Purpose

To ensure that NIMS credential holders maintain current industry knowledge and skills, all NIMS credentials will expire five (5) years from the date they are earned unless renewed in accordance with this policy.

Maintaining Industry Relevance

The five-year renewal cycle helps ensure that NIMS credential holders continue to possess the knowledge and skills necessary to meet evolving industry standards, technologies, and employer expectations.

By maintaining active credentials, individuals demonstrate an ongoing commitment to professional development, quality, and excellence within the manufacturing workforce.

Credential Renewal Requirements

To renew an expired or expiring NIMS credential, the credential holder must complete one of the following renewal options before the expiration date:

Option 1 – Verification of Industry Experience

The credential holder must provide documentation demonstrating continued employment and practical experience in the field related to the credential during the five-year certification period.

Acceptable documentation may include:

• Employer verification letter
• Employment records
• Job descriptions
• Performance evaluations
• Other documentation approved by NIMS

NIMS reserves the right to request additional documentation to verify industry experience.

Option 2 – Reassessment

If the credential holder cannot provide sufficient evidence of continued industry experience, they may renew their credential by successfully completing:

• The current NIMS theory examination associated with the credential

Policy Update and Grandfathering Provision

Effective June 30 2026, NIMS has updated its credential validity and renewal requirements to establish a five (5) year validity period for all newly issued modular and stackable credentials.

This policy applies only to credentials earned on or after the effective date of this policy. Credentials earned prior to the effective date shall remain subject to the policies, terms, and conditions that were in effect at the time the credential was issued and shall not be retroactively affected by this policy change.

Individuals who earn NIMS credentials after the effective date will be required to renew their credentials every five (5) years in accordance with the NIMS renewal requirements. This includes successful completion of the applicable NIMS certification process and any renewal requirements established by NIMS.

NIMS reserves the right to modify credentialing and renewal requirements as industry needs evolve.

Questions about credential renewal?

Contact NIMS at support@nims-skills.org for additional information regarding credential status, renewal requirements, and stackable credential pathways.