CPHIMS - Certified Professional in Health Informatics Practice Test

Candidates must meet one of two pathways: 1) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution plus five years of associated information and management systems experience, with three of those years in a healthcare setting. 2) A graduate degree plus three years of associated information and management systems experience, with two of those years in a healthcare setting. 'Associated experience' is defined as work in information and management systems functions, such as analysis, design, selection, implementation, support, maintenance, testing, or evaluation.

The CPHIMS exam is a computer-based test consisting of 115 multiple-choice questions, of which 100 are scored. Candidates have 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete the exam. The questions are based on the eight domains outlined in the official exam content outline: Clinical Informatics, Healthcare Environment, Implementation, Privacy and Security, Project Management, Support and Maintenance, Systems Analysis, and Testing. The exam uses a scaled scoring system with a passing score of 500.

CPHIMS is designed for experienced professionals across the health IT spectrum, including those from clinical, technical, and managerial backgrounds. CAHIMS is an entry-level certification for those newer to the field. The RHIA credential, offered by AHIMA, focuses more deeply on health information management (HIM), including medical coding, data integrity, and information governance within specific departmental settings. CPHIMS has a broader, strategic focus on the integration and management of information systems across the entire healthcare organization.

The CPHIMS credential is valid for three years. To maintain certification, professionals must earn 45 continuing education (CE) contact hours during the three-year cycle and submit a renewal application with the associated fee. At least 30 of the 45 CE hours must be directly related to the CPHIMS content outline domains. HIMSS provides numerous opportunities to earn CEs through conferences, webinars, and other educational activities.

CPHIMS-certified individuals are qualified for a wide range of mid-to-senior level positions. Common roles include Clinical Informatics Specialist/Manager, Health IT Project/Program Manager, Applications Analyst, Clinical Systems Manager, IT Consultant, Director of Clinical Informatics, and Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) or Chief Nursing Informatics Officer (CNIO). The certification is highly valued by providers, vendors, consulting firms, and payers seeking expertise in implementing and optimizing health information systems.