Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) - Ahima
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Commission on Certification for Health Informatics
and Information Management (CCHIIM)
Candidate Guide
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®)
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT®)
Certified Coding Associate (CCA®)
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®)
Certified Coding Specialist—Physician-based(CCS-P®)
Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA®)
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS®)
Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP®)
Certified Healthcare Technology Specialist (CHTS)
Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI)
Gill Sans (Font)
Updated May 28, 2019
ahima.org
Updated May 28, 2019CONTACT INFORMATION
AHIMA
Customer Relations Phone: (800) 335-5535
Fax: (312) 233-1500
Submit Exam Applications and Fees: Certification Examinations
If paying with a check please submit this
application with the appropriate fee to:
Attn: Coding Exams, AHIMA
Dept. 77-2735
Chicago, IL 60678-2735
Submit Official Associate, Bachelor
or Master HIM Transcript: Candidates submitting official transcripts from a
CAHIIM-accredited program, please mail official
transcripts (unopened/sealed in a school envelope)
separately to:
AHIMA
Attn: Certification Transcripts
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Fl.
Chicago, IL 60601
Official transcripts must contain the degree along
with the conferred/awarded graduation date.
Transcripts sent via USPS mail in an opened official
school envelope is considered unofficial and will
not be processed.
Appeals and Ethics Complaints: Commission on Certification Appeals
AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Fl.
Chicago, IL 60601
Pearson VUE Exam Scheduling: (888) 524-4622
Updated May 28, 2019TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT THE CANDIDATE GUIDE ON EXAMINATION DAY
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Examination Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
About CCHIIM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Identification Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
About AHIMA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Test Center Restrictions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Security. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
VALUE OF CERTIFICATION
Misconduct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
AHIMA-Certified Professionals Deliver the Results Cancellation Due to Bad Weather or
Your Organization Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Other Emergencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Professional Certification through AHIMA. . . . . . . . . 3 Medical or Personal Emergency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
ABOUT CERTIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 AFTER THE EXAMINATION
ABOUT AHIMA CREDENTIALS Notification of Examination Results. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Confidentiality Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Registered Health Information
Validation of Scores. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Administrator (RHIA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Release of Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) . . 5
Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Certified Coding Associate (CCA). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Examination Complaints. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Re-taking the Examination and Process. . . . . . . . . . . 14
Certified Coding Specialist—
Use of the Credential. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Physician-based (CCS-P). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Registry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Credential Verification. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS). . . 7
AHIMA Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Certified Documention Improvement
Practitioner (CDIP). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 APPENDICES
APPLYING FOR THE EXAM Appendix A: AHIMA Membership Application. 16–17
Appendix B: Authorization to Test Letter . . . . . . 18–19
Submitting an Application. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Appendix C: Professional and Regulatory Candidate
Submitting Official Transcripts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Rules Agreement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20–21
Official Transcript Estimated Processing Appendix D: Sample Pass Score Report. . . . . . . . . 22–23
Time Frame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Appendix E: AHIMA Accommodations under the
Incomplete Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Policies and
Independent Testing Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9 Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
TEST TAKERS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES. . . 9 Appendix F: Registered Health Information Administrator
(RHIA) Examination Content Outline . . . . . . . . . 25–27
AHIMA EXAM APPLICATION CHECKLIST. . . . . . . 9 Appendix G: Registered Health Information
Technician (RHIT) Examination
SCHEDULING THE EXAMINATION Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28–29
Authorization to Test (ATT) Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Appendix H: Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
Scheduling an Appointment to Test. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Examination Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30–31
Test Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Appendix I: Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Examination Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32–33
APPOINTMENT CHANGES Appendix J: Certified Coding Specialist—
Policy on Cancelling or Rescheduling. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Physician-Based (CCS-P) Examination
Refund Policy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Appendix K: Certified Health Data Analyst
Penalties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
(CHDA) Examination Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . 35
ELIGIBILITY EXTENSION FEE AND POLICY. . . . . 11 Appendix L: Certified in Healthcare Privacy
and Security (CHPS) Examination
PREPARING FOR THE EXAM Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36–37
Tips for Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Appendix M: Certified Documentation Improvement
Practitioner (CDIP) Examination
Content Outline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38–39
AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDE Updated May 28, 2019 1ABOUT THE CANDIDATE GUIDE
Introduction as knowledge, skills, and abilities). The subject matter
(also referred to as a body of knowledge, or BoK for short)
Congratulations on your decision to earn an American
represented by these competencies is further segmented
Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
across specific roles and disciplines throughout the HIIM
credential. We commend your commitment to your career
profession as a whole by the requisite levels of depth,
and the health informatics and information management
breadth, and experiences necessary for successful job
(HIIM) profession.
performance, as exemplified by each respective AHIMA
This guide includes information about: certification.
• Eligibility qualifications
About CCHIIM Exam Development
• Guidelines for applying for and scheduling the Committees (EDC)
examination
CCHIIM EDCs are composed of experienced, credential-
• What to expect at the test center specific subject matter experts, representing HIIM leaders,
• What to expect after completing the examination practitioners, and other relevant stakeholders. EDCs are
responsible for the specific oversight and performance of
About the Commission on Certification their respective credential’s certification examination. EDC
responsibilities are codified in the CCHIIM operating code
for Health Informatics and Information and typically include recurring review of content relevancy,
Management (CCHIIM) both item-level and examination-level performance data
Purpose and expertise with respect to establishing the cut score for
their respective certification examinations.
