Scale Scoring FAQ’s

1)  What is a scaled score?

A scaled score is a conversion of a raw score (number of questions answered correctly).   The scale score is determined by converting the number of questions answered correctly to a scale score ranging from 100 to 400.  Candidates need a minimum scale score of 300 to pass the examination. 

2)  Why use scaled scoring?

 The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) adopted the use of scale scoring to simplify the process of reporting scores. 

Candidate’s scores are converted to scaled scores in such a way that a particular score corresponds to the same level of achievement regardless of the form of the examination actually taken.  In other words, a score of 300 on a specific examination has the same meaning as a score of 300 on any form of the examination.  This means that the candidate will not be penalized if the form of the examination taken is harder than one given to another candidate.

Please note that a scaled score is neither the number of questions you answered correctly nor the percent of questions you answered incorrectly.  You cannot look at the scale score and determine the number of questions that you needed to answer correctly to pass the examination.

Scaled scoring is a commonly accepted method for reporting test scores among major allied health professional organizations (e.g., American Dietetic Association, American Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer) and is the currently adopted scoring method for the SAT and GMAT.

3) Does the use of scaled scoring change the amount of candidates that will pass the exam?

No.  Reporting scores via raw score or scaled score will not affect the rate of candidates who pass the CHDA exam.  A candidate’s pass/fail status does not change when a raw score is converted to a scaled score.

4)  What information will appear on my score report?

All score reports contain the following information:

• Date of exam and exam name
• Passing score, your score on the exam, and the results.
• Content categories by domain and percentage correct.
• Exam scoring information

In addition, candidates who pass will receive information on certificate, recertification, and AHIMA membership.

Candidates who do not pass will receive information on retesting.

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