Effective January 1, 2019 AHIMA will no longer be mailing recertification stickers. To obtain an updated certificate please log into your CEU center.

Recertification Checklist:

1. Obtain the required number of CEUs during your recertification cycle
   for each credential (at least 80% of required CEUs for each credential
   must be related to one of AHIMA’s specified HIIM domains).
2. Complete your mandatory annual coding self-reviews (self-assessments), if applicable.
3. Participate in accepted and qualified CEU activities.
4. Enter your CEUs on time.
5. Document your CEU activity for auditing.
6. Ensure your recertification fee is paid.

CEU Requirements for Single Credential

* AHIMA no longer offers these certification exams.
** Each mandatory annual coding self-review is worth five (5) CEUs toward the total CEU requirement of a coding credential.

CEU Requirements for Multiple Credentials

If you have more than one AHIMA credential, you must earn ten (10) additional CEUs per credential during your two-year recertification cycle up to a maximum of (50) CEUs. These CEUs may not be duplicated or used for more than one credential.

Effective January 1, 2019 AHIMA will no longer be mailing recertification stickers. To obtain an updated certificate please log into your CEU center.

NOTE: Credential holders who are AHIMA members pay their recertification fees during their annual membership renewal (this includes the mandatory annual coding self-review fee for coding credentials). If a customer doesn't pay membership dues for both years of their two-year recertification cycle they are required to pay the non-member recertification fee. This also applies to any individuals whose membership expired prior to September 30th.

Single Credential

Multiple Credentials

Primary credential (based on credential hierarchy) fee, plus $50 for each additional credential. Credential Hierarchy:

• Upon completion of the requirements, a mastery-level coding credential replaces an entry-level coding credential. Once granted, the mastery-level credential is recognized and CEUs for this credential need only be maintained.
• Upon completion of the requirements, a baccalaureate or higher level HIM credential replaces an associate- based HIM credential. Once granted, the baccalaureate-based credential is recognized and CEUs for this credential need only be maintained.

Effective January 1, 2019 AHIMA will no longer be mailing recertification stickers. To obtain an updated certificate please log into your CEU center.

Health Information Management (HIM) is a constantly evolving field, and professionals in this HIM field require the most recent knowledge to move the profession forward. Frequently new findings regarding best practices, technology, privacy and security, research, and new information is introduced into the field, such as annual clinical coding updates, healthcare laws and regulations to a point that it is essential for experts in the field to regularly maintain and enhance their HIM knowledge base. For these reasons a certification cycle of two years has been established, during which time certificants will be required to attain a specific number of CEUs in order to refresh existing knowledge and skills as well as acquire new knowledge and skills relating to advances in the HIM field and changing job responsibilities.

Initial Cycle

The initial recertification cycle for newly credentialed certificants (first credential obtained) begins on the day the exam was passed, plus the additional two (2) year recertification period. A credential is awarded when a candidate:

• Passes the certification examination, OR
• Passes the certification examination AND has successfully completed the academic requirements of an HIIM program accredited by CAHIIM (RHIA and RHIT early testing candidates). The academic prerequisite is confirmed when an official transcript is submitted and approved.

Example:

Exam Taken:	Exam Pass Date:	Transcript Approval Date:	Recertification Cycle is:
CCS	7/21/2017	N/A	7/21/2017-7/20/2019
RHIA	12/5/2017	12/1/2017	12/5/2017-12/4/2019
RHIT	5/12/2017	8/1/2017	5/12/2017-5/11/2019 *certification not officially granted until transcript is received

Ongoing Cycle

The recertification cycle for subsequently obtained credential(s) begins with the start of the next cycle date for the first or initial credential. The subsequent credential will remain in a sync cycle with no recertification requirements (excluding annual self reviews for coding credentials) until the start date of the next full recertification cycle.

Example:

Continuing Education (CE) Content

CEUs must be earned within your recertification cycle and must be relevant to the HIIM field as presented in the HIIM domains to be eligible for CE credit. Eighty (80) percent of all CEUs must be earned within the HIIM domain. The remaining twenty (20) percent can include participation in CE activities on topics notincluded in the HIIM domains but relevant to the credential holder’s professional position.

