Contact Us & FAQs

Each microcredential has a Content Outline (CO) that includes the topics that candidates will be assessed on related to that microcredential. This information provides guidance for candidates preparing to take the assessment. The CO also details the percentage of questions contained in each Domain. The AHIMA certification staff does not require or endorse training, preparation, or resources for microcredential assessments. Keep in mind, no two candidates have the same knowledge base – relevant experience and educational backgrounds vary. AHIMA does offer preparation/courses for some microcredentials and those options are available on the specific microcredential web pages.

AHIMA Microcredentials allow individuals to demonstrate their knowledge in a focused skill-set within a broader field of expertise. AHIMA certifications provide individuals with proof of their robust education and ongoing commitment to staying relevant within their field of expertise.

The microcredential assessments have between a 2 – 3 hour time limit to complete. The completion of additional education resources is not required.

AHIMA Microcredentials cost less than a certification assessment. AHIMA Members can purchase a microcredential for $99. Currently, non-members can purchase the microcredentials for $129.

The assessment purchase includes one attempt on the assessment which must be completed within 60 days after purchasing.

Microcredentials are eligible for a refund if cancelled within 30 days after the date of purchase and if the assessment has not been started. Microcredentials are subject to a $25 cancellation fee. Refunds will not be issued for any microcredential after 30 days from the purchase date or if the assessment has been started. If the assessment is not taken within the 60 days after purchase, no refunds will be granted. To request a refund please contact Refunds@ahima.org.

The Questionmark platform adheres to relevant accessibility standards. Accessibility features are built into the assessment platform including changing font size and contrast. Candidates also have the ability to logout and resume the assessment, so no additional time is required.

If a candidate does not pass the assessment, they may pay the retest fee. Candidates are given one attempt for each retest purchase. Candidates must wait a period of 30 days from the date they did not pass their assessment to retest again. They may purchase the retest prior to the 30 days, but the assessment will not be available in their “My Assessments” tab in Questionmark until the 30-day waiting period has been met. There is no limit to the number of times a candidate may retest. To request the retest rate, please contact certification@ahima.org. Retest rate request must include MC Retest Request in email subject line. Candidates will be provided a unique promo code to submit at check out to claim the $49 retest fee.

A score report is immediately available upon completion of your assessment, and includes a breakdown of performance, by domain/topic. A link to a downloadable score report is also emailed to the candidate once they complete the assessment and is available for no longer than 60 days.

The workforce is changing and hiring managers are moving toward skills-based hiring decisions, versus the traditional route of seeking professionals with only traditional degrees or certifications. AHIMA Microcredentials can set you apart in the hiring pool by allowing you to showcase your skills.

No. There are no eligibility requirements or prior education required. If you are competent in the subject, you can sit for the assessment. AHIMA does offer educational resources if you aren’t sure if you are ready to take the exam, but want to obtain a microcredential.

Candidates will receive a Pass or No Pass result.

AHIMA utilizes the Hofstee cut score study to establish the passing point for pilot assessments. A committee of subject matter experts determine the minimum and maximum failure rate and acceptable passing score. Using a variety of inputs for consideration, including the impact on the target audience’s success, the committee will make a final recommendation. For subsequent assessments developed for delivery, an equating process is used to identify equivalent passing scores on future forms, based on the difficulty level for those specific forms. This ensures a reliable measure of performance over time and allows for a fair assessment result for all examinees.

If a candidate passes a microcredential assessment, they will earn 3 CEUs. The CEUs will automatically be updated in their CEU center of their AHIMA account once the assessment is passed. CEUs are only valid for an individual’s current recertification period.

A microcredential is valid for a two-year period, at which time microcredential holders may revalidate by completing a self-assessment. The validity cycle period is two years beginning on the day the microcredential is awarded, which is also the date the microcredential assessment was passed (see e.g., table below).

To request a digital badge, please contact certification@ahima.org. An email will be sent providing instructions on how to access your digital badge and achieve the greatest benefit from the use of the digital badge. When the badge is clicked, it will show more information about the accomplishment and the necessary requirements you fulfilled to earn it. Individuals can click the link to get a better understanding of your significant achievement. You can share your badge on varying platforms once claimed by following these step-by-step instructions.

The AHIMA Microcredential verification portal is an up-to-date record of individuals who have earned or maintained their microcredential. You can access the portal by visiting this link: https://www.ahima.org/microcredential-search/#/qbeld/microcredential-verification

Candidates must authorize their name to display in the portal by visiting this link: https://www.ahima.org/ams/navigation/my-microcredentials/#/webform/my_microcredentials

Candidates will then be directed to login to their AHIMA account and should click the pencil icon to adjust their display settings.

Individuals that hold a microcredential will need to complete a self-assessment by the expiration date. Self-assessments will be made available before the expiration date and will be available for purchase through the AHIMA store. Self-assessments will be a learning activity and not a pass or fail. Self-assessments do not provide CEUs and CEUs are not required for revalidating a microcredential. The revalidation fee will be $49 for one microcredential and $99 for two or more microcredentials for all membership types.