To sell health plans through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, agents must first complete an annual certification known as the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) training. This step is required before you can begin selling each year.
If you’ve gone through Medicare training before, such as Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) modules or carrier product certifications, this process will feel a bit different. In this guide, we’ll break down how FFM certification works, highlight what sets it apart, and explain the steps you’ll need to take. The good news? It’s simple—and completely free.
FFM vs. Medicare FWA Certification: What’s the Difference?
Both FFM certification and Medicare Fraud, Waste & Abuse (FWA) certification are federally required for agents—but they aren’t the same.
The key distinction is cost: FFM certification is completely free, while Medicare FWA training often comes with a fee.
Another difference lies in who administers the training. FFM certification is handled directly by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS). In contrast, Medicare FWA training—though still federally mandated—is offered through private organizations such as AHIP or NABIP.
How to Get Certified for FFM
To know when the next Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) training opens, keep an eye on Essential Care’s Agent Blog—we post regular updates so you don’t miss important certification dates.
For example, the 2026 FFM training was expected to launch in August 2025. Once available, completing the 2026 certification allows agents to sell Marketplace plans for the rest of 2025. Stay tuned for announcements when it goes live!
Step 1: Register for FFM Training
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Visit the CMS Enterprise Portal.
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If you’re a new user, create an account. If you already have one, just log in.
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Under the Choose Your Application drop-down, select:
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Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM)/Request for MLMS Training Access
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Follow the on-screen steps until you receive a confirmation email verifying that your account was created.
Step 2: Add the Application
Once logged in:
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Go to My Portal.
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Click Add Application.
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Search for and select: Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM)/Request for MLMS Training Access.
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Click Next.
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On the following page, choose Agent Broker Training Access, then click Next again.
Step 3: Verify Your Identity
You’ll be asked to complete identity verification:
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Most agents can do this online, but if electronic verification fails, you’ll be guided to verify by phone through Experian.
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Good news: this only needs to be done once! If you’ve already verified for CMS in the past, you’re all set.
Step 4: Start the Training
After verification:
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Log back into the CMS Enterprise Portal.
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Go to Marketplace Training – Agent Broker.
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Click the MLMS Training link to update your profile.
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Choose your role:
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Only an Individual Marketplace Agent Broker (most agents will select this option)
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Only a SHOP Marketplace Agent Broker
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Both an Individual and SHOP Marketplace Agent Broker
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Not an Agent Broker
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Selecting the correct role customizes the training to fit your business.
Tip: Have your NPN (National Producer Number) ready—just like with Medicare sales, it’s used to confirm your identity and certification status.
Step 5: Enroll & Complete
Once your profile is updated:
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Return to Marketplace Training – Agent Broker in the CMS Enterprise Portal.
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Select MLMS Training.
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Enroll in the course you selected and complete the required modules.
After finishing, your FFM certification will be active, and you’ll be ready to sell ACA Marketplace plans!
What’s Included in the MLMS Training?
Before becoming certified, agents must complete a series of training modules and then pass four required exams.
To move forward, you’ll need to score at least 70% or higher on each of the following:
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Basics Exam
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Individual Marketplace Exam
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Privacy and Security Standards Exam
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American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 Exam
Vendors & Continuing Education Credits
In addition to completing training directly through CMS, agents may also complete FFM training through approved vendors. In certain states, these vendors provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as part of the training.
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HealthSherpa currently offers CEUs for agents licensed in: AL, FL, IL, ND, NM, SC, and TN.
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INSXCloud, another Enhanced Direct Enrollment (EDE) partner, provides CEUs for agents in: IA, MO, OH, TX, and VA.
Wrapping Up
Congratulations—you’ve completed your FFM training! Here’s what to do next:
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Sign the required agreements. After doing so, you’ll be redirected back to the CMS Enterprise Portal.
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Access your completion certificates. These certificates include your name, NPN(s), applicable market segment(s), plan year, and the date you completed your FFM registration. You’ll have the option to print them for your records.
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Track your status. You can monitor your registration status on the Agent and Broker Marketplace Registration Tracker page.
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Confirm your certification. Verify your information on the Agent and Broker FFM Registration Completion List (RCL).
Keep in mind: it can take 1–2 days for both sites to update with your completed registration details.
What’s Next?
After earning your FFM certification, you’re ready to start securing carrier contracts and building your Marketplace product portfolio.
Partnering with a field marketing organization (FMO)—like Essential Care—can make the process much smoother. With us, you’ll gain:
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Direct access to top carrier contracts
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Easy-to-use online enrollment tools
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Ongoing, personalized agent support
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And much more to help you succeed
Not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or any government agency.
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