Applying for the Examination

Eligibility

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Certified Coding Specialist--Physician-based (CCS-P)
Certified in Healthcare Privacy (CHP)
Certified in Healthcare Security (CHS)
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Eligibility Documentation
The eligibility of all candidates must be verified prior to taking the examination. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure that they are eligible to sit for certification, and to submit the appropriate documentation (excluding CCA candidates) during the application process. All first-time RHIA and RHIT applicants must submit an official transcript from the college or university conferring the pertinent degree.

AHIMA’s Council on Certification (COC) reserves the right to verify information supplied by, or on behalf of, a candidate. If selected for an audit, the candidate will be asked to submit additional documentation substantiating eligibility.

Writing these certification examinations are voluntary. AHIMA strictly adheres to the eligibility requirements for certification. It is the responsibility of the applicant to comply with all procedures and deadlines in order to establish eligibility to take the examination. Individuals who have questions about their eligibility to sit for certification should contact:

Certification Department
AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5800
Telephone: (312) 233-1100

Eligibility Appeal Procedure
Any candidate denied the opportunity to sit for the certification examination may appeal. Appeals must be made in writing to:

Certification Appeals Review Panel (CARP)
AHIMA
233 N. Michigan Ave., 21st Floor
Chicago, IL 60601-5800

The appeal should include a written explanation of the nature of the problem, along with evidence or documentation to support the appeal. The burden of proof is borne by the applicant. Appeals must be received within 10 days of the date of notification of the application denial. The decision of the CARP is final.

The Application and Testing Process for the CCA, CHP, CHS, RHIA, and RHIT

**CCS and CCS-P certifications have a separate application process**

Examinations are computer-administered and are available Monday through Saturday, excluding holidays, at Thomson Prometric Testing Centers geographically located throughout the United States.

Filing the Application
Before completing the application form, carefully review the eligibility information included in this handbook. It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are eligible for certification before applying to write the examination. Assuming eligibility requirements have been met, complete and submit the application and appropriate fee as outlined in this section.

Applications for the examinations are available in the handbook and on AHIMA’s Web site. Applicants may register either by US mail using a printed form or via online application form.

Please click on the appropriate link to view the fee of the examination:

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Certified Coding Specialist--Physician-based (CCS-P)
Certified in Healthcare Privacy (CHP)
Certified in Healthcare Security (CHS)
Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Mail the application and fee to:

Attn: Certification Examinations
AHIMA
Dept. 77-3081
Chicago, IL 60678-3081

All applicants are strongly encouraged to send the application and fee via a traceable method.

The application will be processed, and Thomson Prometric will send an Authorization To Test (ATT) to the candidate once all application materials are complete. If the application is incomplete, the candidate will be sent further instructions for completion of the application. Candidates who are determined to be ineligible, submit an ineligible application, or request the withdrawal of their application, will receive a refund of their application fee less a $45 processing fee.

Please allow four to six weeks for processing from the time you submit your completed application to the time you receive your ATT, which will allow you to make an appointment to schedule the exam.

Name and Address Changes
If you move or change your name, you should immediately notify AHIMA in writing. Address changes may be made until the certificates are mailed to successful candidates. However, in order to ensure proper identification at the Testing Center, any name changes should be made prior to taking the examination.

Incomplete Applications
If your application is incomplete, you will receive a detailed letter explaining the deficiencies. You will not receive an ATT to schedule your exam until your application is complete. Reasons for which an application may be incomplete include the following:

• Insufficient fee, declined credit card, returned check
• Failure to sign the application
• Missing official transcript (if applicable)
• Missing special request form (if applicable)

Checks for nonsufficient funds (NSF) will not be redeposited. If the bank does not clear your check, you will incur a fee of $25. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express transactions that are not approved or declined will also be subject to a $25 handling fee. You must send a certified check or money order for the amount due, including the NSF fee, to AHIMA to cover returned checks or credit card transactions. Postdated checks are not an acceptable form of payment.

Special Testing Accommodations
AHIMA and Prometric comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and will provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities. If you require special accommodations, you must complete and submit all of the following:

• Request for Special Testing Accommodations and Documentation of Disability-Related Needs
• Letter/memo submitted and signed from a qualified healthcare professional on official letterhead

You will be notified in writing of procedures that you will need to follow to assure that the testing center will be able to accommodate your special needs on your testing date. Arrangements for special accommodations may take up to 45 days to coordinate.

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