CHDA exam-day guide
CHDA · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Government-issued photo ID
Bring an unexpired passport, driver's license, or other government-issued photo ID. The name on the ID must match your registration exactly - if your name has changed, resolve the discrepancy with the certification body before test day. You will likely be asked to sign at check-in.
Appointment confirmation and candidate ID number
Bring the confirmation email or your candidate/eligibility number. Exact requirements vary by delivery provider (test center vs. remote proctor) - confirm with the provider what must be presented at check-in.
Test center address, parking, and route plan
If testing in person, confirm the exact center address the day before, note parking or transit options, and plan to arrive ahead of your appointment time. Ask the provider how early you should arrive; it is commonly 15–30 minutes but confirm.
Completed system and equipment check (remote testing)
If testing remotely, run the provider's equipment test ahead of time and confirm your webcam, microphone, browser, and internet connection meet requirements. Have a backup connection (mobile hotspot) available.
Quiet, private, well-lit room (remote testing)
Use a room with a closed door, a clear desk, and no other people. You will typically be asked to show the room with your camera during check-in. Confirm the provider's specific room and desk rules before test day.
Platform login credentials
Have your username and password ready and verified before test day. Reset a forgotten password at least 72 hours ahead so a lockout does not delay your start.
Reviewed candidate handbook and exam content outline
Know the exam's domain structure, the number of questions, the allotted time, and the scoring method from the official candidate handbook. Do not rely on secondhand summaries for these facts - confirm with the provider.
Timed practice under exam conditions
Complete at least one full-length, timed practice set in the final 72 hours so you know your pace per question and can budget time for review.
Scratch paper and writing tool (only if permitted)
Many test centers supply a whiteboard or scratch paper and prohibit bringing your own. Confirm what is allowed; do not bring notes, study sheets, or reference material of any kind.
Knowledge of the on-screen calculator policy
Some health data analytics exams include calculation items and provide an on-screen calculator while prohibiting a personal one. Confirm the calculator policy and whether any formulas are supplied in the exam interface.
Water and a snack for before/after, stored as required
Personal items generally stay in a provided locker or outside the testing room. Eat a normal meal beforehand rather than relying on food during the exam.
Glasses, medication, and other personal necessities
Bring items you rely on for comfort and focus. If you need an accommodation, request it from the certification body well in advance - accommodations are rarely granted on test day.
Plan the day
Reconfirm the appointment date, time, and time zone; verify your ID name matches your registration; complete any remote system/equipment check; print or save the confirmation and center directions.
Do one full-length timed practice set to calibrate pacing. Note how many minutes per question you can afford and how much time to reserve for flagged items.
Review the official content outline and rank domains by your practice accuracy. Spend remaining study time only on the two weakest domains - no new material after this point.
Light review of summary notes and commonly confused definitions only. Stop studying early in the day; a rested brain outperforms an extra hour of cramming.
Pack the ID, confirmation, and any permitted items in one place. For remote testing, clear the desk, close other applications on the computer, and confirm the room meets the provider's rules.
Confirm the start time in your local time zone, set two alarms, and aim for a full night's sleep. Avoid scheduling anything strenuous before the exam.
Eat a normal meal, hydrate moderately, and arrive or log in early. Do not open study notes in the final hour - it increases anxiety without adding usable knowledge.
At check-in, complete ID verification and any environment scan calmly. If a technical problem occurs, contact the provider's support line immediately rather than troubleshooting alone.
Do a quick first pass at a steady pace, answering items you know and flagging long or calculation-heavy questions. Do not let one item consume several minutes.
For analytics and data-quality items, read the question stem for the actual deliverable being asked (identify, calculate, recommend) before evaluating answer choices; eliminate choices that answer a different question.
Return to flagged items with the time you reserved, and confirm an answer is recorded for every question before submitting - unanswered items are scored as incorrect.
If you take a break, confirm beforehand whether the clock stops. Do not assume your timer pauses; budget as though it does not.
Rules to check
The name on your photo ID must match your registration exactly. Report any name change to the certification body before test day; mismatches can result in being turned away.
The exam is closed-book. No notes, textbooks, printed materials, smart watches, phones, or other electronic devices are permitted in the testing area - confirm the provider's exact prohibited-items list.
For remote testing, remain in camera view, keep the desk clear, and stay in the room for the duration except for approved breaks. Any unapproved person entering the room or unapproved material on the desk is typically treated as misconduct.
Scoring is reported on a scaled basis rather than as a raw percentage, and the passing standard is set by the certification body. Do not convert your practice scores directly into a predicted pass result - confirm the current scoring and passing standard with the provider.
Official results and any retake eligibility rules are issued by the certification body after the exam. Retake waiting periods, fees, and attempt limits change over time - confirm current policy with the provider rather than relying on what other candidates report.
Accommodations and scheduling changes must be requested in advance through the certification body. Same-day requests are generally not accommodated.
Pace yourself against the total number of items and the total time allotted, and leave time to confirm every item has an answer; unanswered items score as incorrect.
If a technical failure, illness, or emergency disrupts your attempt, stop and contact the provider promptly and document what happened. Do not attempt to restart on your own - eligibility for a reschedule depends on the provider's procedures.