CCHIIM serves the public by establishing, implementing,
and enforcing standards and procedures for certification Job Analysis
and recertification of HIIM professionals. The job analysis process ensures quality control of the
CCHIIM Mission relevancy, currency, and validity of the competencies
assessed by each certification examination. CCHIIM
Through certification, the CCHIIM ensures the compe- plans for and conducts comprehensive job analyses
tency of professionals practicing health informatics and according to the rate and amount of changes taking
information management (HIIM) worldwide. place within a given certification examination.
CCHIIM Vision Consistent with best practices, the task of job analysis
is overseen by a diverse and representative sample of
Professional excellence in health informatics and
stakeholders, including recently certified professionals
information (HIIM) through certification.
and employers/supervisors. These stakeholders assess the
CCHIIM Values criticality of current workplace practices, skills, tasks,
• The application of evidence-based best practices for and responsibilities, with respect to the importance and
certification; frequency of performance. The results of the job analysis
influence to what extent the competencies are revised for
• The validation of workforce competence through each certification examination.
professional certification;
• The commitment to ongoing professional development, Examination Blueprints and Specifications
lifelong learning, and workforce excellence; and The job analysis serves as the foundation for the examination
• The recognition of CCHIIM-certified professionals’ blueprint. First, the individual competencies are grouped into
role in maintaining and enhancing quality health domains that represent specific and similar areas of content.
information for the safety of the public and the Next, the percentage weighting of each content domain is
improvement of healthcare determined, in part, through the individual competency
statement criticality scores, considered collectively, within
CCHIIM Exam Development Process: each domain. This weighting of domains relative to one
An Overview for Stakeholders another allows the EDCs to determine how much, or to what
AHIMA/CCHIIM certification exams are valid, reliable, extent, each domain is assessed (both by the number and
and legally defensible assessment instruments that measure difficulty of test items), relative to the other domains. For
the competency of potential certificants against a codified example, domains with competencies with higher criticality
and relevant body of HIIM competencies (also referred to scores (that is more important and/or more frequently
2 Updated May 28, 2019 AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDEperformed) typically represent a larger percentage of test AHIMA currently sponsors the following certification
items than those domains with lower criticality scores for examinations:
their respective competencies. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
The examination specifications are typically established or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
revised at the same time as the development of the exami-
Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
nation blueprint. The specifications usually include the
total number of test items (both scored and non-scored), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
test item type(s), such as multiple-choice or other, total test Certified Coding Specialist—Physician-based (CCS-P)
duration, and scoring methodology.
Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA)
For additional information on CCHIIM, please visit
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
ahima.org/certification/cchiim.
Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner
(CDIP)
About AHIMA
AHIMA is a professional association composed of 52
component state associations and more than 103,000 health
information professionals who work in various healthcare
settings. Since 1932, AHIMA has certified HIIM profes-
sionals through its rigorous testing standard.
VALUE OF CERTIFICATION
AHIMA-Certified Professionals Deliver Certified for Success
the Results Your Organization Needs Organizations that employ credentialed HIIM
professionals can expect the highest levels of competency.
Setting the standard since 1932 as the leader in The ability to adhere to industry standards and regulations
HIIM certification is demonstrated through attaining credentials. Certified
The AHIMA Commission on Certification is nationally professionals are leaders in healthcare, displaying a
recognized as the most respected HIIM credentialing commitment to the industry, their colleagues, and
agency. AHIMA certifications provide validation of consumers.
professional competency to employers. Healthcare quality,
financial performance, and operational efficiency are Leverage the Benefits and Anticipate Results
strengthened by hiring AHIMA-credentialed professionals. Credentialed professionals offer employers a broad range
of benefits that can be leveraged for immediate application
to HIIM and other operations functions. Because they
Professional Certification through have pursued certification, credentialed professionals are
AHIMA ready to apply their skills and require less training than
Excellence in Operations and Healthcare Delivery noncredentialed peers. Their expertise reduces exposure
to fraud and abuse charges through precise, ethical
AHIMA establishes professional standards of excellence.
management of health information. The accuracy of health
Credentials are issued in HIIM, compliance and data
data is increased, making it more meaningful and positively
quality, coding, privacy and security, and health data
affecting the revenue cycle.
analysis, responding to the demands of the rapidly
changing healthcare environment. These key factors influence the success of healthcare
organizations through improved delivery of quality
Dedication Required, Competency Ensured healthcare and enhanced operational efficiency, producing
Credentials are earned through a combination of education, results that impact the bottom line.
experience, and performance on certification exams.
Following initial certification, credentials must be main-
tained through rigorous continuing education, ensuring the
highest level of competency for employers and consumers.
AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDE Updated May 28, 2019 3ABOUT CERTIFICATION
Certification is a means for showing that a certified Other benefits include:
professional possesses the knowledge and skills necessary • Credentialed professionals receive better compensation
for optimal performance of his or her job. Through from their employers
credentialing, the practitioner’s employer, peers, and the
• Employers know they’ve hired productive and
public are reassured the certified individual is both
knowledgeable individuals
competent and well-informed in the daily and accurate
administration of his or her professional duties. Certain • Certification marks a professional as an exceptional
professions (for example, doctors, lawyers, technicians, individual in his or her field
and others) require that the individuals performing their • Greater chance for advancement in one’s chosen career
duties be certified, owing to legal or safety reasons or high
• Certification gives greater insight on potential
professional standards. Whatever the reason, credentialing
employees during the hiring process
makes a professional a likelier candidate for gainful
employment and career advancement. • Consumers are protected from the threat of
incompetent or unfit practitioners
• A certified professional’s work reflects the best practices
and high professional standards of his or her field
ABOUT AHIMA CREDENTIALS
Registered Health Information vendors, consulting services, government agencies, education,
and pharmaceutical companies.
