CHPS – Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security
Short Summary
CHPS – Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security
The CHPS designation, awarded by AHIMA, validates advanced expertise in healthcare privacy, security, and regulatory compliance. It’s designed for professionals who lead institutional risk programs, safeguard patient data, and navigate HIPAA with strategic fluency.
- Certifying Body: AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)
- Credential Type: Professional Certification
- Exam Format: 150 multiple-choice questions, 3.5 hours
- Eligibility: Associate, Bachelor’s, or Master’s degree + relevant experience
- Renewal: Every 2 years with 20 CEUs
- Estimated Cost: $850–$1,200 (including prep and renewal)
CHPS is the credential that turns HIPAA into strategy—and transforms data risk into institutional readiness.
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Course Description
The CHPS credential, offered by AHIMA, validates advanced expertise in managing healthcare privacy and security programs. It’s designed for professionals who:
• Design and implement privacy and security frameworks across healthcare organizations
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and other regulatory standards
• Lead risk assessments, breach response, and staff training initiatives
• Safeguard patient data across digital and physical systems
It’s a signal of strategic leadership in health information governance, not just operational know-how.
📚 Topics Covered in the CHPS Exam
The CHPS exam is structured around four core domains, each with specific tasks and competencies:
Domain Focus Areas
1. Ethical, Legal, and Regulatory Issues HIPAA, patient consent, state vs. federal law, public health emergencies
2. Privacy & Security Program Management Policy development, breach prevention, workforce training, BA agreements
3. Information Technology & Safeguards Physical and technical safeguards, access controls, de-identification
4. Investigation, Compliance & Enforcement Incident response, audits, documentation, enforcement actions
Each domain blends legal fluency, technical safeguards, and organizational leadership.
🧩 Specialization Options
While CHPS itself is a specialized credential, it doesn’t offer formal sub-specializations. However, professionals often tailor their CHPS expertise toward specific roles or sectors:
• Privacy-first specialization → Ideal for Chief Privacy Officers, HIM Directors
• Security-first specialization → Suited for CISOs, IT risk managers
• Compliance-focused → For auditors, consultants, and legal advisors
• Research & Data Governance → For those working with clinical trials or health data analytics
You can also pair CHPS with other AHIMA credentials (e.g., RHIA, CHDA) to deepen your specialization.
Cost
Category Description Estimated Cost
Exam Fee Paid to AHIMA $259 (members) / $329 (non-members)
Exam Prep Course Optional live virtual course (offered twice/year) ~$299–$399 (varies by session)
Study Guide / Book CHPS Exam Preparation by Danika Brinda ~$80 (used on Amazon)
Practice Tests / Materials May include additional online resources ~$50–$100
Application Fee No separate fee; included in exam registration $0
Retake Fee Same as initial exam fee $259 / $329 (if needed)
Recertification Fee Every 2 years ~$218 (AHIMA member)
CEU Costs Continuing education units (20 CEUs every 2 years) ~$200–$500 depending on provider
📊 Total Estimated Cost
Scenario Estimated Total
AHIMA Member (First Attempt) ~$850–$1,100
Non-Member (First Attempt) ~$950–$1,200
Including Retake Add $259–$329 per attempt
🧠 Strategic Tip
If you’re planning to pursue CHPS, consider joining AHIMA first. The membership discount on exam fees and recertification can offset the cost of membership itself—and unlock access to CEU resources and prep materials.
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Prerequisites
✅ CHPS Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the CHPS exam, candidates must meet one of the following pathways:
🎓 Education + Experience Pathways
📜 AHIMA Credential Pathway
If you already hold an AHIMA credential (e.g., RHIA, RHIT, CHDA), you may qualify with less experience, depending on the credential level.
🧠 Strategic Insight
CHPS is considered an advanced credential, so it’s not for entry-level professionals. It’s ideal for those who already work in:
- Health Information Management (HIM)
- Privacy and security compliance
- Risk management or IT governance
If you’re early in your career, consider starting with RHIT or RHIA before pursuing CHPS.
Renewal Requirements
🔄 CHPS Renewal Requirements
To maintain your CHPS credential, AHIMA requires:
📆 Recertification Cycle
• Every 2 years, starting from the date you pass the CHPS exam
📚 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• You must earn 20 CEUs during each 2-year cycle
• At least 40% of CEUs must come from AHIMA-approved sources (e.g., HCPro, AHIMA webinars, Journal quizzes)
• Remaining 60% can come from ACEP providers or other relevant sources in health information management
📥 CEU Submission
• CEUs must be logged in your AHIMA CEU Center before the cycle ends
• Late submissions may trigger reinstatement or extension fees
💳 CHPS Renewal Fees
Credential Holder Recertification Fee
AHIMA Member $100
Non-Member $218
Additional Credential (if applicable) $20 (members) / $50 (non-members)
Late or reinstatement fees may apply if CEUs are not submitted on time.
🧠 Strategic Tip
AHIMA members receive complimentary CEUs and discounted renewal fees—making membership a smart investment if you plan to maintain CHPS long-term.
Average Time to Complete Course
⏳ Typical Timeline to Complete CHPS Prep
🧠 Self-Study Track
• Duration: 2–4 months (part-time)
• Ideal for experienced professionals using books, practice tests, and AHIMA’s exam outline
• Flexible pace depending on prior knowledge and study time
🧑🏫 AHIMA Live Virtual Prep Course
• Duration: ~6 weeks
• Offered twice per year with live sessions, cohort interaction, and instructor check-ins
• Structured schedule with weekly assignments and guided review
📅 Exam Scheduling
• Once ready, candidates can schedule the exam through Pearson VUE
• The exam itself is 3.5 hours long, with 150 questions (125 scored, 25 pretest)
🧠 Strategic Tip
If you’re already working in healthcare privacy or security, you may only need 6–8 weeks of focused prep. If you’re newer to the field, plan for 3–4 months to absorb the material and practice exam logic.
Exams
🧪 CHPS Exam Details
Category Description
Number of Exams One comprehensive certification exam
Format 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest items)
Duration 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
Delivery Mode Online proctored (via OnVUE) or in-person at Pearson VUE test centers
Passing Score 300 (scaled score)
Testing Window Once approved, candidates have 120 days to schedule and take the exam
🧠 Strategic Tip
The CHPS exam is scenario-driven and tests both regulatory fluency and operational judgment. Time management is key—practice pacing with mock exams to avoid fatigue during the 3.5-hour window.
Designation Provider
🧪 CHPS Exam Details
Category Description
Number of Exams One comprehensive certification exam
Format 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored, 25 unscored pretest items)
Duration 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
Delivery Mode Online proctored (via OnVUE) or in-person at Pearson VUE test centers
Passing Score 300 (scaled score)
Testing Window Once approved, candidates have 120 days to schedule and take the exam
🧠 Strategic Tip
The CHPS exam is scenario-driven and tests both regulatory fluency and operational judgment. Time management is key—practice pacing with mock exams to avoid fatigue during the 3.5-hour window.
