How to Renew

• Earn 10 BLS CM Points during your 3-year certification cycle.
• Document your CM points on the CM worksheet and submit to BLS by the deadline. Include supporting documentation as evidence of points earned.
• Once your points are approved, you will be sent the renewal invoice of $165. This must be paid no later than January 31 following the close of your certification cycle, or else you will be charged a $55 late fee. If all fees are not paid by May 31 following the close of your cycle, your certification ends.

Grace Period

As of January 1, 2024, the extension year option is no longer available. However, CLSOs and CMLSOs now have access to a grace period to submit late documentation and payment. BLS CM points cannot be earned during the grace period. The deadline to earn BLS CM points toward renewal is December 31 of the 3rd year of certification.

It is the responsibility of the CLSO to submit CM forms  and recertification fees on time. Email notices will be sent out only as a courtesy reminder to recertify. All CM forms must be postmarked by January 31st after the 3rd year. Failure to recertify by January 31st will result in “Inactive Status.” To restore status, CM forms accompanied with the recertification fee and a late fee of $55.00 will be accepted up to and including May 31st. After that time, it will be necessary to retake the exam to become active again, which includes reapplying, resubmission of reference letters, and payment of the $55.00 application fee, in addition to payment of the exam fee. 

• The exam must be taken before the December 31 deadline.
• You have one opportunity to pass. If you pass, your certification is renewed for another 3-year cycle. If you fail, your certification becomes inactive. Please note that the retake policy does not apply to taking the exam-in-lieu-of-points. The only exception is in the case of a 'no-show' (see below). 
• The application fee is waived and the cost to take the exam for renewal is the same as your renewal dues: $165.
• Failure to arrive for your scheduled exam time is considered a 'no-show' and counts as your exam attempt. In the case of a 'no-show', you may reschedule your exam one time for the retake fee of $125 if taken before the December 31 deadline. Failure to present for the second attempt will result in your certification becoming inactive and no additional retakes are allowed.