CE activities include

• Participation in educational program on topics relevant to HIIM 
• Participation in formal education programs of study that address HIIM-relevant subject areas 
• Publication and presentation of material relevant to HIIM 
• Independent study activities relevant to the HIIM profession 
• Item Writing 
• Other activities which include oversight and involvement of directed clinical practice on behalf of CAHIIM accredited programs, visiting AHIMA exhibits at a national or state meeting, facilitator for an AHIMA Engage Community, activities defined by the guidelines for approval of CE programs for state, local, and regional HIM associations, and exceptional events recognized by CCHIIM

Detailed information concerning continuing education activities can be located in AHIMA’s recertification guide.

AHIMA approved CE programs

One can receive AHIMA CEUs by attending an AHIMA event, completing an AHIMA online education program, completing an AHIMA journal quiz, completing an e-assessment, as so forth.

To search for an AHIMA Prior Approved program, log into your MyAHIMA account and click on “Search for Prior Approvals” under the “Education and Certification” section. Look for specific programs by searching using the following criteria: dates, geographic location, teaching methodology, AHIMA core educational content area, number of CEUs offered, program name, and company name. 

Calculation of CEUs

Calculation of CEUs is based upon clock hours. 0.5 CEUs are given for every thirty (30) minutes of attendance or participation that is fixed in length. A session lasting 30-44 minutes will be accepted for 0.5 CEU credits; a session lasting less than 30 minutes will not be accepted for CEU credit. CEU credit should be calculated according to the following method:

1. Active: Based on meeting the recertification requirements.


2. Inactive:
1. Based on failure to complete the recertification requirements within the two (2) year recertification cycle and three (3) month Grace Period following the end of the recertification cycle.
2. Based on failure to complete the annual coding self-reviews required of a coding credential holder’s recertification cycle within the two (2) year recertification cycle and three (3) month Grace Period following the end of the recertification cycle.
   
   The credential(s) may not be used during the period of inactive status. Along with meeting original recertification requirements, a late fee is imposed to reactivate a credential to active status


3. Revoked:
1. Based on failure to complete recertification requirements within the two (2) year recertification cycle, three (3) month Grace Period, and three (3) month Inactive Period. Credential holders who do not report their CEUs by the end of their Inactive Period will have their credential(s) revoked.
2. Based on failure to complete the annual coding self-reviews required of a coding credential holder’s recertification cycle within the two (2) year recertification cycle, three (3) month Grace Period, and three (3) month Inactive Period. Credential holders who do not complete their self reviews by the end of their Inactive Period will have their credential(s) revoked.
3. Based on CCHIIM appeals committee or AHIMA Professional Ethics Committee decision regarding misconduct.
   

   Individuals may not use the applicable credential(s) once they have been revoked. Individuals must meet reinstatement requirements found detailed on the Application to Reinstate to reactivate a credential to active status.



4. Retired:
1. Based on a voluntary request of a fully retired individual who is no longer working in the field of HIIM. The individual may retire and begin work in a field unrelated to HIIM so long as he or she no longer holds any HIIM responsibilities. The individual’s credential must be active and in good standing at the time of the request. In order to re-activate a retired credential, the certification examination must be passed again if one full recertification cycle has passed while in Retired status.
   
   An individual falling under the retired status must use the term “retired” following his or her credential in order to differentiate from the Active Status credential, e.g. John Smith, RHIA (Retired)

Note: Credential holders who are retired or disabled may continue to maintain recertification requirements and uphold an active credential, if they so choose.

5. Voluntary Relinquished: Based on a voluntary request of an individual who no longer wishes to maintain his or her credential and voluntarily withdraws from the recertification process. The individual’s credential must be active and in good standing at the time of the request. In order to re-activate a voluntarily relinquished credential to active status, the certification examination must be passed again if one full recertification cycle has passed while in Voluntarily Relinquished status.
   
   Individuals may not use the applicable credential(s) once they have been voluntarily relinquished.

Effective January 1, 2019 AHIMA will no longer be mailing recertification stickers. To obtain an updated certificate please log into your CEU center.

Enter your CEUs throughout your cycle by logging into your MyAHIMA account and visiting your “CEU Center” located under the “Education and Certification” section. Once in your CEU Center, click on “Enter CEUs”, choose from which source the CEU was earned, and fill out the required fields on the CEU record. At the end you will have the option to upload CEU support documentation (CEU certificate, unofficial transcripts, etc.). You can enter more than your required amount of CEUs. Additional CEUs will show up under the “Additional CEUs” section and cannot be carried over to the next recertification cycle.