Administrator (RHIA)
Working as a critical link between care providers, payers, and Eligibility Requirements
patients, the RHIA is an expert in managing patient health infor- RHIA applicants must meet one of the following eligibility
mation and medical records, administering computer information requirements:
systems, collecting and analyzing patient data, and using classifica-
tion systems and medical terminologies. Underlying this expertise • Successfully complete the academic requirements at the
is a comprehensive knowledge of medical, administrative, ethical, baccalaureate level of an HIM program accredited by
and legal requirements and standards related to healthcare delivery the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics
and the privacy of protected patient information. RHIAs often and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)1
manage people and operational units, participate in administrative OR
committees, and prepare budgets. RHIAs interact with all levels of • Successfully complete the academic requirements, at
an organization—clinical, financial, administrative, and informa- the master’s level, of an HIM program accredited by
tion systems—that employ patient data in decision making and CAHIIM and following a specific set of criteria
everyday operations.
OR
Job opportunities for RHIAs exist in a multitude of
settings throughout the healthcare industry. These include the • Graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign
continuum of care delivery organizations, including hospitals, association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement2
multi-specialty clinics and physician practices, long-term care, OR
mental health, and other ambulatory care settings. The profes- • Be an RHIT who meets the Proviso conditions approved
sion has seen significant expansion in non-patient care settings, by the 2017 Commission on Certification for Health
with careers in managed care and insurance companies, software Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM)³
1. Students in CAHIIM-accredited programs 2. HIMA and the Canadian Health Information
A 3. Registered Health Information Technicians
for RHIA, enrolled in their final term of Management Association (CHIMA); Korean (RHIT) who meet the following eligibility
study, are now eligible to apply for and take Medical Record Association (KMRA); and requirements will be eligible to sit for the
their respective certification exam early. Health Information Management Association of RHIA examination during the timeframe of
Eligible students include the following: Australia (HIMAA) shall permit a graduate of a July 1, 2017 through 2021:
• Students currently enrolled and in their program in HIM at the baccalaureate degree level • Have at least a baccalaureate degree from
last term of study to apply to write the appropriate certification a regionally accredited institution or
examination consistent with the academic level nationally recognized accreditor; and
• Students who have completed their course- achieved and given independently by the afore-
work but have not yet graduated mentioned associations. The graduate must meet • Have received their RHIT credential
• Graduates currently waiting for their the educational competencies for certification as on or before December 31, 2018; and
official transcripts a technician or administrator established by the • Have complied with the Standards for
association to which the application is made. Maintenance of the RHIT credential.
4 Updated May 28, 2019 AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDEThe academic qualifications of each candidate will be Students interested in obtaining a Post-Baccalaureate
verified before a candidate is deemed eligible to take the Certificate, a Certificate of Completion, or Transfer of
examination. All first-time applicants must submit an Credits information must contact the CAHIIM-accredit-
official transcript from their college or university.1 ed program in which they wish to enroll regarding their
institutional policies. Please visit the program directory
Registered Health Information website at cahiim.org/accredpgms.asp to access the list of
CAHIIM-accredited programs.
Technician (RHIT)
Professionals holding the RHIT credential are health
information technicians who ensure the quality of Certified Coding
medical records by verifying their completeness, Associate (CCA)
accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems. The CCA credential distinguishes coders by exhibiting
They may also use computer applications to assemble commitment and demonstrating coding competencies
and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving across all settings, including both hospitals and
patient care or controlling costs. RHITs often specialize physician practices. Becoming a CCA positions you as a
in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records leader in an exciting and growing market. CCAs also:
for reimbursement and research. An additional role for
• Exhibit a level of commitment, competency, and
RHITs is cancer registrars—compiling and maintaining
professional capability that attracts employers
data on cancer patients. With experience, the RHIT
credential holds solid potential for advancement to • Demonstrate a commitment to the coding profession
management positions, especially when combined • Distinguish themselves from noncredentialed coders
with a bachelor’s degree. Although most RHITs work in and those holding credentials from organizations less
hospitals, they are also found in other healthcare settings demanding of the higher level of expertise required to
including office-based physician practices, nursing homes, earn AHIMA certification
home health agencies, mental health facilities, and public Based upon job analysis standards and state-of-the-art
health agencies. In fact, employment opportunities exist test construction, the CCA designation has been a
for RHITs in any organization that uses patient data or nationally accepted standard of achievement since 2002.
health information, such as pharmaceutical companies, More than 8,000 people have attained the certification
law and insurance firms, and health product vendors. since its inception. The CCA is the only HIIM credential
Eligibility Requirements worldwide currently accredited by the National
Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
RHIT applicants must meet one of the following eligibility
requirements: Eligibility Requirements
• Successfully complete the academic requirements • High school diploma or equivalent
at an associate’s degree level of an HIM program Training and Recommendations:
accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of
Health Informatics and Information Management • Six months coding experience directly applying codes;
Education (CAHIIM)1 OR
OR • Completion of an AHIMA-approved coding program
(PCAP Program);
• Graduate from an HIM program approved by a
foreign association with which AHIMA has a OR
reciprocity agreement 2 • Completion of other coding training program to
The academic qualifications of each candidate will be include anatomy and physiology, medical terminology,
verified before a candidate is deemed eligible to take the Basic ICD diagnostic/procedural and Basic CPT coding
examination. All first-time applicants must submit an
official transcript from their college or university.
