2020 Code Books will be used through 04/30/2021

ALL EXAMS DELIVERED ON OR BEFORE 04/30/2021 will be required to have the 2020 code books from the 2020 code book list below.

2021 Code Books will go into effect on 05/01/2021

ALL EXAMS DELIVERED ON OR AFTER 05/01/2021 will be required to have the 2021 code books from the 2021 code book list below.

On test day, all candidates must bring the correct codebooks to the test center. Candidates who do not have the correct codebooks will not be allowed to test and will forfeit their exam fees.

The Mandatory Code Book lists can be found on each exam webpage

https://cms-qa.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/cca/

https://cms-qa.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/ccs/

https://cms-qa.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/ccs-p/

Please be advised that the RHIA examination will be releasing a new version of the certification exam consisting of new exam items aligned to the new exam content outline. The new RHIA exam is the result of a recent job analysis.  The new content outline can be found on the RHIA certification page.

1. Pearson VUE test centers are now open for AHIMA certifications. Schedule your exam today. 
   
   
2. For updated information on Pearson Vue and COVID-19 related questions, visit the Pearson Vue website.
   
   
3. If your exam date has been cancelled, you can reschedule through the Pearson VUE website without assistance. Please select a date as soon as you are able and willing.
   
   
4. If you have not registered to sit for an exam, we suggest you schedule as soon as you are able and willing.
   
   
5. We strongly suggest that you do not cancel but reschedule your exam appointment. If you choose to cancel, you will need to follow AHIMA’s cancellation process. If you decide to take the exam in the future, you will have to start the application process over again. This may cause your examination appointment date to be delayed by an extended period of time due to high demands.
   
   
6. AHIMA International testing has removed the testing windows as of May 1, 2020. You can now test anytime at any open Pearson VUE test center. All candidates will follow the same Candidate Guide. This include all policies and procedures.

The Pearson VUE helplines are overwhelmed with long wait times. If you can apply one of the steps above to address your concerns, please do. If you need assistance, contact AHIMA at certification@ahima.org. Please expect a slight delay in response due to high volume. We will process requests in the order they were received.

Our continued thoughts are with the people and communities affected by COVID-19. Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we adapt to the demands of this evolving situation.

Amy Mosser,
COO

What is changing?

AHIMA is discontinuing the mandatory annual self-review recertification requirement for CCA®, CCS®, and CCS-P® credential holders and eventually phasing out self-reviews.

When does this go into effect?

January 1, 2021

How does this impact credential holders?

• After January 1, 2021, all CCS, CCS-P and CCA credential holders will no longer need to complete an annual self-review.
• 2020 self-reviews are available for no fee and will remain until December 31, 2020
• 2020 self-reviews will be available for purchase for $20 between January 1-March 31, 2021
• After March 31, 2021, self-reviews will no longer be available

What is Changing?

• Removing “grace” as a certification status.  A credential is either “active”, “inactive” or “revoked”.
• Aligning the 24-month recertification cycle with responsibility of payment before the 24-month cycle ends.

When does this go into effect?:   

• January 1, 2021.

How does this impact credential holders?

• At the end of your 24-month certification cycle, if you have not met the recertification requirements your certification status will change to “inactive”.
• Recertification extensions will incur a $50 fee, payable electronically via the CEU Center.
• If you continue to not meet all of the recertification requirements, your credential will remain in the “inactive” status for 180 days before changing to a “revoked”.
• There is NO change to the revocation period or procedures.

What is changing?

• Aligned all AHIMA certification exams to have the same exam re-take requirements of 90 days.
• Candidates who have taken and not passed an examination must wait a minimum of 90 days before their application is approved.

When did this go into effect? 

• July 1, 2020

How does this impact credential holders?

To re-take an examination, a candidate must resubmit a new application with the appropriate examination fee and wait 90 days after they took the last exam.

What is changing? 

• Once a credential is in permanently revoked status, an individual will have 90 days to file an appeal and provide supporting documents of the basis of the appeal.
• Credential holders can only appeal a revoked credential 1 time in a 10-year period.

When does this go into effect?  

• January 1, 2021

How does this impact credential holders?

• Individuals do not have unlimited time to file an appeal for a revoked credential.
• Individuals can only appeal a revoked credential 1 time in a 10-year period.

What is changing?

If credential holder has voluntarily relinquished their credential and then changes their mind at a-later-date, the individual will need to take the certification exam again.

When does this go into effect?    

• January 1, 2021

How does this impact credential holders?

• Credential holders must seriously consider the impact of requesting to voluntarily relinquish their credential(s).

All requests must be done in writing and sent to certification@ahima.org

If credential holder has their credential retired and changes their mind at a-later-date, the individual will need to pay $300.00 to un-retire that credential.

Requests to un-retire a credential can only be done once every 5 years. All requests must be done in writing and sent to certification@ahima.org

Early tester applicants will have up to a year from the date the exam is passed to submit your official transcript. If official transcripts are not received within the one-year timeframe the exam results will nullified and the exam will have to be re-taken and passed if you choose to hold the RHIT or RHIA credential.

What is changing?

• Combining Temporary Waiver policy and Waiver of CE Requirements policy into 1 policy
• Revised policy title will be “Waiver of Recertification Requirements”.
• Credential must be in good standing when requesting a waiver.

When does this go into effect? 

• January 1, 2021

How does this impact credential holders?

• Give credential holders 1 place to go where they can request a waiver of recertification requirements due to extenuating circumstances or hardships (e.g., financial hardship, illness, pandemics, natural disasters)

All requests must be done in writing and sent to certification@ahima.org