Free Dialysis Technician Study Resources
Comparable / supplemental to MEI Core Curriculum for the Dialysis Technician (7th ed.)
Legitimate, official, or high-quality free materials only. No pirated textbooks.
MEI Core Curriculum (7th ed.) — 12 Module Topic Areas
Source: MEI Core Curriculum page and 7th ed. practice-test product listing
| # | Module title |
|---|---|
| 1 | The Dialysis Environment |
| 2 | Kidneys and Kidney Failure |
| 3 | Treatment Options for Kidney Failure |
| 4 | The Person with End-Stage Kidney Disease |
| 5 | Principles of Dialysis |
| 6 | Hemodialysis Devices and Equipment |
| 7 | Vascular Access |
| 8 | Peritoneal Dialysis |
| 9 | Hemodialysis Procedures |
| 10 | Infection Control and Hemodialysis Complications |
| 11 | Water Treatment and Equipment |
| 12 | Emergency Planning and Response |
MEI free supplements (official):
- Dialyzer Reprocessing (free PDF) — reuse steps, hazards, documentation, AAMI/CMS context. Maps mainly to Modules 6/9/10.
- Endovascular AV Fistula Creation and Use Supplement (free) — endoAVF creation/cannulation. Maps to Module 7.
- Core Curriculum references PDF — citation list by module (useful study map; not the book itself).
1) CDC Dialysis Infection Prevention & Safety
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Account / CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Training: Infection Prevention in Dialysis Settings | https://www.cdc.gov/dialysis-safety/hcp/training/index.html | Infection risks in outpatient HD; CDC recommendations; tools | Official ~2-hr self-paced course for techs/nurses; aligns with Module 10 and CCHT/CHT infection domains | Free. For CE: CDC TRAIN, search WB4720 / WB4720R; post-test ≥75%; CE expires Aug 1, 2027. No fee |
| CE accreditation PDF (WB4720) | https://www.cdc.gov/dialysis-safety/media/pdfs/WB4720-AfterAccreditation-508.pdf | Objectives, audience (includes dialysis technicians), CE steps | Confirms free CE path and learning objectives | TRAIN account for credit |
| Best Practices / Core Interventions (BSI prevention) | https://www.cdc.gov/dialysis-safety/hcp/clinical-safety/index.html | Surveillance, hand hygiene, access care observations, staff competency, catheter reduction, CHG, hub disinfection, ointment | Core clinic infection-control expectations techs must follow | Free; no account |
| Resources & Tools | https://www.cdc.gov/dialysis-safety/hcp/tools/index.html | Audit tools, checklists, posters, ICAR for hemodialysis, staff videos | Practical checklists for competency and station disinfection | Free |
Maps to: Modules 7, 9, 10; BONENT Infection Control (18%); NNCC Environment.
2) CMS ESRD / Conditions for Coverage (public)
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Account / CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMS ESRD Facility Providers hub | https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/guidance-for-laws-regulations/dialysis | CfC links, interpretive guidance, survey tools, laminates, PCT cert memos | One-stop official CMS page for tech-relevant regs | Free |
| ESRD Program Interpretive Guidance v1.1 (PDF) | https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/GuidanceforLawsAndRegulations/Downloads/esrdpgmguidance.pdf | Full V-tags: infection control, water/dialysate (AAMI RD52/RD62 by reference), reuse, physical environment, patient care, personnel | Surveyor language = what clinics must do; excellent for Modules 1, 10, 11, 12 | Free PDF |
| 42 CFR §494.140 — Personnel qualifications | https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/494.140 | PCT training topics (principles, cannulation, complications, water, infection, safety, reuse) + certification within 18 months | Exact federal training/certification mandate | Free |
| 42 CFR §494.40 — Water and dialysate quality | https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/494.40 | Incorporates ANSI/AAMI RD52:2004 (and referenced RD62) | Legal basis for water testing techs must know | Free |
| ESRD Surveyor Laminates (ZIP) via CMS downloads | Linked from CMS dialysis page above | Water system flow diagram / critical water & dialysate requirements; infection control; PCT certification orgs; lab tests at a glance | Short, study-friendly summaries of AAMI chemical limits & water path | Free |
| PCT certification survey guidance (SC-10-17) | https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/surveycertificationgeninfo/policy-and-memos-to-states-and-regions-items/cms1234906 | Certification deadlines and survey expectations | Context for why CCHT/CHT matter | Free |
Maps to: Modules 1, 10, 11, 12; CCHT Role/Environment; BONENT Education & Water domains.