1. Students in CAHIIM-accredited programs for RHIT, enrolled in their 2. A
HIMA and the Canadian Health Information Management
final term of study, are now eligible to apply for and take their respective Association (CHIMA) shall permit a graduate of a program in HIM
certification exam early. Eligible students include the following: at the associate level to apply to write the appropriate certification
• Students currently enrolled and in their last term of study examination consistent with the academic level achieved and given
independently by the two associations. The graduate must meet
• Students who have completed their coursework but have not yet graduated the educational competencies for certification as a technician
• Graduates currently waiting for their official transcripts or administrator established by the association to which the
application is made.
AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDE Updated May 28, 2019 5Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Certified Coding Specialist—
CCSs are professionals skilled in classifying medical Physician-based (CCS-P)
data from patient records, generally in the hospital setting. These The CCS-P is a coding practitioner with expertise in
coding practitioners review patients’ records and assign numeric physician-based settings such as physician offices, group
codes for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers. He
they must possess expertise in the ICD-10-CM and CPT cod- or she reviews patients’ records and assigns numeric codes
ing systems. In addition, the CCS is knowledgeable in medical for each diagnosis and procedure. To perform this task, the
terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology. Hospitals and individual must possess in-depth knowledge of the CPT
medical providers report coded data to insurance companies or coding system and familiarity with the ICD-10-CM and
to the government in the case of Medicare and Medicaid recipi- HCPCS Level II coding systems. The CCS-P is also an expert
ents for reimbursement of expenses. in health information documentation, data integrity, and
quality. Because patients’ coded data is submitted to insurance
Researchers and public health officials also use coded companies or the government for expense reimbursement,
medical data to monitor patterns and explore new the CCS-P plays a critical role in the health provider’s
interventions. Coding accuracy is thus highly important to business operation. With the growth of managed care and the
healthcare organizations because of its impact on revenues movement of health services delivery beyond the hospital,
and describing health outcomes, and in fact, certification the employment outlook for this coding specialty looks
is becoming an implicit industry standard. Accordingly, the highly favorable. The CCS-P certification exam assesses
CCS credential demonstrates tested data quality and integrity mastery-level proficiency incoding rather than entry-level
skills in a coding practitioner. The CCS certification exam skills. Professionals performing coding in a doctor’s office,
assesses mastery proficiency in coding rather than entry- clinic, or similar setting should consider obtaining the CCS-P
level skills. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and certification to attest to their capabilities.
outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification.
CCS Eligibility Requirements CCS-P Eligibility Requirements
Candidates must meet one of the following eligibility Candidates must meet one of the following eligibility
requirements: requirements:
• By Credential: RHIA, RHIT, or CCS-P; • By Credential: RHIA, RHIT, or CCS;
OR OR
• By Education: Completion of a coding training • By Education: Completion of a coding training program
program that includes anatomy that includes anatomy and physiology,
and physiology, pathophysiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology,
pharmacology, medical terminology, medical terminology, reimbursement
reimbursement methodology, methodology, intermediate/advanced
intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic/ ICD diagnostic/procedural and medical
procedural and CPT coding; services (CPT/HCPCS) coding;
OR OR
• By Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of related • By Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of related
coding experience directly applying coding experience directly applying
codes; codes;
OR OR
• By Credential • By Credential
with Experience: CCA plus one (1) year of coding with Experience: CCA plus one (1) year of coding
experience directly experience directly
applying codes; applying codes;
OR OR
• Other: Coding credential from other • Other: Coding credential from other
certifying organization plus one certifying organization plus one
(1) year coding experience directly (1) year coding experience directly
applying codes.
Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) and transform data into accurate, consistent, and
timely information, while balancing the “big picture”
Individuals who earn the CHDA designation will achieve
strategic vision with day-to-day details. CHDA-certified
recognition of their expertise in health data analysis
professionals will exhibit broad organizational knowledge
and validation of their mastery of this domain. This
and the ability to communicate with individuals and
prestigious certification provides practitioners with
groups at multiple levels, both internal and external.
the knowledge to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret,
6 Updated May 28, 2019 AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDEEligibility Requirements relative to clinical documentation in the patient’s health
Effective February 1, 2016, candidates must meet one of the record, thus promoting the HIM profession overall.
following eligibility requirements for the Certified Health
Eligibility Requirements
Data Analyst examination:
• An RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, RN, MD, or DO and two (2)
• Healthcare information management credential (RHIT®) and years experience in clinical documentation improvement
minimum of three (3) years of healthcare data experience
• An associate’s degree or higher and three (3) years
• Baccalaureate degree and a minimum of three (3) years of experience in clinical documentation improvement
of healthcare data experience (candidates must also have completed coursework in
• Healthcare information management credential (RHIA®) Medical Terminology and Anatomy and Physiology)
• Master’s in Health Information Management (HIM) or AHIMA’s Commission on Certification reserves the
Health Informatics from an accredited school right to verify the information supplied by, or on behalf
• Master’s or higher degree and one (1) year of healthcare of, a candidate. If selected for an audit, the candidate
data experience may be asked to submit additional documentation
supporting eligibility.
