👉 Visit htcc.org
👉 From the homepage, click Locate a Test Center
👉 Choose the location that works best for you

Be sure to explore your options early so you can plan ahead with confidence.

02/18/2026

👋 First time applying for the CHT Exam?

Welcome! If this is your first time applying for Hand Therapy Certification, you’ll need to create a new account before submitting your application.

Taking this step is the beginning of an exciting journey toward becoming a Certified Hand Therapist. Be sure to review eligibility requirements, deadlines, and required documentation before you apply.

🔗 Get started at htcc.org

02/16/2026

📘 A look at the history of HTCC

The Hand Therapy Certification Commission (HTCC) was founded through the American Society of Hand Therapists (ASHT). ASHT was incorporated in 1977 to advance the specialty of hand therapy through education, research, communication, and the establishment of clinical standards.

In its early years, ASHT membership served as a way to recognize hand therapy expertise. As the profession evolved and antitrust laws required professional organizations to broaden access to membership, ASHT began exploring new ways to recognize advanced clinical expertise while remaining inclusive of therapists at all stages of their careers.

This work ultimately led to the creation of HTCC — establishing a fair, independent certification process that continues to uphold excellence in hand therapy today.

02/13/2026

✨ Another ASHT Conference throwback ✨

One of the best parts of being at ASHT is celebrating the incredible community that surrounds the CHT credential. Becoming a Certified Hand Therapist represents years of dedication, growth, and commitment to excellence — and it’s even more meaningful when you get to share that achievement with others who truly understand the journey.

We’re proud to support a community that uplifts, encourages, and celebrates one another every step of the way. 💜