RHIT
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is a credential administered by the AHIMA Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM). It is designed for professionals who ensure the quality of medical and health records by verifying completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems, and for those who specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures for reimbursement and research. RHITs work in hospitals, physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities, public health agencies, and any organization that uses patient data or health information.
The exam is computer-based and must be scheduled at a Pearson VUE testing center. It contains 150 questions, of which 130 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items, and candidates have three hours and thirty minutes to complete it. The passing score is 300. Content is organized into six domains: Data Content, Structure, and Information Governance; Access, Disclosure, Privacy, and Security; Data Analytics and Use; Revenue Cycle Management; Compliance; and Leadership.
Preparation should combine a systematic review of all six domains with timed practice questions, so you build both recall and pacing for a long session. This independent guide provides original practice questions and explanations and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by AHIMA or CCHIIM.
What you'll study
About RHIT preparation
How many questions are on the RHIT exam and how much time do I get?
The exam has 150 questions: 130 scored items and 20 pretest items that are randomly distributed and do not count toward your score. You have three hours and thirty minutes, which works out to roughly 84 seconds per question. You may move back and forth between items once an answer is selected, and flag items to revisit before submitting.
What score do I need to pass?
The passing score for the RHIT is 300. Because 20 of the 150 items are pretest questions collected for data purposes only, your score is based on the 130 scored items. Do not try to guess which items are pretest - answer every question as though it counts.
Am I eligible to sit for the exam?
AHIMA currently accepts only HIM degree programs; health informatics is not supported for the RHIT. You must either complete the academic requirements at an associate degree level of a Health Information Management program accredited by CAHIIM, or graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement.
What does the exam cost, and what happens if I fail?
The exam costs $229 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members. Retake fees are the same as the exam cost. To retake, you submit a new application with the fee and wait 30 days before your application is approved and you can schedule. Transcripts stay on file, so you do not resubmit them.
Where is the exam given, and how do I schedule it?
The exam is computer-based and must be scheduled at a Pearson VUE testing center, within 120 days of your eligibility. There are no required books or resources for exam day. Bring valid identification and arrive early - candidates more than 30 minutes late are not allowed to test and forfeit their fees.
Can I reschedule or cancel my appointment?
You can cancel or reschedule up to 15 business days before your exam date at no charge. Cancelling or rescheduling between 14 days and 24 hours before the exam costs a $30 Pearson VUE fee, paid by credit card online or through the call center. You cannot reschedule less than 24 hours before your appointment.
How should I order my studying across the six domains?
Do not skip domains. The content outline divides the exam across all six, so start with your weakest area and cycle through the rest rather than mastering one and neglecting others. Compliance and Leadership are frequently under-studied because they feel less technical, yet they carry real weight. Finish with full-length, timed sets to build stamina.
What are the most common ways candidates lose points?
Three patterns dominate: spending too long on early questions and running out of time, skipping Compliance and Leadership because they seem less concrete than coding and data content, and memorizing isolated facts instead of practicing application-style questions. Use a timer on every practice set so pacing becomes automatic.
How long does the credential last, and what keeps it active?
The RHIT is maintained over a two-year certification period. To keep the credential you must complete all recertification requirements during that period, which include submitting the required amount of continuing education units (CEUs) and paying the recertification fee. Plan CEU activities across the full two years rather than scrambling at the end.