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Additional RHIA Pathway Proposed by CCHIIM

Open Comment Period Through August 4, 2025

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The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) is a standing commission of AHIMA dedicated to assuring the competency of professionals practicing health informatics and information management (HIIM) worldwide. CCHIIM provides strategic oversight of all AHIMA certification programs and holds the sole and independent authority in all matters pertaining to both the certification and ongoing recertification (certification maintenance) of HIIM professionals.

An Additional Pathway to Sit for the RHIA Exam

A CCHIIM motion was made to expand the eligibility requirements for the RHIA exam and create an additional pathway for those who meet ALL of the following:

  • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) Certification; AND
  • Baccalaureate and/or Master's degree in a Healthcare, Health Informatics, or Business-related field; AND
  • 3+ years of experience in health information management or health informatics

RHIA-RHIT pathway

An Additional Pathway to Support Workforce Advancement

The addition of this pathway supports workforce advancement and acknowledges the real-world expertise of those serving in roles that align with RHIA-level responsibilities. It allows health information professionals with an RHIT credential, a higher-ed degree, and 3+ years of relevant experience to gain RHIA certification by demonstrating their knowledge and expertise in the RHIA exam.

Preparing for the Future

In direct response to the evolving needs of our profession and the healthcare ecosystem, this pathway helps us prepare for a stronger future. RHIA and RHIT certification volumes have been decreasing year after year, and this pathway enables us to grow and maintain a strong community of experienced credentialed professionals.

The proposed additional pathway to sit for the RHIA exam in no way lessens the integrity and rigor of the exam nor diminishes the value of RHIA certification; it simply offers an alternate path of preparation to sit for the exam.

60-Day Open Comment Period

We encourage you to share your feedback on the proposed additional pathway during the open comment period, which is active through August 4 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

Please know your comments will be considered advisory only; AHIMA and CCHIIM are not required to make any changes based on feedback from this open comment period but will seriously consider each one. We are also unable to respond to comments individually.

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