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Taking the certification examination is voluntary.
AHIMA strictly adheres to the eligibility requirements
Security (CHPS) for certification. It is the responsibility of the candidate
The CHPS credential denotes competence in designing, to comply with all procedures and deadlines in order to
implementing, and administering comprehensive privacy establish eligibility for the examination. For questions
and security protection programs in all types of healthcare about eligibility, please contact:
organizations. Becoming certified in healthcare privacy
Attn: Certification Department
and security demonstrates a choice to focus and advance by
AHIMA
specializing in privacy and security dimensions of HIIM.
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Fl.
Being distinguished with this special expertise signifies Chicago, IL 60601
a commitment to advancing privacy and security management Telephone: (800) 335-5535
practices and lifelong learning and professional development. Web: ahima.org/contact
Eligibility Requirements
CHPS applicants must meet one of the following eligibility
requirements for the CHPS examination:
• Associate’s degree and six (6) years experience in
healthcare privacy or security management
• Healthcare information management credential (RHIT)
and minimum of four (4) years of experience in
healthcare data experience
• Baccalaureate degree and a minimum of four (4) years
experience in healthcare privacy or security management
• Healthcare information management credential
(RHIA) and minimum of two (2) years of experience in
healthcare privacy or security management
• Master’s or related degree (JD, MD, or PhD) and two (2) years
of experience in healthcare privacy or security management
Certified Documentation
Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)
The CDIP certification will confirm the commitment
of AHIMA to globally improve and maintain quality
information for those involved in healthcare and support
the integrity of the patient’s health record.
The certification will distinguish those professionals
serving as clinical documentation specialists as
knowledgeable and competent to provide guidance
AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDE Updated May 28, 2019 7Applying for the Exam—Submitting an Application
Before submitting an application, carefully review the Candidates submitting official transcripts from a
information contained in this guide. It is the candidate’s CAHIIM-accredited program, please mail official
responsibility to ensure eligibility before submitting the transcripts (unopened/sealed in a school envelope)
application. Applicants who are determined to be ineligible, separately to:
and submit an ineligible application or request withdrawal AHIMA
of their application, will receive a refund of the application Attn: Certification Transcripts
fee minus a $75 processing fee. 233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Fl.
Chicago, IL 60601
Applicants may register online at myahima.org or by
submitting a paper application, which can also be found at
ahima.org/certification. Official transcripts must contain the degree along with the
conferred/awarded graduation date.
If completing a paper application be sure to:
Transcripts sent via USPS mail in an opened official school
• Ensure the name on the application matches the name on
envelope is considered unofficial and will not be processed.
the identification (ID) to be used for admission to the test
center (see section on Identification Requirements, p 12)
• Include the education program code (EPC) on the Official Transcript Estimated
application (for RHIT and RHIT applicants only) Processing Time Frame
• Submit verification of eligibility, if applicable. (Official Official transcripts estimated processing time frame can
transcript for RHIA and RHIT only) take up to 4 weeks.
• Sign and date the application in ink (if using a paper Official transcripts sent via Fed Ex/UPS with overnight
application) shipping are processed within 48 business hours from the
• Make copies for your records date it is received.”
• Include the correct application fee by referring to the
AHIMA website for current exam pricing
Incomplete Applications
• Paper applications can be submitted electronically to cer-
tification@ahima.org or by mail if paying with a check: An application may be considered incomplete for the
following reasons:
Attn: Coding Exams, AHIMA
Dept. 77-2735 • Insufficient fee included, declined credit card, or
Chicago, IL 60678-2735 returned check
• Application is not signed
Nondiscrimination Policy
• Missing official transcript
AHIMA and Pearson VUE do not discriminate against
any candidate on the basis of race, color, creed, age, gender, • Missing Request for Accommodations form and
national origin, religion, disability, marital status, parental documentation form (if applicable)
status, ancestry, sexual orientation, military discharge Checks for insufficient funds (NSF) will not be rede-
status, or source of income. All examination applicants posited. If the bank does not clear your check, a fee
will be judged solely on the criteria established by the of $25 will be incurred. Visa, MasterCard, American
Commission on Certification. Express, or Discover transactions declined or not ap-
proved will also be subject to a $25 handling fee. A cer-
tified check or money order for the amount due, includ-
Submitting Official Transcripts ing the NSF fee, must be submitted to AHIMA to cover
• Electronically: returned checks or credit card transactions. Postdated
If this option is available through your school, please checks are not an acceptable form of payment.
contact your school for vendor information. Transcripts
must be received directly from the vendor i.e. national Once an application is complete, the application will be processed
student clearinghouse, parchment, etc., and sent and Pearson VUE will send an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter.
electronically to: certificationtranscripts@ahima.org
Official transcripts must contain the degree along with the Independent Testing Agency
conferred/awarded graduation date.
Official transcripts sent electronically from the candidate/ Pearson VUE has been contracted by AHIMA to help
registrar are considered unofficial and will not be administer AHIMA’s certification examinations in the
processed. United States and internationally. Pearson VUE delivers
OR millions of high-stakes tests every year across the globe for
• Mail: clients in the licensure, certification, academic admissions,
regulatory, and government testing service markets. It boasts
8 Updated May 28, 2019 AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDEthe world’s leading test center network, with more than was created specifically for high-stakes testing and offers a
5,000 test centers in 165 countries, 230 of which are fully carefully controlled, consistent testing environment.
owned and operated Pearson Professional Centers. Pearson For more information about Pearson VUE, please visit
Professional Centers utilize a patent-winning design, which pearsonvue.com/ahima.
