The Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) has launched two new practice exams for the Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS) and the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) certification exams.
What Is CAHIMS?
CAHIMS is a certification designed for those who are just getting started in the field of healthcare IT. The certification is earned by meeting the prerequisites to take the exam and then receiving an acceptable score on the test itself. Earning this certificate demonstrates to your current and future employers that you have professional knowledge and expertise in health information management systems.
To qualify for the CAHIMS certification exam, you must have a high school diploma or GED and meet the following requirements:
- Have completed at least 45 hours of continuing education in the content areas covered by the CAHIMS Outline of Exam Topics — these include healthcare information technology and digital health informatics, among others — or
- Have 150 hours of experience, including volunteering, internships or work in any type of IT in a healthcare setting.
OR
- Hold an associate, bachelor or advanced degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and
- Have at least 25 hours of continuing education in healthcare information technology or digital health informatics, specifically covering content found on the CAHIMS Outline of Exam Topics, or
- Have 75 hours of experience, including volunteering, internships or work in any type of IT in a healthcare setting.
What Is CPHIMS?
CPHIMS is a certification designed for those who have worked in the field of healthcare IT or earned an advanced degree in any related field. Earning one of these certificates proves that you have experience and expertise in the field of healthcare informatics and that you have kept up to date with the advances and trends in healthcare technology.
To qualify to take the CPHIMS certification exam, you must meet the following requirements:
- Hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and
- Have five years of real-world information and management systems experience; at least three of those years must be in a healthcare setting.
OR
- Hold a graduate degree or higher in a related field from an accredited college or university and
- Have three years of real-world information and management systems experience; at least two of those years must be in a healthcare setting.
OR
- Have at least 10 years of real-world information and management systems experience; at least eight of those years must be in a healthcare setting.
Benefits of Earning the CAHIMS or CPHIMS Certification
The field of healthcare information management systems is relatively new and highly competitive. Successful candidates show they have not only knowledge, but experience, in technology in the healthcare industry.
Improve Your Score with HIMSS Study Sessions
When planning to take an intensive, knowledge-based exam, it can be beneficial to participate in both practice exams and study groups. HIMSS offers both types of opportunities to students and professionals.
The study sessions are offered in a webinar format and provide core subject knowledge and proven test-taking tips and strategies.
The USF Health Advantage
The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine offers several degree programs that, once completed, will help you qualify to take either the CAHIMS or the CPHIMS certification exam. We are a HIMSS Approved Education Partner, meaning that the education you receive meets HIMSS’ rigorous industry standards for professionals.
USF Health is also a member of HIMSS’ Academic Organizational Affiliate Program. Upon enrolling in one of USF Health’s qualifying programs, you will be eligible for a complimentary HIMSS student membership. This membership provides students with a variety of student membership rates, including for the CAHIMS and CPHIMS certification programs.
Students also have access to the HIMSS Learning Center — a valuable resource for all health IT professionals — which features the following:
- Virtual live events on a wide variety of topics at different expertise levels.
- Online courses designed to keep you up to date on the newest technological advances and methods.
- On-demand videos featuring explanations and insights from experts in the field.
- Conference recordings so you can benefit from the discussions, lectures and question and answer sessions even if you cannot attend.
- Whitepapers across a broad range of topics and experience levels.
The combination of a USF Health graduate certificate or degree in health informatics and a HIMSS professional certification may make you a more competitive candidate as your career progresses.
