August 2026 Testing Period
In 2026, the Academy will offer only one testing period of HIV Credentialing Exams. Beginning in 2027, the Academy will offer the HIV Credentialing Exams from mid-February to mid-March and from mid-August to mid-September. There will no longer be a November testing period after 2025.
Renewal candidates who do not pass the exam in August 2026 will be allowed to retake the exam in February/March 2027. If they pass the exam at that time, their credential will be renewed retroactively as of January 1, 2027.
Renewal candidates that do not take the exam in August 2026 will have their credential expire after December 31, 2026. The next opportunity to renew their credential will be during the February/March 2027 testing period.
Please refer to the Credentialing Program Changes page for additional information about updated policies for 2026.
| Early Registration Opens | April 1, 2026 | Applicants may register online by creating/logging in to their Academy account. All CE documentation must be submitted at the time of registration. |
| Last Day of Early Registration | June 30, 2026 | Early Registration closes at midnight Eastern Time. |
| Late Registration Closes | July 31, 2026 | Late Registration closes at midnight Eastern Time. Only complete applications will be considered. |
| Testing Window Opens | August 12, 2026 | Access the to exam will be granted on this day. |
| Testing Window Closes | September 9, 2026 | Exams must be submitted online by 11:59pm, Eastern Time. |
| Exam Results Posted | October 7, 2026 | Exam Results are sent via e-mail by the end of the day. |
2027 Examination Dates
February 2027 Testing Period
| Early Registration Opens | August 10, 2026 | Applicants may register online by creating/logging in to their Academy account. All CE documentation must be submitted at the time of registration. |
| Last Day of Early Registration | December 31, 2026 | Early Registration closes at midnight Eastern Time. |
| Late Registration Closes | February 2, 2027 | Late Registration closes at midnight Eastern Time. Only complete applications will be considered. |
| Testing Window Opens | February 16, 2027 | Access the to exam will be granted on this day. |
| Testing Window Closes | March 16, 2027 | Exams must be submitted online by 11:59pm, Eastern Time. |
| Exam Results Posted | April 13, 2027 | Exam Results are sent via e-mail by the end of the day. |
August 2027 Testing Period
| Early Registration Opens | February 9, 2027 | Applicants may register online by creating/logging in to their Academy account. All CE documentation must be submitted at the time of registration. |
| Last Day of Early Registration | June 30, 2027 | Early Registration closes at midnight Eastern Time. |
| Late Registration Closes | July 31, 2027 | Late Registration closes at midnight Eastern Time. Only complete applications will be considered. |
| Testing Window Opens | August 10, 2027 | Access the to exam will be granted on this day. |
| Testing Window Closes | September 7, 2027 | Exams must be submitted online by 11:59pm, Eastern Time. |
| Exam Results Posted | October 5, 2027 | Exam Results are sent via e-mail by the end of the day. |
RETAKE POLICY
The Academy allows for one complimentary retake of the HIV Credentialing Exam in the next available testing period. For example, an applicant who takes the exam in August will receive their score in October. They may then retake the exam the following February.
Applicants who are eligible for a complimentary retake will be automatically re-registered for the appropriate testing period. No additional action will be required.
Applicants who do not receive a passing score may retake the exam in subsequent testing periods as many times as they desire. There is no limit to the number of times an applicant can retest. However, applicants who do not take their retake exam, or do not pass the retake, must complete a new application and meet all eligibility requirements prior to taking the exam again, including payment of a new registration fee.