3) BONENT CHT (free handbook / outline)
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Account / CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate Examination Handbook (2024 PDF) | https://bonent.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/FINAL-UPDATED-CANDIDATE-HANDBOOK-2024.pdf | Eligibility, policies, full CHT content outline, suggested readings | Official free study map for CHT | Free PDF; no account to download |
| Standalone CHT content outline PDF | https://bonent.org/wp-content/downloads/BONENT-cht-exam-content.pdf | Detailed task list by domain | Compact outline for study planning | Free |
| CHT domain weights | (in handbook) | Patient Care 45%; Machine Tech 12%; Water 15%; Infection Control 18%; Education/Personal Dev 10%; 150 Q / 3 hr | Weight study time to high-yield areas | — |
| Online CHT practice exam | https://bonent.org/practice-test-cht/ | 50-question official practice | Paid (~$60–65) — not free; listed for awareness only | Account + fee |
4) NNCC CCHT (free prep materials)
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Account / CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCHT Certification Preparation Guide (PDF) | https://www.nncc-exam.org/sites/default/files/prepguide/cchtPrepGuide.pdf | Blueprint, cognitive levels, sample questions + rationales, study tips, CMS context | Best free official CCHT study booklet | Free PDF |
| CCHT test specifications / activities | https://www.nncc-exam.org/sites/default/files/specifications/cchtSpecifications.pdf | Clinical / Technical / Environment / Role activity lists | Know what tasks are tested | Free |
| CCHT exam blueprint | https://www.nncc-exam.org/sites/default/files/blueprints/cchtExamBlueprint.pdf | Clinical 48–52%; Technical 21–25%; Environment 13–17%; Role 10–14% | Weight study time | Free |
| CCHT certification page | https://www.nncc-exam.org/certification/ccht | Eligibility, scoring (≈74% / standard score 95), reference list, practice-test info | Official exam overview | Free browse; official practice test is paid (~$30) |
| CCHT application booklet | https://www.nncc-exam.org/sites/default/files/applications/cchtApplication.pdf | Application rules, blueprint summary | Process info (not content study) | Free |
5) NKF — free / low-cost CE & kidney education
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Account / CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NKF PERC (Professional Education Resource Center) | https://cme.kidney.org/ | Online CE courses, webcasts, podcasts for kidney care team incl. dialysis technicians | Accredited CE; some free activities | Free account to claim CE; many activities free or member-discounted |
| Kidney Commute podcast (CE) | https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/kidney-care-professionals-grab-your-headphones-and-earn-free-ce-go | On-the-go CE for techs/nurses/etc. | Easy CE while commuting | Listen free; PERC login for credit |
| NKF Technician membership / CNNT | https://www.kidney.org/professionals/membership/technicians | Tech-focused membership, CE benefits | Optional paid membership for more free CE | Membership fees for full benefits |
| Hemodialysis Access (patient education) | https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/hemodialysis-access | Fistula / graft / catheter care, warning signs | Techs reinforce access education daily | Free |
| Hemodialysis Access booklet (PDF) | https://www.kidney.org/sites/default/files/11-50-0216_va.pdf | Access types, care, KDOQI-based | Solid Module 7 supplement | Free |
| KDOQI Vascular Access 2019 guideline | https://www.kidney.org/professionals/kdoqi/guidelines-and-commentaries/vascular-access (guideline PDF linked from NKF) | Clinical VA standards | Advanced reference; skim for access monitoring concepts | Free to read on NKF |
Maps to: Modules 2–4, 7, 9, 10.
6) AAMI water / dialysis standards — free vs paywalled
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Paywall note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full ANSI/AAMI dialysis water standards (RD52 / ISO 23500 series) | AAMI / ISO purchase pages (e.g. ISO 23500-3:2024) | Chemical & microbiological water quality, monitoring | Gold-standard technical text | Paywalled — full standards not free |
| CMS Interpretive Guidance water sections (V176+) | Same ESRD guidance PDF above | Adopts ANSI/AAMI RD52:2004 (+ referenced RD62) as regulation; tables of max contaminants, monitoring expectations | Best free legal summary of water requirements techs must follow | Free |
| CMS “Water System Flow Diagram / Critical Water and Dialysate Requirements” laminate | In ESRD Surveyor Laminates ZIP on CMS dialysis page | Typical water-system path + critical limits | Pocket study aid for Module 11 | Free |
| 42 CFR §494.40 | https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/42/494.40 | Regulatory incorporation of AAMI | Short legal reference | Free |
Practical note: Study CMS free materials for exam/clinic practice; buy AAMI/ISO only if employer requires the full standard text.
