CAHIMS

It is a two-hour exam composed of 115 multiple-choice questions, 100 of which are scored. The unscored items are mixed in, so you cannot tell which ones count. Plan your pacing for roughly one question per minute and leave a small buffer at the end rather than spending extra time on any single item.

HIMSS describes it as designed for professionals who contribute to the planning, implementation, and optimization of health technology, and specifically names early-careerists and solutions providers seeking to build trust and demonstrate expertise in digital health. It is positioned for people newer to digital health rather than for established senior leaders.

HIMSS states the exam covers key areas including systems analysis, clinical informatics and project management, giving a well-rounded foundation to deliver results in any healthcare setting. The exam focuses on common knowledge and skills identified as important to competent practice through a job analysis in health IT. The Candidate Handbook contains the detailed content outline.

The fee is $459 for non-members, $419 for HIMSS members, corporate members, or student members, and $369 for HIMSS Organizational Affiliates. All fees are in U.S. dollars. HIMSS notes that Chapter Only and Online Only Members are not eligible for the member rate, so confirm your membership type before paying.

The exam is delivered through a network of computer-based assessment centers around the world. Exams are administered at Pearson Testing Centers or at the candidate's home or office through a remotely proctored internet-based platform. All candidates must apply and receive an eligibility ID number before making a reservation to test.

Candidates who do not receive a passing score should refer to the CAHIMS Candidate Handbook for more information regarding the process to retake the exam. The retake fee is $239.00. Results are provided before you leave the testing session, so you will know your outcome the same day.

HIMSS recommends starting with the CAHIMS Candidate Handbook, which provides a detailed outline explaining the content and structure of the exam and helps you identify strengths and weaknesses. Many candidates then use the Competency Gap Assessment and Learning Plan to target weak areas before working through review courses, webinars, or books.

No. HIMSS states the 50-question online practice test conforms to the exam's specifications in topical content, cognitive levels, and format, but not number of questions, time allotted, or difficulty, and that its questions are different from the actual exam and should not be considered predictive of your performance. Use it to find gaps, not to forecast a pass.

Certification is valid for three years. Candidates who successfully pass the exam receive a hardcopy certificate and lapel pin approximately eight weeks after completing the exam, mailed to the address on their HIMSS customer record. To maintain the certification, certificants must either apply and take the exam again or maintain it through continuing education hours and payment of a renewal fee.

The exam is delivered through assessment centers around the world, but HIMSS states its exams are no longer available in Quebec due to a new law requiring exams to be in both French and English, since the exams are only offered in English. Quebec residents cannot take them locally or virtually.