BONENT / NNCO Recertification

When the NNCO ceased operations, all certificants were notified that a deal was struck with BONENT to absorb the NNCO certificants. The deal was that everyone would do their first recertification following the NNCO criteria. That criteria is 30 contact hours and $160 recertification fee. After that recertification, BONENT criteria will be followed. Pretty straightforward and painless, right?....WRONG!



My CDWS was due for renewal 12/31/21 so, I sent my paperwork and check for $160 to BONENT on 11/16/21. My check was finally deposited on 12/22/21. I had not heard anything by 1/25/22 so I called the BONENT office. I was told that my recertification was approved and was being entered into the system that week. I received my documents 2 days later. Now, things really take a turn south.......



The documents stated the BONENT recertification criteria for the next renewal cycle. BONENT doesn't have a "recertification fee" like NNCO. Instead, they have a $60 annual certification fee or a lump fee of $210 payed the first year. This didn't sound right to me since I just payed $160 that would have covered me for 3 years with NNCO and now I still have to pay an additional $240 to maintain my certification. I emailed BONENT for clarification. Bad news is....I didn't misunderstand the document! NNCO certificants have to pay $160 more than BONENT certificants.



NNCO certificants are being screwed!



I was on the NNCO Board of Directors when this deal was struck with BONENT. I assure you, this was never intended or implied by the NNCO. It was seen and presented as a win/win for everyone. NNCO certificants would have a seamless method of maintaining their certification without retesting. BONENT would benefit by getting a sizable increase in membership which equates to increased revenue.



I am contacting the other BOD members to make them aware of this and to see if there is a way to get a fair resolution.