Registered Health Information Administrator

| General | Applying | Scheduling | Preparing | Taking | After the Exam

Frequently Asked Question

What are the eligibility requirements for the RHIA exam?
How can I find out out about CAHIIM-accredited programs in my area?
What is the exam fee?
Will coding books be needed for the exam?
When is the exam offered?
What does the exam cover?
How do I prepare for the exam?
Who administers the exams?

How long does it take to process an examination application refund?

General Information

About Certification
About AHIMA
Experience with Certification
Independent Testing Agency
Nondiscrimination Policy
Confidentiality Procedure
AHIMA Code of Ethics
AHIMA's Standards for Initial Certification

Applying for the Examination

Eligibility
Eligibility Documentation
Eligibility Appeal Procedure
Transcripts
Educational Program Codes
The Application and Testing Process
Special Testing Accommodations

Scheduling the Examination

Authorization To Test (ATT)
Scheduling your Appointment
Testing Centers
Appointment Changes and Fee Refunds

Preparing for the Examination

Examination Specifications
Exam Content Outline
Cognitive Levels
Formulas for Commonly Computed Healthcare Rates & Percentages

Tutorial
Sample Examination Questions
Timed Examination

Exhibit Windows
Pretest Questions

Examination Preparatory Arena

Taking the Examination
On the Day of the Examination
Identification Requirements
Test Center Restrictions
Security
Misconduct

Testing Irregularities
Cancellation Due to Inclement Weather or Other Emergencies

After the Examination
Feedback on your Testing Experience
Determination of the Passing Score and Notification of Results
Passing Score
Validation of Scores

If You Pass the Examination
Release of Information
Certificates
Use of the Credential
Registry
Recertification (Maintenance of Certification) Requirements
Revocation of Certification

If You Did Not Pass the Examination
Complaints and Appeals
Reexamination

Will coding books be needed for the exam?

ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding concepts will continue to be tested on both the RHIA and RHIT exams. However, no coding books will be needed to take either exam. All information that will be needed to answer a coding question will be included in the body of the question. This will include the code itself and narrative as well as any other information that may need to be reproduced from the code books.

AHIMA has experience with using coding questions of this nature and design since code books are not required for the multiple-choice sections of the CCS and CCS-P exams. Our experience has shown that it is possible to develop high-quality, discriminating multiple-choice items that test a wide range of coding concepts without requiring candidates to look codes up in the code books.