Age Requirement. An individual seeking community health worker certification shall be 18 years old or older. Certification by Completion of a CHW Certification Training Program Accredited by the Department. An applicant for community health worker certification shall: Provide documentation of successful completion of an accredited CHW certification training program as set forth in this chapter; and Possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Exemption from Training Program Requirements. The Department may exempt an individual occupied as a CHW on October 1, 2018, from the training program requirements set forth in this chapter if the applicant provides documentation of: The completion of a minimum of 2,000 hours of CHW paid or volunteer experience 5 years prior to: October 1, 2018; or The application date; A minimum of two letters of validation, on a form that the Department requires, from a current or former CHW employer, supervisor, or agency representative that recommend the individual for certification and validate the minimum of 2,000 hours of required experience; and Proficiency in core competencies to be detailed by the applicant and verified in writing by a CHW employer, supervisor, or agency representative. The deadline for submission of an application for exemption from the training program requirements under this section is March 31, 2020. An applicant may request an extension to submit an application, not to exceed 60 days, if: The applicant submits documentation of good cause for an extension; and The Department determines that an extension is reasonable under the circumstances.