If you are a student currently enrolled in your final term of study in a program approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) for registered health information technicians or administrators (RHITs; RHIAs), it's not too soon to start thinking about early testing.

Early testing gives successful candidates a significant competitive advantage immediately upon graduation. Specifically, American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) credentials distinguish you from other individuals in the employment pool who may be vying for similar jobs. Additionally, early testing allows the candidate the optimal window of opportunity for exam participation--to attempt the exam when the candidate is best prepared. The earlier a student tests after graduation, the better they will likely perform on their respective exam.

Eligible students for early testing include the following:
1. Students currently enrolled and in their last term of study.
2. Students who have completed their coursework, but have not graduated yet.
3. Graduates who are currently waiting for their official transcripts.

What does final term of study mean?
"Final term" means that students will graduate at the end of their current term of study. For example:
Fall--students who are completing coursework in anticipation of receiving their degree in December, at the end of the current term.
Spring--students who are completing coursework in anticipation of receiving their degree in May or June, at the end of the current term.
Summer--students who are completing coursework in anticipation of receiving their degree in August, at the end of the current term.

How can I apply?
Currently, the early testing option application accepts paper application forms only. Additionally, candidate applications for the early testing option must also include a signed verification form from the program director. Detailed instructions can be found at: www.ahima.org/certification/ .

Where can I download the "Early Testing Option--Program Director Verification Form?
Either you or your program director can download the form directly from this location: www.ahima.org/certification/ .

Do I need to fill out an exam application form in addition to the early testing application?
Yes, please mail them in together.

I am a program director for a CAHIIM-accredited program. What do I need to do?
You will need to provide each eligible candidate with a signed verification form that confirms they are in the last term of their respective studies, and thus are eligible to apply for the early testing option. This form will need to be signed and dated by the program director separately for each individual student, as this form serves as a temporary placeholder for the official transcript. Program directors reserve the right not to endorse their students for early testing.

What are the eligibility requirements and initial standards for certification for RHIA certification?
I. Academic Prerequisites
RHIA applicants must meet one of the following three eligibility requirements:
1. Successfully complete the academic requirements, at the baccalaureate level, of a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program.
2. Graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement.
3. Students interested in obtaining a post-baccalaureate certificate, certificate of completion or transfer of credits information must contact the CAHIIM-accredited program in which they wish to enroll regarding their institution's policies. Please visit the program directly at www.cahiim.org/accredpgms.asp to access the list of CAHIIM accredited programs.

II. Competency Validation
Applicants must pass the RHIA certification exam prior to becoming an RHIA-certified professional in good standing.

What are the eligibility requirements and initial standards for certification for RHIT certification?
I. Academic Prerequisites
RHIT applicants must meet one of the following two eligibility requirements:
1. Successfully complete the academic requirements, at the associate level, of a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program.
2. Graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign association with which AHIMA has a reciprocity agreement.

II. Competency Validation
Applicants must pass the RHIT certification exam prior to becoming an RHIT-certified professional in good standing.

What are the exam fees?
Exam fees are the same for early test takers as for any other applicant. Please refer to www.ahima.org/certification/exam/fees.aspx for the most current exam pricing.

How long do I have after I receive my authorization to test letter (ATT) to schedule my exam appointment?
You will have a 4-month eligibility window to schedule and take your exam. Your eligibility window will be printed on your ATT letter.

What if I can't take the exam during the 4-month window of eligibility?
If you are not able to test within 4 months, please refer to www.ahima.org/certification/scheduling.asp#fees for our policy on canceling or rescheduling your exam appointment.

What is the waiting period before I can attempt the exam again if I fail?
There is a 91-day waiting period before you can retake an exam. After that period has expired a candidate will need to repeat the exam registration process.

What will I receive if I pass the exam?
A score report will be printed after the exam is completed. It will have your results showing a passing score with the following message: Congratulations on passing the exam. Again, you will need to meet all requirements for initial certification prior to being awarded the RHIA/RHIT credential.
Or
You may receive a test completion notice rather than a score report if immediate scoring is not available for your examination. Please consult AHIMA's Web site for current information on immediate scoring for your examination.

What will I receive if I fail the exam?
A score report will be printed after the exam is completed and will show how you scored on each domain.
Or
You may receive a test completion notice rather than a score report if immediate scoring is not available for your examination. Please consult AHIMA's Web site for current information on immediate scoring for your examination.

When do I actually become certified?

Early testing candidates will be awarded the RHIA/RHIT credential once they have met the following standards for initial certification.

• Academic qualifications have been verified (official transcripts must be submitted to AHIMA) showing the candidate successfully completed the academic requirements at the baccalaureate or associate degree level of a CAHIIM-accredited HIM program.
• The candidate passed the RHIA/RHIT certification examination provided by the Council on Certification.

Your name will be updated on the AHIMA Web site under recently credentialed individuals and your certificate will be requested.

Once I fulfill all the requirements for eligibility and the initial standards of certification, how long will I need to wait until I receive my certificate designating me an RHIA- or RHIT-certified professional?
A certificate will be mailed within 4 months after all standards of initial certification have been submitted and verified by AHIMA staff.

Where can I find additional information on the early testing option for RHIA and RHIT students?
Please visit the certification Web site at: www.ahima.org/certification/.

Michael Niederpruem is vice president of certifications and Jo Santos is certification manager for AHIMA.