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FFM certification

Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM) certification requirements & accessing training.

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Agents selling in states that use the Federally-facilitated Marketplace (FFM) must complete training each year to earn FFM certification.

In this article we'll cover:

FFM certification is not required for HealthSherpa Enrollee Assistance Full-Service account types.


FFM certification at a glance

The term Marketplace can refer to either the Federally Facilitated Marketplace (FFM) or a State-based Marketplace (SBM). Certification requirements vary by state and typically require a specific Marketplace training.

  • Agents selling in states utilizing the FFM must complete FFM training to earn FFM certification.

  • Agents selling in states utilizing an SBM must complete the unique certification requirements of the specified state to earn that state's SBM certification.

Agents must complete Marketplace training each year in order to become certified to sell Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans for the designated plan year.


Accessing FFM training

FFM training courses are free and should be accessed using the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Enterprise Portal.

  • Agents who completed FFM training for the previous plan year will follow the steps outlined in CMS' guide for returning agents to earn FFM certification.

  • Agents who did not complete FFM training for the previous plan year will follow the steps outlined in CMS' guide for new agents to earn FFM certification.

For full directions on how to complete Marketplace agent and broker registration for plan year 2026, please visit the CMS CCIIO Resources for Agents and Brokers in the Health Insurance Marketplaces.


Earning free Continuing Education (CE) credits

Continuing Education (CE) credits are points used to track required ongoing learning. CE credits are typically earned by completing approved courses within a set reporting period.

HealthSherpa is a CMS-approved vendor for the plan year 2026 FFM Agent and Broker Training Program. Agents who complete HealthSherpa FFM training are eligible to earn free CEs that qualify for the Health Line of Authority in many states.

HealthSherpa's FFM training courses available through the CMS Enterprise Portal are available in English & Spanish:

  • FFM Certification for New Agents and Brokers

  • FFM Certification for Returning Agents and Brokers

  • FFM Certification for New Agents and Brokers (en Español)

  • FFM Certification for Returning Agents and Brokers (en Español)

Steps to complete HealthSherpa's 2026 FFM training

  1. Navigate to the Marketplace Learning Management System (MLMS) within the CMS Enterprise Portal. This step is required.

  2. Select HealthSherpa Training from the bottom of the page

  3. You will be redirected to HealthSherpa

  4. From HealthSherpa, select the appropriate course to begin the training

Agents who wish to earn free CEUs should confirm their state is listed on the CEU Details page before completing HealthSherpa FFM training. CEUs cannot be retroactively granted for states added to the list after an agent completes training.


How to check FFM certification status

FFM certification status can be confirmed by visiting the Agent and Broker Registration Completion List.


Frequently asked questions

Can agents who were not FFM certified during plan year 2025 service plan year 2026 applications?

Agents can service plan year 2025 applications once they have completed plan year 2026 FFM certification.


Additional resources

For help using HealthSherpa or for other assistance, contact Agent Support. Agent Support is available by phone at (888) 684-1373, by email at Agent_Support@HealthSherpa.com, or by chat directly from your account.

Keywords: CEU, unit

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