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Untitled Document
Preparing for the Examination
Examination Specifications
Please click on the appropriate link to view the specifications for the examination:
Competency Statements
A certification examination is based on an explicit set of competencies. These
competencies have been determined through a job analysis study conducted of
practitioners. The competencies are subdivided into domains, subdomains, and
tasks. Examinations test only content pertaining to the following competencies.
Please click on the appropriate link to view the examination’s competency
statements:
The examinations are developed through a collaborative effort between AHIMA and
Prometric. A group of experts drawn from a wide variety of work environments and geographical
areas write the examination items. The content is reviewed by AHIMA’s Council
on Certification (COC) and Exam Construction Committees. The staff at AHIMA and
Prometric also edit items for clarity, bias, context, setting, language, terminology,
and content.
Content Outline
All examinations consist of 4-option, multiple-choice questions written at
three different cognitive levels: recall, application, and analysis. These levels
represent an organized way to identify the performance that practitioners will
utilize on the job. An explanation of the three cognitive levels is provided
below:
| Cognitive Level |
Purpose |
Performance Required |
| Recall (RE) |
Primarily measuring memory |
Identify terms, specific facts, methods, procedures, basic concepts, basic
theories, principles, and processes |
| Application (AP) |
To measure simple interpretation of limited data |
Apply concepts and principles to new situations; recognize relationships
among data; apply laws and theories to practical situations; calculate solutions
to mathematical problems; interpret charts and translate graphic data; classify
items; interpret information |
| Analysis (AN) |
To measure the application of knowledge to solving a specific problem
and the assembly of various elements into a meaningful whole |
Select an appropriate solution for responsive action; revise policy, procedure,
or plan; evaluate a solution, case scenario, report, or plan; compare solutions,
plans, ideas, or aspects of a problem; evaluate information or a situation;
perform multiple calculations to arrive at one answer |
Consult the examination competency statements for a description of possible
examination question topics in preparation for the exam. Examinations test only
content pertaining to these competencies. Thus, the competencies serve as an
outline, or blueprint of the examination content.
AHIMA and the Council on Certification (COC) do not endorse or recommend any
review books, review sessions, or study guides.
Tutorial
Prior to attempting the examination, you will be given the opportunity to
navigate through a tutorial on the computer. The time you use for this practice
session is NOT counted as part of your examination time, and it in no way affects
your examination score. When you are comfortable with the computer-testing process,
you may quit the tutorial and begin the timed examination. The maximum
time allowed for the tutorial is 15 minutes.
Timed Examination
The computer will monitor the time you spend on the examination. The examination
will terminate at the allotted time limit. A digital clock will indicate the "Time Remaining" for you to complete
the examination in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
There is no official break during the examination. You may leave the room to
take a break at any time, but you will not be allowed additional time to make
up for time lost.
Exhibit Windows for the RHIA and RHIT Examinations
At the top of every item are two (2) buttons labeled 'Calc' and 'Formula.' By clicking on either button, an exhibit window will appear on the screen.
The Formula button will display the formulas for commonly computed healthcare rates and percentages. You may view these formulas at any time you are answering items during the examination.
The Calc button will bring up a calculator for you to use in calculating values in the examination. You will have access to the calculator at any time you are answering items during the examination.
Pretest Questions
Candidates’ scores are based upon the number of scored items on the
exam—pretest items do not affect the candidates’ score. Pretest
questions are administered to evaluate the item’s difficulty level for
possible inclusion as a scored question in future exams. These pretest questions
are dispersed throughout the exam and cannot be identified by the candidate.
Examination Preparatory Arena
AHIMA designed a Web site to provide guidance and offer assistance as you prepare for the certification examinations. Please visit www.ahima.org/certification/examprep
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