CMS EHR Certification ID: Quick Reference for Health IT Developers and CMS Program Participants
Last updated: January 12, 2026
CEHRT and the Base EHR Definition
Certified EHR Technology (CEHRT), as defined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at 42 CFR 495.4 and 42 CFR 414.1305, is required for participation in certain CMS programs.
- CEHRT always includes, at a minimum, the capabilities in the Base Electronic Health Record (EHR) Definition as defined by ASTP/ONC
- CMS programs may require additional certified functionality beyond the Base EHR Definition
- Participants should verify CEHRT requirements for their specific CMS program and reporting year
What Is a CMS EHR Certification ID?
A CMS EHR Certification ID, also referred to as a CEHRT ID, is an identifier generated through the Certified Health IT Product List (CHPL). It is required for participation in certain CMS programs, including the Promoting Interoperability (PI) Program and the Quality Payment Program (QPP).
The ID can represent a single certified product or a combination of certified health IT products that together meet 100% of the Base EHR Definition.
A new CMS EHR Certification ID is required each year, even if the underlying product(s) do not change.
How CMS EHR Certification IDs Are Generated
CMS EHR Certification IDs are generated using the CMS ID Creator on the CHPL. Step-by-step instructions are included in the CHPL Public User Guide. To generate an ID:
- Select one or more certified health IT products listed on the CHPL
- The selected product(s) must collectively meet 100% of the Base EHR Definition
- Once all Base EHR requirements are met, the CHPL generates a CMS EHR Certification ID
Any reporter selecting the same combination of products will generate the same CMS EHR Certification ID. If the product combination changes, the ID will also change.
If more than one certified product was used during the reporting period (including upgrades), all applicable products should be included when generating the CMS EHR Certification ID.
Why Can’t I Generate a CMS EHR Certification ID?
If the CMS ID Creator shows less than 100%, it means the selected product(s) do not yet meet all Base EHR requirements. In this case:
- The CMS ID Creator will list which Base EHR certification criteria are still missing
- An ID cannot be generated until all Base criteria are met
- Product developers/vendors can usually advise whether additional certified modules are needed
Please note the CMS ID Creator generates an ID indicating that the user has a certified product(s) with capabilities established in the Base EHR Definition. It is not intended to determine whether a product(s) meets all CMS program-specific requirements beyond the Base EHR Definition.
Resources
CHPL Public User Guide (step-by-step instructions)
Base Electronic Health Record (EHR) Definition
CHPRL ID vs. CMS EHR Certification ID
CHPL ID
- Used in the ONC Health IT Certification Program
- Assigned to each individual certified health IT product listing
- Uniquely identifies a single health IT module on the CHPL
CMS EHR Certification ID
- Generated through the CHPL for CMS reporting purposes
- May represent a single product or a combination of certified products (multiple CHPL IDs)
- Uniquely identifies the certified product suite, not the reporting entity.