CHPS Certification (AHIMA): Requirements, Exam Details, Cost, and How to Get Certified
The CHPS certification from AHIMA validates advanced expertise in healthcare privacy compliance, security risk management, and health information governance. If you design, lead, or audit privacy and security programs in healthcare, this credential signals that you meet rigorous professional credentialing standards.
This guide explains who is eligible, what the exam covers, how the exam works, what it costs, and the exact steps to move from application to certification.
Eligibility Requirements
AHIMA’s CHPS certification is designed for experienced professionals who build, manage, or evaluate privacy and security programs in healthcare settings. Typical candidates include privacy officers, security leaders, compliance managers, health information management (HIM) professionals, consultants, and auditors.
You generally qualify through a combination of education and verifiable work experience in healthcare privacy, security, and compliance. AHIMA recognizes multiple pathways that may factor in degree attainment, time-in-role, and/or other AHIMA credentials. Your background should demonstrate hands-on responsibility for policy development, risk assessment, incident response, or program oversight.
Before applying, gather documentation that proves eligibility: transcripts or diplomas, a current resume, and evidence of role-based responsibilities (for example, job descriptions, project summaries, or attestations). Be prepared to affirm adherence to AHIMA’s code of ethics and professional credentialing standards.
Who should pursue CHPS
- Leaders accountable for healthcare privacy compliance programs and investigations.
- Security professionals driving risk assessments, controls selection, and incident management.
- HIM experts advancing health information governance and data lifecycle practices.
- Consultants and auditors evaluating program maturity against regulations and standards.
Exam Content Outline
The CHPS exam assesses your ability to design, implement, and sustain effective privacy and security programs across the healthcare enterprise. Expect scenario-based items that test applied judgment as much as knowledge recall.
Core domains you should master
- Regulatory and legal foundations: HIPAA and related federal/state privacy requirements, breach notification, consent, authorization, and disclosures.
- Security risk management: risk analysis and treatment, administrative/physical/technical safeguards, incident response, business continuity, and disaster recovery.
- Program governance and operations: policy development, training and awareness, auditing and monitoring, metrics, and continuous improvement.
- Health information governance: data classification, minimum necessary, access management, retention, disposal, and third-party/vendor oversight.
- Compliance and enforcement: investigations, corrective action plans, documentation, and executive reporting.
Exam Format and Duration
The CHPS is a computer-based, proctored exam delivered in a single sitting. Items are primarily multiple-choice, with case-based scenarios that require selecting the best action or control.
Expect a timed exam with a fixed number of scored items and a small set of unscored pretest items. You can flag questions to review within the time limit. Delivery options typically include authorized test centers and live remote proctoring, each with specific proctored exam policies you must follow.
Passing Score and Retake Policy
AHIMA uses scaled scoring to equate difficulty across exam forms. Your score report indicates pass/fail and provides domain-level feedback to target future study. If you do not pass, you may retake after a mandatory waiting period and by submitting a new exam application and fee, subject to current retake limits.
After you pass: certification renewal requirements
CHPS is a career-long commitment. You must maintain the credential by earning and reporting continuing education in privacy, security risk management, and health information governance during each recertification cycle. Keep records of activities, pay any renewal fees, and uphold AHIMA’s ethics and professional credentialing standards.
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Exam Fees and Testing Locations
Exam fees vary for AHIMA members and nonmembers and may be adjusted periodically. Additional costs can include international fees, rescheduling or cancellation fees, and retake fees. Budget for study materials and, if helpful, membership benefits that may offset exam costs.
Testing is offered at authorized centers and through online remote proctoring in many regions. Availability depends on your location and demand. Choose the option that best fits your schedule, technology readiness, and comfort with proctored exam policies.
Authorization to Test
The exam authorization process begins when you submit your application and payment through your AHIMA account. After eligibility review, you receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) that opens a scheduling window. Your name in the ATT must exactly match your identification, and accommodations should be requested during application.
How to get certified—step by step
- Confirm eligibility and assemble documentation (education and relevant experience).
- Create or update your AHIMA profile and submit the CHPS application and payment.
- Monitor your email/account for ATT; review the scheduling window and instructions.
- Schedule your appointment at a test center or choose online proctoring.
- Sit for the exam, follow all proctored exam policies, and receive your score notice.
- If you pass, claim your digital credential and plan your certification renewal requirements.
- If you do not pass, review your domain feedback, observe the retake waiting period, and reapply.
Exam Day Procedures
Arrive early for test-center appointments with valid, government-issued ID that matches your ATT. Expect secure check-in, storage of personal items, and continuous monitoring. You may receive scratch materials as provided by the site and must comply with all testing rules.
For online proctoring, complete a system check in advance, use a private, quiet workspace, and prepare for a room scan. Keep your desk clear, close prohibited applications, and follow the proctor’s directions at all times. Any policy violations can end the exam session.
Conclusion
The CHPS Certification (AHIMA) confirms that you can lead privacy programs, execute security risk management, and steward health information governance. Know the eligibility paths, master the exam domains, follow the exam authorization process, and plan for renewal. With focused preparation and compliance with proctored exam policies, you can earn and maintain this respected credential.
FAQs
What are the eligibility criteria for CHPS certification?
You need a blend of formal education and substantial, verifiable experience in healthcare privacy, security, and compliance. AHIMA recognizes multiple eligibility pathways that may include degrees, time-in-role, and/or other AHIMA credentials. Your work should reflect responsibility for policy, risk assessment, incident handling, and program oversight.
How is the CHPS exam structured?
The exam is computer-based and proctored, combining multiple-choice and scenario-driven items. It is timed, administered in a single sitting, and may include unscored pretest questions. You can test at an authorized center or via secure online proctoring, subject to proctored exam policies.
What is the cost of the CHPS certification exam?
Fees are set by AHIMA and differ for members and nonmembers. You may also encounter rescheduling, cancellation, international, or retake fees. Review current pricing when you apply and budget for study resources and renewal costs after you pass.
How do I schedule and retake the CHPS exam?
After your application is approved, you receive an Authorization to Test that opens your scheduling window with AHIMA’s testing partner. If you do not pass, you can retake after the required waiting period by submitting a new application and fee, following the exam authorization process and retake limits in effect at the time.
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