American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA’s) Approved Continuing Education Program (ACEP) recognizes organizations as continuing education unit (CEU) providers that have met AHIMA's approval guidelines.
AHIMA’s Approved CEU process is required for any program provider in order to designate its courses as eligible for AHIMA-provided CEUs. The process is initiated by the program provider requesting approval. Approved Continuing Education Program provider status does not constitute endorsement of a program provider or its materials and program provider may not represent that it does. The program provider is responsible for maintaining the content and quality of any program that has received approval through AHIMA's Approved Continuing Education Program.
AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program providers may request approval of CEUs for program attendees holding any of the following AHIMA credentials:
| Medium/Channel | Example Methods |
| Live Events | Face-to-face activities including lectures, seminars, courses, workshops, live webinars, live web-based trainings |
| Audio Conferences | Seminars, courses, webcasts |
| Virtual Events | Recorded lectures, seminars, courses, workshops, webinars, web-based trainings |
| Online Education | Self-paced web-based activities |
AHIMA does not grant Continuing Education Program provider approval for review courses, study seminars, vendor exhibits, newsletters, blog posts, summarizing articles, examination preparatory courses, or similar offerings. Responsibilities that fall within the normal parameters of an individual's job description do not qualify for CEUs. Detailed information concerning continuing education activities can be found in AHIMA's Recertification Guide.
Programs must ensure methods are appropriate for the learning outcome.
AHIMA will evaluate the proposed program for its content, quality, and appropriateness of the following key characteristics. Only program content consisting of topics relevant to the field of health informatics and information management practice is eligible.
The AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program Application will require the following information and documentation to be submitted (as applicable):
AHIMA will deny approval to programs that fail to meet AHIMA's approval guidelines. If additional documentation is requested, the materials must be submitted within one week of the date requested. Programs that fail to submit requested documentation within the one week timeframe will be automatically denied. No refunds will be issued for denied programs.
Calculation of CEU hours is based upon educational contact hours. 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. 0.5 CEUs are given for every thirty (30) minutes of attendance or participation that is fixed in length. CEU credit should be calculated according to the following method:
| Session Length | CEU Credit |
| 0-29 minutes (0-0.49 hrs) | 0 CEUs |
| 30-44 minutes (0.50-0.74 hrs) | 0.5 CEUs |
| 45-89 minutes (0.75-1.49 hrs) | 1 CEU |
| 90-104 minutes (1.50-1.74 hrs) | 1.5 CEUs |
| 105-149 minutes (1.75-2.49 hrs) | 2.0 CEUs |
| 150-164 minutes (2.50-2.74 hrs) | 2.5 CEUs |
| 165-209 minutes (2.75-3.49 hrs) | 3.0 CEUs |
Conferences which provide concurrent program instruction must include each session in CEU calculation.
CEU Calculations should exclude any ineligible portions. Registration, greetings/welcome, breaks, meals, quizzes, tests, exams, homework, or other events unrelated to the educational agenda are not eligible for time counted towards CEUs.
New! As of September 2021. To offer CEU providers with a more cost-effective way to apply for CEUs, AHIMA will no longer be requiring the annual fee for applications.
| CEU Credit | Fee |
| Up to 3.0 CEUs | $295.00 |
| 4.0 | $345.00 |
| 5.0 | $395.00 |
| 6.0 | $470.00 |
| 7.0 | $520.00 |
| 8.0 | $570.00 |
| 9.0 | $620.00 |
| 10.0 | $670.00 |
| 11.0 | $720.00 |
| 12.0 | $770.00 |
| 13.0 | $810.00 |
| 14.0 | $840.00 |
| 15.0 | $870.00 |
| 16.0-20.0 | $920.00 |
| 20.0+ CEUs | $50.00 per CEU |
Anything above 20.0 CEUs is calculated at $50.00 per CEU. For example, 21.00 CEUs = $1,050.00
Conferences which provide concurrent program instruction must include each session in CEU calculation. Fees are calculated by the amount of total CEUs that are being reviewed for the entire program application. Applicants who fail to correctly submit the correct amount of CEUs will need to provide payment for any additional hours.
Nonprofit groups may be eligible for a 10% discounted rate from CEU Program fees calculated. Eligibility will be determined by a proof of nonprofit status (example: 501c form). Documentation will be required.
No refunds will be issued for denied programs. *Programs submitted less than two weeks prior to the program start date will be required to pay an expedited/rush fee. Programs who do not submit within this time period may not be guaranteed approval by program start date.
| Fee Type | Fee | Details |
| *Expedited/Rush fee | $200.00 | Expedited/Rush reviews take approximately 1-2 weeks. |
| Late fee | $300.00 | Programs submitted after the program start date will incur a late fee. |
| Revision fee | $50.00 | Any changes to the program pertaining to additional program dates and locations, faculty, program title, program content, or program length will incur a revision fee per each revision request. |
| New! AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program Recognized CEU provider (optional) | $500.00 | Become an AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program Recognized CEU provider by paying an annual subscription (optional). |
Contact PriorApproval@AHIMA.org for any inquiries.
AHIMA regularly monitors approved programs on an ongoing basis to ensure the approval guidelines are consistently met. Participants at approved programs are encouraged to contact AHIMA if they feel a program provider is not meeting the requirements for approval. AHIMA may periodically request program materials to ensure the program provider's performance in covering the approval guidelines for AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Provider approval. AHIMA may attend activities to audit the efficacy of each program.