7) NIH / NIDDK patient education (techs should know)
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Account / CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Failure hub | https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure | What kidney failure is; treatment overview | Plain-language Module 2–3 foundation | Free |
| Hemodialysis | https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/hemodialysis | How HD works, access, in-center vs home, what patients feel | Explains treatment in patient-facing terms techs use daily | Free |
| Choosing a Treatment for Kidney Failure | https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/choosing-treatment | HD, PD, transplant, conservative care | Module 3 / modality education | Free |
| Treatment comparison chart | https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/choosing-treatment/comparison-chart | Schedule, location, diet, lifestyle by modality | Quick modality table | Free |
| Eating & Nutrition for Hemodialysis | https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/hemodialysis/eating-nutrition | Fluid, K, Phos, Na, protein | Helps techs reinforce diet/fluid teaching | Free |
| Peritoneal Dialysis (NIDDK site, same kidney-failure section) | Search via NIDDK kidney failure hub | PD basics | Module 8 support | Free |
8) Other free official / high-quality training
| Title | URL | Covers | Why useful | Account / CE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney School (MEI) — free patient modules | https://kidneyschool.org/mods/ | 18 modules: kidneys, modalities, team, access, nutrition, adequacy, rights, etc. English/Spanish PDFs | Free MEI content; excellent for Modules 2–4, 7–9; written for patients but strong for techs | Free; licensing note if printing multiples |
| Kidney School professional resources | https://kidneyschool.org/resources/ | Module PDFs + CfC education mapping | Ready patient-education tools clinics use | Free |
| ESRD Network educational tools (e.g. IPRO) | https://esrd.ipro.org/about-our-networks/about-us/publications-resources/educational-materials/ | Free patient/provider toolkits (access, infection, modality) | CMS-funded Network materials | Free |
| Forum of ESRD Networks patient toolkits | https://esrdnetworks.org/toolkits/patient-toolkits/ | Transplant, grievance, depression, etc. | Patient-engagement / Module 4 | Free |
| ESRD Network of Texas CE / PCT cert links | https://www.esrdnetwork.org/professionals/continuing-education | Links to CMS PCT memos, state grids, Kidney School, FEMA EMI | Portal to other free CE | Free |
| ASPR TRACIE — ESRD shelter triage webinar | https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/technical-resources/resource/6615/emncy-shelters-medical-triage-considerations-for-esrd-end-stage-renal-disease-patients | Disaster planning for dialysis patients | Module 12 | Free |
| ASN Emergency Preparedness & Response | https://epc.asn-online.org/projects/epr/ | Provider/patient disaster preparedness module & library | Module 12 | Free resources (some may need site registration) |
| KCER / Kidney Community Emergency Response | Search kcercoalition.com (referenced by AKF/CMS partners) | Facility hurricane playbooks, Ready Quiz, staff/patient emergency tools | Module 12 / CMS emergency rule | Free |
| FEMA Emergency Management Institute (independent study) | https://training.fema.gov/emi.aspx | General emergency management courses | Background for drills (not dialysis-specific) | Free FEMA SID account for certificates |
9) Explicitly skipped
- Pirated MEI Core Curriculum PDFs or commercial textbook dumps
- Sketchy “free PDF” mirror / exam-dump sites
- Copyrighted book text reproduction
10) Third-party free practice quizzes — unofficial (flag quality)
| Title | URL | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Mometrix free CCHT practice test | https://www.mometrix.com/academy/ccht-practice-test/ | Commercial prep vendor; free sample questions. Unofficial — use only after official NNCC/BONENT outlines |
| Quizlet CCHT / dialysis tech flashcard sets | e.g. https://quizlet.com/266727711/ccht-practice-exam-flash-cards/ | User-generated; accuracy varies. Unofficial — verify every answer against CDC/CMS/MEI/NIDDK |
| Official paid practice (for comparison) | NNCC ~$30; BONENT ~$60–65 | Higher quality than free third-party quizzes |
Suggested study map (free resources → MEI modules)
| MEI module | Primary free resources |
|---|---|
| 1 Environment / professionalism | CMS Interpretive Guidance (patient rights, QAPI, personnel); Kidney School Module 3 & 14 |
| 2 Kidneys & kidney failure | NIDDK Kidney Failure; Kidney School Modules 1–2, 6–7 |
| 3 Treatment options | NIDDK choosing treatment + comparison chart; Kidney School Module 2 |
| 4 Person with ESKD | Kidney School Modules 4–5, 12–13; NKF patient materials |
| 5 Principles of dialysis | NIDDK Hemodialysis; Kidney School Module 10 (adequacy) |
| 6 Devices & equipment | BONENT/NNCC Technical outlines; CMS machine/equipment survey worksheets |
| 7 Vascular access | CDC Core Interventions + access observation tools; NKF VA booklet; Kidney School Module 8; MEI endoAVF free PDF |
| 8 Peritoneal dialysis | NIDDK PD pages; Kidney School Module 2 |
| 9 HD procedures | NNCC Clinical activities list; BONENT Patient Care outline; CMS observation checklists |
| 10 Infection & complications | CDC WB4720 training + Core Interventions + tools; CMS infection V-tags |
| 11 Water treatment | CMS §494.40 + Interpretive Guidance water tables + water laminate; BONENT Water domain |
| 12 Emergency planning | CMS emergency V-tags; KCER/ASN/ASPR TRACIE; FEMA EMI |
Quick start (highest ROI, all free)
- Download NNCC CCHT Prep Guide + BONENT CHT Handbook (content outlines).
- Complete CDC Infection Prevention in Dialysis Settings (WB4720) on TRAIN.
- Read CMS ESRD Interpretive Guidance sections on infection, water, and personnel (or at least the surveyor laminates).
- Work through Kidney School modules 1–3, 8–10 and NIDDK hemodialysis pages.
- Use MEI free Dialyzer Reprocessing + endoAVF PDFs as add-ons.
- Optional practice: Mometrix free quiz / Quizlet — flagged unofficial; confirm answers against the sources above.
Inventory compiled Sep 15, 2026 from official CDC, CMS, BONENT, NNCC, NKF, NIDDK, MEI, and ESRD Network public pages. No copyrighted textbook content included.