With the 2026 Open Enrollment Period approaching, now is the time to get prepared. In this section, we’ll cover the latest certification requirements and key updates you need to know to be ready for the upcoming plan year.
Key Marketplace Training Deadlines for 2026
The 2026 Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) certification will be released later this summer—most likely in August—through the CMS Enterprise Portal’s Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS). For convenience, a mobile-friendly version of the training is also available, so agents can complete it on the go. Agents using HealthSherpa will still access their certification through the CMS Enterprise Portal.
Remember, recertification is required to maintain your ready-to-sell status for 2026. FFM training applies only to agents selling in the federal exchange. If you operate in a state-based marketplace, you’ll need to complete that state’s training instead. Some state exchanges open certification as early as mid-July, so be sure to check the table below for details on which exchanges are already live.
In addition to completing the 2026 training, all agents must update their MLMS profile on the CMS Enterprise Portal to officially be considered ready-to-sell.
Exchange Training Deadlines & Key Details for 2026
Below is a breakdown of important certification timelines and requirements by exchange.
Federal Exchange (FFM)
-
2025 FFM training closes July 11, 2025
-
Agents must download 2025 certificates before July 11
-
2026 FFM training typically opens in August
-
Agent recertification deadline: TBD
-
Training can be completed via the CMS Portal, HealthSherpa, or INSXCloud
-
CEUs are available through HealthSherpa and INSXCloud in certain states
Colorado (CO)
-
2026 training: TBD
-
Training deadline: TBD
-
Broker enrollment info: Connect for Health Colorado
Georgia (GA)
-
2026 training: Now available
-
Training closes: TBD
-
Broker enrollment info: Georgia Access
Kentucky (KY)
-
2026 training: TBD
-
2026 refresher training closes: TBD
-
To access the Agent Portal via the Self-Service Portal (SSP), agents must complete:
-
Kentucky Online Gateway (KOG) onboarding
-
Required Agent SBM Registration Web-Based Training (WBT)
-
-
Updates: kynect
Maryland (MD)
-
2025 training closed June 1, 2025
-
2026 training opens August 6, 2025
-
Agents must apply and complete initial training to be authorized to sell
-
Broker authorization expires every two years; renewal notices sent at least 60 days before expiration
-
Updates: Maryland Health Connection
New Jersey (NJ)
-
2025 training: TBD
-
2026 training: TBD
-
Training deadline: TBD
-
Brokers must complete Intent to Sell before certification training
-
Updates: Get Covered NJ
New York (NY)
-
Agents must certify every two years from their original certification date
-
No annual certification course required
-
Enrollment: NY State of Health
Pennsylvania (PA)
-
Pennie Certification Training unavailable during July and early August for 2026 updates
-
2026 training available in August
-
Updates: Pennie
Virginia (VA)
-
2026 agent registration and training: TBD
-
Training deadline: TBD
-
Updates: Virginia Health Benefit Exchange
Additional Notes
-
HealthSherpa, as an approved FFM vendor, offers CEUs that apply toward the “Health Line of Authority” requirement. For Plan Year 2025, CEUs were approved in 45 states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NM, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV.
-
Returning agents may take a condensed training.
-
New agents—or those who missed recertification—must complete the full marketplace certification course.
Stay Informed and Get Prepared
We’ll keep this post updated as new details become available, so be sure to check back regularly for the latest information.
Ready to dive into the federal or state exchanges? Register with us today as a partnered agent and get instant access to our free eBook on selling ACA insurance plans. Now’s the time to gear up for Open Enrollment—and Essential Care is here to help you every step of the way!
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
GET CONTRACTED WITH ESSENTIAL CARE INSURANCE AGENCY
For more information, please contact our office at (347) 971-3399 or send an email to rdashevskyy@essentialcare.info. Essential Care Insurance Agency provides Free Programs and Sales Tools for our Agents:
Please click on each link to learn more