Get ready for the 2026 Open Enrollment Period! This year brings new certification requirements and key updates you won’t want to miss.
Below, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the latest Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) certification process and the training updates for state-based exchanges.
Marketplace Training Deadlines You Should Know
The 2026 FFM certification is now open through the CMS Enterprise Portal under the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS). A convenient mobile version is also available, allowing you to complete your training on the go. If you use HealthSherpa, you can access the same training directly through the CMS Enterprise Portal.
To remain ready-to-sell for 2026, all agents must complete their recertification. Keep in mind—FFM certification is only required for agents selling plans through the federal exchange. If you focus on a state-based exchange, you’ll need to complete that state’s own training program. Some states launch their agent trainings as early as mid-July, so be sure to review the table below to see which ones are currently open.
In addition to completing the 2026 course, agents must also update their MLMS profile within the CMS Enterprise Portal to maintain their active selling status.
Below, you’ll find key certification dates for the ACA exchanges.
| Exchange |
Important Info |
| Federal |
- 2025 FFM training closed July 11, 2025
- Agents must have downloaded 2025 certificates prior to July 11, 2025
- 2026 FFM training is available now
- 2025 agent certification is closed
- Training can be completed through the CMS Portal, HealthSherpa, or INSXCloud
- CEUs are available through HealthSherpa and INSXCloud in some states
|
| CO |
- 2026 training is now available
- Training deadline closes November 1, 2025
- Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Connect for Health Colorado
|
| GA |
- 2026 training is now available
- Training closes November 1, 2025
- Enrollment and more information is available for brokers at Georgia Access
|
| KY |
- 2026 training is available now
- 2025 agent certification is closed
- In order to access Agent Portal through Self-Service Portal (SSP), you must complete Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) onboarding the required Agent State-Based Marketplace Registration Web-Based Training (WBT)
- Certification information and updates can be found at kynect
|
| MD |
- 2025 training closed June 1, 2025
- 2026 training opened August 6, 2025
- Agents must apply and complete initial training to receive authorization to sell.
- Broker authorization expires after two years. Maryland Health Benefit Exchange will send a renewal notice no later than 60 days prior to expiration date.
- Certification information and updates can be found at Maryland Health Connection
- Effective August 18, 2025, all brokers on the individual marketplace must pass the MHBE Consumer Assistance Worker (CAW) Pre-Credentialing exam. In order to remain authorized for the upcoming OEP, all currently authorized brokers must also adhere to this requirement.
- You should have received an email directly from Adobe regarding Annual Training. The due date for both the completion of Annual Training & the CAW exam is October 24, 2025. As of August 20, exams will be offered twice weekly — Wednesdays 11AM to 12:30PM ET and Thursdays 1 to 2:30PM ET. You must register for each exam attempt in advance in Adobe LMS.
|
| NJ |
- 2025 training is closed
- 2026 training is open
- Broker Intent to Sell must be completed by October 25, 2025 to be ready-to-sell by November 1.
- Once form is complete, you will receive an email from trainer@learn.trakstar.com with a link to complete the 2026 training.
|
| NY |
- Agents must certify every two years from their initial certification date
- There is no annual certification course
- Enrollment and more information can be accessed at NY State of Health
|
| PA |
- 2026 training is open
- Certification information and updates can be accessed at Pennie
|
| VA |
- 2026 agent registration and training is available now
- Training deadline is October 10, 2025
- Certification information and updates can be accessed at Virginia Health Benefit Exchange
|
HealthSherpa FFM Certification & CEU Details
HealthSherpa offers Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that count toward your Health Line of Authority requirements. These CEUs are recognized in the following states: AL, DE, FL, ID, IL, MA, MS, ND, NM, SC, TN, TX, VT, and WI.
Important reminder:
-
Returning agents can complete a condensed training version.
-
New agents—or those who missed a previous recertification deadline—must complete the full Individual Marketplace training to become certified.
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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