TEST TAKERS’ RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a test taker, you have the right to: As a test taker, you have the responsibility to:
• Be informed of your rights and responsibilities as a test taker • Read or listen to your rights and responsibilities as a test taker.
• Be treated with courtesy, respect, and impartiality, • Treat others with courtesy and respect during the
regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, gender, testing process
national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or other • Ask questions prior to testing if you are uncertain about
personal characteristics why the test is being given, how it will be given, what you
• Be tested with measures that meet professional will be asked to do, and what will be done with the results
standards and are appropriate, given the manner in • Read or listen to descriptive information in advance of
which the test results will be used testing and listen carefully to all test instructions. You
• Receive a written explanation prior to testing about the should inform AHIMA before scheduling your test if
purpose(s) for testing, the kind(s) of tests to be used, if you wish to receive a testing accommodation or if you
the results will be reported to you or to others, and the have a physical condition or illness that may interfere
planned use(s) of the results. If you have a disability, you with your performance on the test
have the right to inquire and receive information about • Know when and where the test will be given, pay for the
testing accommodations test if required, appear on time with any required mate-
• Know in advance of testing when the test will be rials (for example, valid identification and codebooks, if
administered, if and when test results will be available to allowed), and be ready to be tested
you, and if you are expected to pay a fee for testing services • Follow the test instructions you are given and represent
• Have your test administered and your test results yourself honestly during the testing
interpreted by appropriately trained individuals who • Be familiar with and accept the consequences of not
follow a professional code of ethics taking the test, should you choose not to take the test
• Know the consequences of taking or not taking the test, • Inform appropriate person(s) (as specified to you by the
fully completing the test, or canceling the scores. You organization responsible for testing) if you believe that
may need to ask questions to learn these consequences testing conditions affected your results
• Receive a written explanation of your test results • Ask about the confidentiality of your test results, if this
within a reasonable amount of time after testing and aspect concerns you
in commonly understood terms
• Present concerns, if you have any, about the testing
• Have your test results kept confidential to the extent process or results immediately after the test
allowed by law
• Present concerns about the testing process or your
Adopted from the American Psychological Association Test
results, and receive information about procedures that
Takers’ Rights and Responsibilities
will be used to address such concerns
AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDE Updated May 28, 2019 9AHIMA EXAM APPLICATION CHECKLIST
Candidates must ensure that all items on this checklist are completed in order for their exam to be processed:
❑❑ Read the Candidate Guide Electronic (if this option is available, vendor
information is provided by your school:
❑❑ Make sure the first and last name provided on
CertificationTranscripts@ahima.org
the application matches the name on the primary
Identification OR
Paper:
❑❑ Confirm meeting eligibility criteria
Certification Transcripts
❑❑ Include payment (credit card, check, money order)
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Fl.
❑❑ Complete special accommodations form (American Chicago, IL 60601
with Disabilities Act), if applicable
Confidentiality Procedures
❑❑ Sign Statement of Understanding
AHIMA and Pearson VUE have adopted policies and
For RHIA and RHIT candidates only: procedures to protect the confidentiality of examination
❑❑ For Early Testing candidates: Include completed candidates.
application for early testing with exam application
AHIMA and Pearson VUE staff members will not discuss
❑❑ For Certificate of Degree candidates: Send in veri- pending examination applications with anyone but the
fication letter from Program Director with exam candidate) and will not report scores by telephone, e-mail,
application or fax.
❑❑ For all other candidates: Send in official (sealed) AHIMA and Pearson VUE will not release exam results to
transcripts separately to: educational institutions unless authorized by the candidate.”
SCHEDULING THE EXAMINATION
Authorization to Test (ATT) Letters For fast and easy scheduling, testing appointments may be
After eligibility for the examination is approved, Pearson VUE scheduled by logging in at pearsonvue.com/ahima. You may
will send the candidate an Authorization to Test (ATT) letter also call Pearson VUE’s customer service number at (888)
by e-mail for those candidates with a valid e-mail address (see 5AHIMA2 (524-4622) (wait time may vary depending on
Appendix B). Candidates with an approved application will candidate volume). When scheduling an exam, candidates
receive the ATT letter within five (5) business days. The ATT should be prepared to provide the authorization number
letter contains an authorization number, the eligibility period located in the ATT letter. After the exam is scheduled,
for testing, and instructions for scheduling an appointment. candidates will receive information about the time and date
Candidates may only schedule their appointment within their of the exam, and a confirmation number. Candidates should
four-month eligibility window. The eligibility start date and end keep a copy of this information for future reference.
date are provided in the ATT letter. Candidates who are not Directions to the testing center may be obtained by logging
approved will be contacted by AHIMA via e-mail. on to pearsonvue.com. ATT letters are not required at the
testing center.
Scheduling an Appointment to Test
The testing appointment should be scheduled soon after receiving Test Centers
the ATT letter. Scheduling an appointment early in the eligibility Test centers are available throughout the United States and
period increases the likelihood that the candidate can sit for the internationally. A complete listing of test center locations in the
exam at his or her optimal date and time. Space at the Pearson US, including addresses and driving directions may be found on
VUE testing centers is limited and the availability of a testing Pearson VUE’s website: www.pearsonvue.com/ahima.
