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Additional RHIA Pathway Proposed by CCHIIM

Open Comment Period Through August 4, 2025

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The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) is a standing commission of AHIMA dedicated to assuring the competency of professionals practicing health informatics and information management (HIIM) worldwide. CCHIIM provides strategic oversight of all AHIMA certification programs and holds the sole and independent authority in all matters pertaining to both the certification and ongoing recertification (certification maintenance) of HIIM professionals.

An Additional Pathway to Sit for the RHIA Exam

A CCHIIM motion was made to expand the eligibility requirements for the RHIA exam and create an additional pathway for those who meet ALL of the following:

  • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Certification; AND
  • Baccalaureate and/or Master's degree in a Healthcare, Health Informatics, or Business-related field; AND
  • 3+ years of experience in health information management or health informatics

RHIA-RHIT pathway

An Additional Pathway to Support Workforce Advancement

The addition of this pathway supports workforce advancement and acknowledges the real-world expertise of those serving in roles that align with RHIA-level responsibilities. It allows health information professionals with an RHIT credential, a higher-ed degree, and 3+ years of relevant experience to gain RHIA certification by demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in the RHIA exam.

Preparing for the Future

In direct response to the evolving needs of our profession and the healthcare ecosystem, this pathway helps us prepare for a stronger future. RHIA and RHIT certification volumes have been decreasing year after year, and this pathway enables us to grow and maintain a strong community of experienced credentialed professionals.

The proposed additional pathway to sit for the RHIA exam in no way lessens the integrity and rigor of the exam nor diminishes the value of RHIA certification; it simply offers an alternate path of preparation to sit for the exam.

60-Day Open Comment Period

We encourage you to share your feedback on the proposed additional pathway during the open comment period, which is active through August 4 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Please know your comments will be considered advisory only; AHIMA and CCHIIM are not required to make any changes based on feedback from this open comment period but will seriously consider each one. We are also unable to respond to comments individually.

FAQ

The new pathway allows individuals to sit for the RHIA exam if they:

  • Hold an active RHIT certification; AND
  • Possess a baccalaureate or master's degree in a healthcare, health informatics, or business-related field; AND
  • Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in health information management (HIM) or health informatics

This change reflects the evolving healthcare and workforce landscape. It also honors the intent of previous RHIA Provisos (1998-2004; 2004-2007 & 2017-2021) by supporting professionals who have grown in the field but did not follow a traditional RHIA pathway. 

The effective date will be communicated after formal approval and implementation planning by CCHIIM. 

Acceptable degrees typically include majors such as:

  • Health Information Management
  • Health Informatics
  • Public Health
  • Healthcare Administration
  • Business Administration
  • Information Systems (with a healthcare focus)

Each application will be reviewed to ensure degree alignment.

Experience must be:

  • Professional-level work (not clerical or administrative support)
  • Focused in HIM functions (e.g., coding, release of information, data analytics, privacy/security, compliance) or health informatics (e.g., system implementation, data governance, analytics)
  • Verified by resume and/or employment verification form(s)

Yes. Applicants may use cumulative experience from multiple roles as long as it totals three years and is relevant to the field. 

Applicants will follow a new RHIA exam application process, including:

  • Submitting official transcripts
  • Verifying their RHIT credential
  • Uploading a resume and/or employment verification form(s)

More detailed instructions will be released if/when the pathway is approved.

Yes. Each applicant’s credentials, degree, and experience will be evaluated during the application review process. 

No. This is a new and permanent pathway—not a time-limited Proviso. However, it is inspired by the intent of the past Provisos, allowing experienced professionals with academic and industry credentials to pursue RHIA certification.

Yes, if you meet all criteria outlined in the new pathway, you may apply if/when it goes into effect.

AHIMA offers the exam preparation publications for RHITs transitioning to RHIA. 

The RHIA credential can:

  • Qualify you for leadership roles in HIM
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of health information governance
  • Open doors to roles in compliance, data analytics, informatics, and more

Yes. Once certified, all RHIA credential holders have met CCHIIM’s standards and are equally recognized.

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