1.What is changing?
Starting January 5, 2027, NBSTSA.org will become your one-stop resource for CE records and certification renewal! As you complete qualifying CE at AST or other education sources, you will enter your credits and upload supporting records through your NBSTSA® account, then submit your renewal application and fee when you are ready to renew.
2. What is not changing?
The acceptance of AST national and state assembly offerings for CE and the number of hours required for renewal, including in-person requirements. During each two-year certification cycle, you must complete:
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CST®: 30 CE credits. 4 live credits.
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CSFA®: 38 CE credits. 8 live credits.
3. Can I still take CE courses through AST?
Yes. AST continues to offer high-quality CE, and AST courses count toward renewal as they always have. What is changing is where you record your CE, not where you earn it.
4. Why is NBSTSA® making this change?
As the certifying body that develops and maintains the CST® and CSFA® certification exams, NBSTSA® is bringing CE oversight and renewal together under one roof for a more streamlined certification experience, all while following standard practice among credentialing organizations.
5. Who can use the new process?
Every CST® and CSFA® certificant, regardless of expiration date. Beginning January 5, 2027, you can start entering CE credits directly into your NBSTSA® account. You do not need to wait until your renewal year.
6. When does the new process begin?
The new process takes effect January 5, 2027, when the CE and renewal platform on NBSTSA.org will open. Until then, please feel free to continue to use the current renewal process. If your certification expires between January 5 and May 31, 2027, see the transition options below.
7. How will I renew under the new process?
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Complete qualifying CE during your certification cycle.
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Enter your CE credits and upload supporting records through your account at NBSTSA.org.
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Attest that you have met all applicable CE requirements.
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Submit your renewal application and fee also on NBSTSA.org.
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NBSTSA® will review and process your application.
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Once all requirements are met, your certification will be renewed for another two-year cycle.
8. Is there a fee to enter CE credits or upload supporting records?
The certification renewal fee still applies; however, beginning January 5, 2027, you can enter your CE credits and upload supporting records through NBSTSA® at no cost.
9. What are the renewal fees?
The fees for renewal by CE are:
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CST®: $40
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CSFA®: $45
Under the new process, there is no separate CE processing fee.
10. What happens to CE that AST has already approved?
CE approved by AST before January 5, 2027 the transition will transfer automatically to your NBSTSA® account and count toward your renewal requirements.
For auditing purposes, we recommend keeping your own supporting records even when credits transfer automatically.
11. What if I earned CE before January 5, 2027, but have not submitted it to AST?
Either option works, so choose what fits your timeline:
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Submit to AST by December 1, 2026: CE that AST approves transfers automatically to your NBSTSA® account, so you will not need to re-enter it. AST's processing fees will still apply through January 4, 2027.
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Enter CE on NBSTSA.org starting January 5, 2027: There is no entry fee. You will enter your credits and upload your records yourself.
Please submit each CE activity only once, either to AST by December 1 or to NBSTSA.org starting January 5, 2027. The NBSTSA.org website will be down for maintenance on January 4, 2027.
12. What if I submit CE to AST in late 2026 and it has not been approved by January 5?
Because AST requires 30 days to review your CE, we recommend entering all your CE to AST by December 1 – if your renewal date falls after January 5, please enter your CE to your NBSTSA® account.
13. I have submitted some CE to AST. Can I enter the rest with NBSTSA?
Yes. CE that AST approves transfers automatically after the 30-day review period – be sure to upload your 2026 CE by December 1, 2026. You can enter your 2027 CE on NBSTSA.org starting January 5, 2027. Processing fees already paid to AST cover the review AST completed and are not refundable.
14. Will CE completed after January 5, 2027 transfer automatically?
No. For CE completed on or after January 5, 2027, you will enter your credits and upload supporting records through your NBSTSA® account.
15. My certification expires before Jan. 5, 2027. What should I do?
Renew using the current process where you 1) upload your CE to AST and pay its processing fees, and 2) renew your certification and pay your renewal fee at NBSTSA.org.
Your new cycle will begin as usual, and starting January 5, 2027, you can enter your CE on NBSTSA.org at no cost.
16. My certification expires between January and May 2027. Which process should I use?
You have a choice because you may renew up to six months before your certification expires:
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By December 1, 2026: You may renew using the current process of submitting your CE to AST and paying AST's processing fees, followed by submitting your renewal application and fee to NBSTSA®.
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Starting January 5, 2027: You may renew directly through NBSTSA.org using the new process, with no separate CE entry or upload fee.
If your certification expires in January or February 2027, you may consider renewing before the end of the year so you have plenty of time before your deadline.
Whichever option you choose, you must meet all renewal requirements and renew by your certification expiration date.
Please note: the NBSTSA.org website will be down for maintenance on January 4, 2027. No logging of CE will be available.
17. Does the transition change my certification expiration date?
The transition does not extend your renewal deadline. Check your NBSTSA® account for your expiration date and complete your renewal by that date.
18. What CE documentation should I keep?
Retain certificates of completion, transcripts or other acceptable records supporting the qualifying CE you complete during your certification cycle. NBSTSA® will publish detailed documentation requirements before implementation.
19. Will my renewal application be audited?
NBSTSA® will continue to audit renewal applications as we always have. If selected, you will need to provide documentation demonstrating that your CE meets NBSTSA® requirements.
Keep your supporting records so you are prepared if selected for an audit.
20. What can I expect when I log in after January 5?
You will use the same email you've used to log into NBSTSA.org in the past, and then you will be prompted to reset your password. That’s it!
21. What should I do now?
Continue earning qualifying CE and keeping your supporting records. Follow the current renewal process, and watch for transition guidance and renewal instructions from NBSTSA®. Starting January 5, 2027, you can enter CE on NBSTSA.org. If your certification expires between January 5 and May 31, 2027, review the two renewal options listed above.