“seat” is not guaranteed. Therefore, candidates who schedule their Before the day of the examination, please be sure the address
exams in the latter part of their eligibility period run the risk of and directions to the test center are correct. If a candidate
not sitting for the exam and forfeiting the exam fee. goes to the wrong test center on the day of the examination
Before scheduling a testing appointment, be sure the name and cannot test, their exam fee will be forfeited and candi-
on the eligibility letter is identical to the name on all forms of date must reapply and re-submit another application and fee.
identification being used. In the event of any errors or a name There are test rules that each candidate must agree to fol-
change, please submit your request in writing to info@ahima.org .
low prior to exam entrance. See Appendix C for the profes-
Be sure to include your AHIMA ID#/email address and a copy of
sional regulatory candidate rules agreement.
your driver’s license, state Id, etc..
10 Updated May 28, 2019 AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDEAPPOINTMENT CHANGES
Policy on Cancelling or Rescheduling to fourteen (14) business days prior to their scheduled test date
or eligibility end date.
AHIMA’s policies about changing a testing appointment are
as follows: All appointments must be canceled through Pearson VUE
prior to the request for a refund.
• Candidates may cancel and reschedule the examination
up to 15 days prior to the scheduled examination date at There is a $75 processing fee for all refund requests. Refunds
no charge will be credited back to the card that was used for payment.
If payment was made with a check; a check will be issued and
• Any candidate who reschedules or cancels his or her sent to the mailing address on file.
appointment between 14 days and 24 hours prior to the
Please allow two to four weeks for processing if paid with a
exam date will be charged a penalty of $30 by Pearson
credit card and up to 2 to 3 months if paid with a check.
VUE. Rescheduling and payment must be completed
using a valid credit card through pearsonvue.com/ Refunds will not be granted if requested after eligibility
ahima or by calling the Pearson VUE Call Center at end date.
(888) 524-4622
• Candidates may not reschedule the examination less Penalties
than 24 hours prior to the examination appointment • Any candidate who does not bring the correct code
• Candidates failing to appear for the scheduled books for CCA, CCS, & CCS-P exams to the testing
appointment or who are over 15 minutes late will not site will not be allowed to test and the exam fee will be
be allowed to test and will be considered a no-show forfeited
and the exam will be forfeited. A new application • Any candidate who does not bring the proper identifica-
and the full application fee must be submitted in tion to the testing site will not be allowed to test and the
order to test exam fee will be forfeited
Deadline Rescheduling Fee • Any candidate who has requested a refund but has not
canceled his or her schedule appointment before the end
Up to 15 business days before No charge
of their eligibility end date will not be eligible for a refund
exam date
• Any candidate who shows up to the wrong testing
Between 14 business days and $30
location will not be allowed to test and the exam fee
24 hours prior to exam date
will be forfeited
• Any candidate who forfeited his/her exam and is still
Refund Policy seeking to test will have to submit a new exam application
Candidates can request a refund for their exam application up along with payment
ELIGIBILITY EXTENSION FEE AND POLICY
Candidates may request an extension for their eligibility date or eligibility end date
period by following the policy outlined below: 2. If you already scheduled your exam date with Pearson
1. First Request for an Extension–$75 VUE, you must contact Pearson VUE at (888) 524-4622
(valid for 45 days) directly and cancel your exam appointment prior to
2. Second and Final Request for an Extension–$150 requesting an extension
(valid for an additional 30 days) 3. You will be notified via e-mail (e-mail address required
Note: No additional extension will be authorized on form) once your request has been processed and
Extensions are nonrefundable approved
Steps for Requesting an Extension:
1. Complete and submit the Eligibility Extension Request
Form (form available on ahima.org/certification) along
with the required fee by fax (312) 233-1413 or scan to
certification@ahima.org
Note: Requests for an extension must be received no
later than 14 business days prior to the scheduled exam
AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDE Updated May 28, 2019 11PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
Tips for Success • Know when and where the test will be given, appear on
time with any required materials (for example, valid
• Read through the entire candidate guide.
identification and codebooks CCA, CCS, CCS-P), and
• Visit AHIMA’s exam preparation page at be ready to be test
ahima.org/certification. You will be able to:
• Please ensure that both forms of your identification
-- Review exam specifications meet the requirements posted on pearsonvue.com/
-- Review content outline ahima under “On Examination Day”
-- Allow enough time to prepare for the exam.
Consistent and thorough is strongly encouraged.
ON EXAMINATION DAY
Examination Procedures that carries two expiration dates)
The Pearson VUE staff adheres to approved procedures to • US Dept of State driver’s license
ensure the test center meets AHIMA’s testing criteria. Please • US learner’s permit (plastic card only with photo and
review the following information prior to the testing date to signature)
ensure familiarity with the procedures. • National/state/country identification card
Plan to arrive at the test center 30 minutes before the • Passport
scheduled appointment. Candidates arriving at the test center • Passport card
15 minutes after the scheduled start time of the appointment
• Military ID
will not be allowed to test and will forfeit the testing fee.
