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Authorized Testing and Certifications Bodies

Becoming an ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Body

To become an ONC-Authorized Testing and Certification Body (ONC-ATCB), an organization must submit an application to ONC to demonstrate its competency and ability to test and certify Complete EHRs and/or EHR Modules.

Applicants are required to request, in writing, an application for ONC-ATCB status from the National Coordinator at ATCBapplication@hhs.gov. The application has two parts:

  • Part I: Provide general identifying and contact information; complete and submit the results of self-audits to all sections of ISO/IEC Guide 65:1996 (Guide 65) and ISO/IEC 17025:2005 (ISO 17025); submit additional documentation related to Guide 65 and ISO 17025; and agree to adhere to the Principles of Proper Conduct for ONC-ATCBs.
  • Part II: Successfully complete a proficiency examination.

    Applicants are required to complete and submit both parts of the application to the National Coordinator for the application to be considered complete. Please review Section III of the final rule for more details about the application and application review processes.

Written requests for applications must include the following:

  1. Applicant (Organization) Name
  2. Application Format Requested: Electronic PDF or Paper copy
    1. Associated Mailing address or Email address
  3. Scope of Authorization Sought (Complete EHR or Module)
    1. If Module(s), Applicants must note each specific module for which authorization is sought.

Examples of such Module(s)* are listed below:

  • Electronic Prescribing
  • Labs
  • Quality
  • Privacy & Security

*Please note that this is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible modules, but serves to represent only some of the potential modules that might be expected given the standards and certification criteria adopted in the Standards and Certification Criteria for Electronic Health Records Final Rule and the requirements of the Meaningful Use criteria.

Learn More

For questions about ONC-ATCBs and certification programs, email ONC.Certification@hhs.gov.