If AHIMA receives a complaint, or identifies through monitoring that a program provider may not be in compliance with the approval guidelines for AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program provider approval, AHIMA will contact the program provider in writing to request documentation for its investigation and request a response to the complaint or concern within thirty (30) days. AHIMA reserves the right to conduct an audit of the learning event or the organizational facility. If an audit is conducted, the organization agrees to cover all costs associated with conducting the audit.
If the program provider fails to submit the documentation and a response to AHIMA within 30 days, the program provider will immediately be notified in writing and placed on probation for a ninety (90) day period. If a program provider sends AHIMA the appropriate documentation and response, and the investigation reveals that the complaint or concern does not support noncompliance, AHIMA will notify the program provider and remove the probationary status.
I am not a current provider - how do I submit an application?
All new organizations must apply to be a provider through AHIMA in order to submit an application. To apply, you must be logged into your MyAHIMA account. Once logged in, scroll to the Certified Education Provider section and:
Click on Become a Provider
Once approved by AHIMA, you will gain access to the provider portal and have the ability to submit application(s).
I am a current provider - how do I submit an application?
Organizations who have submitted applications to AHIMA are listed as providers. To submit new application(s), you must be logged into your MyAHIMA account. Once logged in, scroll to the Certified Education Provider section and:
Click on Access Provider Portal
In the provider portal you will have the capability to manage provider information, submit a new program application(s), and manage an existing program application(s).
Please refer to the CEU Fees information when calculating fees. Fees are due upon submission of an application for an AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program provider and will be included as part of the online portal submission. Submit all required supporting documentation and pay application fees via credit card.
How do I calculate the amount of CEUs for my application?
Please refer to the CEU calculation information when calculating eligible CEUs. The application will automatically tally the total number of CEUs when submitting program applications.
Can I submit multiple programs in one application?
An application is required for each individual program which offers CEUs. If a program is comprised of multiple modules/lessons/sessions, only one application is required so long as they are not offered individually.
How do I know which AHIMA Core Educational Content Area to choose?
HIIM Professional Domain Definition: HIM improves the quality of healthcare by ensuring the most timely and accurate information resources. View AHIMA HIIM Domains
How long will the review process take?
Expedited reviews (incurs additional fees) take approximately 1-2 weeks. Non-expedited reviews of submitted applications takes approximately 4 weeks. The provider will receive a final decision email containing either an explanation for program denial or confirmation of approval containing the number of CEUs the program has been approved for and the dates through which the program is valid. Providers can also view status of their application(s) in their provider portal.
How will I be notified about the status of my application?
Providers will receive a notification if additional documentation is requested during the review. If additional documentation is requested, the materials must be submitted within one week of the date requested. The provider will receive a final decision email containing either an explanation for program denial or confirmation of approval containing the number of CEUs the program has been approved for and the dates through which the program is valid. Providers can also view status of their application(s) in their provider portal.
What will I receive if my application is approved?
Providers will receive an official document of approval that will include the Company ID, Program ID, Program date, CEUs the program has been approved for and the dates through which the program approval is valid. Approval language is required for usage on marketing materials. Approved programs are valid beginning program start date and will expire 365 from the program start date.
Can I receive retroactive approval?
Retroactive approval is discouraged by the AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program and will incur a fee (see CEU Fees).
Retroactive approval must include the date the program took place. Please note: if your program was approved retroactively, the program accreditation length will only be valid for one year from the date of the original program release date, not from the date the approval was given.
What happens if I have changes after I receive approval?
Any changes to the program or its faculty after approval has been granted must be reported to AHIMA. Changes will incur a program change fee (see CEU Fees). Please notify PriorApproval@ahima.org if you have changes to your program after approval.
What if my program is cancelled?
Programs which are cancelled within 14 days of receiving the program approval will incur a $75 processing fee, and the remaining payment amount will be refunded in the same fashion in which the payment was made. Fees paid for programs which are cancelled 14 days after receiving the program approval will not be refunded. Requests for refund due to program cancelation must be made in writing to PriorApproval@ahima.org
Reasons for application denial
AHIMA does not grant Continuing Education Program provider approval for review courses, study seminars, vendor exhibits, newsletters, blog posts, summarizing articles, examination preparatory courses, or similar offerings. Responsibilities that fall within the normal parameters of an individual's job description do not qualify for CEUs. Detailed information concerning continuing education activities can be found in AHIMA's Recertification Guide.
AHIMA will deny approval to programs that fail to meet AHIMA approval guidelines. If additional documentation is requested by AHIMA during the review process, the materials must be submitted within one week of the date requested. Programs that fail to submit requested documentation within the one week timeframe will be automatically denied. No refunds will be issued for denied programs.
New! Become an AHIMA Recognized CEU Provider
Optional. Organizations who are interested in an opportunity to have their logo shown on the AHIMA website as a recognized AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Program provider can sign-up through the application submission process and pay an annual subscription fee. Organizations who subscribe will have their organizations listed as featured in the provider directory, and will be listed on the front page of the provider directory.
This requirement is still under development. AHIMA will provider further instructions when this part of the process becomes active. Coming soon, all approved programs will be required to send in a copy of the final participant list and a copy of the evaluation summary.