Passing the Exam
Release of Information
All individuals who successfully complete the examination may be recognized for this achievement on AHIMA’s Web site or the Journal of AHIMA. Names may also be published in the newsletter of the component state association in the state in which the candidate resides. In addition, each HIT/HIA program is sent the examination results for all of the candidates from that program. Authorization by the candidate is not required.
Thomson Prometric and AHIMA will not release your scores to any other party.
Certificates
If you pass the examination, you will receive a certificate that specifies you have been awarded certification. Bells Select, AHIMA’s vendor, will send the official certificates to successful candidates within four months of the date of examination.
Your name will be printed on the certificate exactly as it appears on the application. If you do not receive your certificate, please contact the Certification Division of AHIMA.
A brochure and order form from Bells Select will be sent to successful candidates for those who want their certificates mounted.
Use of the Credential
After successful completion of the examination, you will be authorized to use the appropriate credential after your name.
AHIMA suggests using the following guidelines regarding the sequence of credentials:
- Academic degrees (PhD, JD, MBA) are listed closest to the last name.
- Credentials (RHIA, RHIT) follow the academic degrees. If no academic degrees are listed, the credential follows the last name.
- Specialty credentials (CHP, CHPS, CCA, CCS, or CCS-P) follow the more general credential.
- Fellowship credentials (FAHIMA) follow specialty credentials and are the farthest from the last name.
Registry
Once certified, the candidates’ names are added to the AHIMA registry. Certification status may be verified by employers, the government, and accrediting agencies.
Recertification (Maintenance of Certification) Requirements
In order to maintain certification, individuals who earn credentials are required to comply with continuing education requirements. All successful candidates may access information regarding Recertification (Maintenance of Certification) requirements at www.ahima.org/certification/recertification.aspx.
Revocation of Certification
Once certification has been granted, it may be revoked if it is determined that the individual has supplied false information on the application or supporting documentation, engaged in inappropriate conduct during the exam administration, or otherwise fails to comply with AHIMA’s Code of Ethics.
If You Did Not Pass the Exam
Complaints and Appeals
Complaints or appeals may be submitted in writing prior to the exam and up until 30 days after exam administration. Written appeals must be submitted with supporting documentation or evidence to:
Certification Appeals Review Panel (CARP)
AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5809
OR
The burden of proof is borne by the applicant. The decision of the CARP is final.
Complaints or appeals will not be considered after the 30 days has expired. Because of the thorough review and analysis of each question during the examination construction procedures, there are no appeal procedures to challenge individual exam questions, answers, or a failing score.
Because of the secure nature of these examinations, neither AHIMA nor Prometric will disclose examination questions prior to, or after, the administration. Candidate’s responses to particular test questions (correct or not correct) will also not be disclosed.
Reexamination
Candidates who have taken the CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT or RHIA examinations and were unsuccessful must wait a minimum of 91 days between administrations. Candidates who have taken the CHP or CHS examinations and were unsuccessful must wait a minimum of 180 days between administrations.To retake an exam, the candidate must reapply by submitting a current application with the appropriate fee. Candidates may take an examination an unlimited number of times as long as they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue additional study in their areas of weakness before taking the examination again.