There is no more need to “report” CEUs at the end of your cycle! On the last day of your two year recertification cycle, your account will automatically be reviewed and will roll over to your next two-year recertification cycle if all recertification requirements have been met.

When to Enter CEUs

CEUs can be entered throughout your two year recertification cycle and must be entered no later than three (3) months past your cycle end date to avoid penalty. You can enter more than your required amount of CEUs. Additional CEUs will show up under the “Additional CEUs” section and cannot be carried over to the next recertification cycle.

Reinstatement of Credentials

Individuals whose credentials have been revoked can apply for reinstatement and be returned to active status by completing the Intent to Reinstate Credential application, paying all appropriate fees, and meeting the require- ments for recertification.

The CCHIIM provides three ways to reinstate a credential (up to one year following the end of the CE cycle):

Option A: Reactivate by Continuing Education

• Submit an application to reinstate a credential through your CEU Center.
• Pay the appropriate fee.
• Obtain the required number of CEUs and submit all supporting documentation showing completion of activities. CEUs must be earned during the current and previous calendar year.
• Complete the current year’s coding self-review (for coding credentials only).

Option B :  Reactivate by Exam

One Year following the end of the CE cycle, the only way to be reinstated and returned to active status is to retake the applicable certification exam.

An individual whose credential is reinstated will be officially notified by the CCHIIM that recertification  requirements have been met. Upon official notification, the individual’s credential will switch back into Active status and resume their subsequent two-year recertification cycle. 

Audits

Each year a percentage of recertification report forms are randomly selected for audit.  Individuals selected for audits will be notified in writing and required to submit verifiable documentation (for example, certificates of attendance or similar materials) for each activity listed on the CEU Report Form by the due date specified on the audit notification material.

Verifiable documentation can include certificates of attendance, program materials, or other information provided by the program sponsor that verify program date, length, and subject matter (that is, agenda, program outline, handout, meeting summary, or meeting transcript).  It is therefore recommended that CEU participants retain all records in their files for at least one year following the cycle end date. Individuals who fail to respond to the audit request by the specified due date or are found to have submitted false information on their recertification form may be denied recertification.

Waiver of CE Requirements

The CCHIIM may for good cause waive or reduce the CEU requirement.  Certificants may request a temporary waiver by submitting a written request to the CCHIIM
for consideration.

Temporary Waiver— Temporarily waive recertification requirements due to extenuating circumstances or hardships (for example, financial hardship, illness, unforeseen circumstances, and natural catastrophes)

Extensions

The CCHIIM may grant an extension of time to complete the number of CEUs required for a CE cycle. An extension of time shall not relieve the applicant of the responsibility for completion of the CEU requirements for the CE cycle in which the extension period falls.

Appeals

Individuals whose credential has been revoked or whose application for reinstatement has been denied may appeal to the CCHIIM. Additional information on submitting an appeal to the CCHIIM is available under the Certification Appeals section within the Disciplinary and Appeal Policy.

Q: What is the deadline for entering CEUs?

A: CEUs should be entered into your CEU center by the last day of your two-year recertification cycle. 

Q: Where and how can I enter my CEUs?

A: You can enter your CEUs throughout your cycle by logging into your MyAHIMA account and visiting your “CEU Center” located under the “Education and Certification” section. Once in your CEU Center, click on “Enter CEUs”, choose from which source the CEU was earned, and fill out the required fields on the CEU record. At the end you will have the option to upload CEU support documentation (CEU certificate, unofficial transcripts, etc.). You can enter more than your required amount of CEUs. Additional CEUs will show up under the “Additional CEUs” section and cannot be carried over to the next recertification cycle.

Q: Where can I purchase and complete my coding self review?

A: Annual self-reviews can be purchased and accessed through your MyAHIMA account under the “CEU Center” and “Self-Review” sections. View the step by step instructions here.

Q: How do I earn CEUs?

A: AHIMA offers many opportunities to earn CEUs through meetings, audio and Web seminars, online education courses, and other activities that qualify for CEUs. Visit ahimastore.org for additional information on products available.

Q: Can I use CEUs earned through organizations other than AHIMA?

A: Yes, provided they qualify as valid continuing education activities and are relevant to HIIM. See page 6 of the Recertification Guide for qualifying activities for details

Q: When does my credential expire?

A: You can view your expiration date by logging into your MyAHIMA account and clicking on “CEU Center” located under the “Education and Certification” section. Here you will be able to view specific details of your credential(s), including the expiration date