• Military ID for spouses and dependents
When arriving at the test center, candidates will:
• Alien registration card
(green card, permanent resident visa)
• Receive the Professional Examination Rules Agreement • Government-issued local language ID
• Submit two valid, correct forms of identification (ID) (plastic card with photo and signature)
• Have their digital signature captured to verify that Acceptable forms of secondary ID must be valid and
signatures match nonexpired, and feature the candidate’s signature.
• Have their palm vein pattern captured These include:
• Have a photograph taken • Social Security card
• Store belongings • Debit/ATM card
• Show reference materials for approval (when applicable) • Credit card (must have a visible expiration date)
A dry erase board will be provided to all candidates for use • Any form of ID on the primary list
during the examination. No scratch paper is allowed. The following are examples of unacceptable forms of ID:
• Expired driver’s license or expired passport
Identification Requirements • Library card
To be allowed to test, candidates must present a primary form • Marriage certificate
of ID containing their signature and picture, and a second • Voter’s registration card
form of ID showing their signature. The name on the primary
and secondary forms of ID must match the name appearing • Club membership card
on the ATT letter. • Public aid card
Acceptable forms of primary ID must be valid and • Temporary driver’s license without proper paperwork
nonexpired, and feature the candidate’s photograph and and photo identification
signature. These include: • Temporary Social Security card without signature
• Government-issued driver’s license, including • Video club membership card
temporary license with all required elements (refer to • Traffic citation (arrest ticket)
“Unacceptable forms of Candidate Identification” for an • Fishing or hunting license
exception when presented with a Texas driver’s license
• AHIMA membership card
12 Updated May 28, 2019 AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDESecurity
Without acceptable forms of ID, candidates will not be allowed All proprietary rights in the examinations, including copyrights
to test and will forfeit the application fee. Pearson VUE reserves and trade secrets, are held by AHIMA. In order to protect the
the right to deny a candidate from taking the exam if there is a integrity of the examinations and to ensure the validity of the
question in regards to the validity of the ID(s). scores reported, candidates must adhere to strict guidelines
regarding proper conduct in handling copyrighted proprietary
To review the list of acceptable primary and secondary forms examinations. Any attempt to reproduce all or part of the
of identification, please refer to pearsonvue.com/ahima. examinations, including, but not limited to, removing materials
from the examination room, aiding others by any means
Test Center Restrictions in reconstructing any portion of the examinations, selling,
To ensure examination results for all candidates are earned distributing, receiving or having unauthorized possession of any
under comparable conditions, it is necessary to maintain a portion of the examinations, is strictly prohibited by law. Alleged
copyright violations will be investigated and, if warranted,
standardized testing environment. Candidates must adhere
prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. It should be noted that
to the following:
all examination scores may be invalidated in the event of this
• For CCA, CCS, and CCS-P exams, candidates are type of suspected breach.
required to bring codebooks as indicated on the list
Candidates may not write on any examination materials
of allowable code books. (The list of allowable code
distributed by or belonging to AHIMA.
book for the CCA, CCS, and CCS-P are located on the
AHIMA website) A candidate can be disqualified from taking or continuing to sit
http://www.ahima.org/certification/CCA for an examination, or from receiving examination results,
http://www.ahima.org/certification/CCS or the candidate’s scores might be cancelled, if Pearson VUE
http://www.ahima.org/certification/ccsp determines through proctor observation, statistical analysis, and
other evidence that the candidate’s score may not be valid or
• No reference or study materials may be brought into that the candidate was engaged in collaborative, disruptive, or
the examination room other unacceptable behavior during the administration of the
• Code books with handwritten notations, or comments examination.
are allowed but must be free of any notes containing Test centers are continuously monitored by audio and video
coding rules and guidelines from other reference surveillance equipment for security purposes.
materials (for example, Coding Clinic, CPT Assistant,
and similar materials)
Misconduct
• Code books with Post-It Notes and/or loose materials Individuals who engage in the following conduct may be
will not be allowed. dismissed from the test center and their scores will not be
• No handmade tabs will be allowed reported. Examples of misconduct include, but are not limited to:
• Documents or notes of any kind may not be removed from • Using electronic devices such as calculators, pagers, cell
the examination room. All computer screens, paper, and phones, and tablets
written materials are the copyrighted property of Pearson • Giving or receiving help during the examination or
VUE and may not be reproduced in any form being suspected of doing so
• Candidates will not be allowed to take anything into • Attempting to take the examination for someone else
the examination room other than those items given • Using notes, books, or other aids
to them by the administrator and their identifica- • Removing or attempting to remove note paper from the
tion documents. test center
• Prohibited items will not be allowed in the examina- • Creating a disturbance or behaving in an abusive or
tion room. Prohibited items include, but are not lim- otherwise uncooperative manner
ited to, the following: calculators, pagers, cell phones,
electronic digital devices (PDAs, watches, and the
Cancellation Due to Bad Weather or
like), recording or photographic devices, weapons,
briefcases, computers or computer bags, and hand- Other Emergencies
bags or purses. Candidates cannot bring in drinks or In the event of bad weather, a natural disaster, or another
snacks of any kind emergency (for example, a test center power outage),
Pearson VUE will determine whether circumstances
• Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in the
warrant cancellation and rescheduling of examinations
test center
at a particular test center.
• Questions regarding the content of the examination
may not be asked of the test center administrator during Examinations will not be cancelled and rescheduled if
the examination the test center administrator can open the test center.
AHIMA CERTIFICATION CANDIDATE GUIDE Updated May 28, 2019 13You can also read
