CHC – Certified in Healthcare Compliance
Short Summary
Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)
The Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) designation is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB). It validates a professional’s expertise in healthcare compliance, including regulatory frameworks, ethical standards, and effective compliance program management.
Designed for compliance officers, auditors, and healthcare professionals, the CHC certification demonstrates a deep understanding of laws such as HIPAA, Stark Law, and the Anti-Kickback Statute. Candidates must meet eligibility requirements, including relevant work experience and continuing education, before sitting for the rigorous 2-hour exam.
The exam consists of 120 multiple-choice questions across seven core domains, including policies and procedures, program administration, training, auditing, and investigations. Successful candidates earn a credential that must be renewed every two years by completing 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs), with at least 20 earned through live training.
The CHC designation is more than a certification—it’s a mark of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to ethical healthcare practices. Whether you're advancing your career or strengthening your organization’s compliance culture, CHC offers a powerful credential backed by the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA).
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Course Description
The CHC credential, issued by the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA), validates a professional’s expertise in healthcare laws, regulations, and compliance program management. It’s designed for individuals who:
- Lead or support compliance programs in healthcare organizations.
- Ensure adherence to federal and state regulations like HIPAA, Stark Law, and the Anti-Kickback Statute.
- Promote ethical conduct and organizational integrity.
- Mitigate legal and financial risk through proactive compliance strategies.
Holding the CHC signals that you possess the knowledge and practical skills to build, manage, and evaluate effective compliance programs in complex healthcare environments.
📚 Topics Covered in the CHC Course & Exam
The CHC exam tests both theoretical knowledge and practical application across seven core domains:
| Domain | Description |
| Standards, Policies, and Procedures | Development and implementation of compliance frameworks. |
| Compliance Program Administration | Oversight of program operations, governance, and reporting. |
| Screening and Evaluation | Vetting employees, vendors, and agents for compliance risk. |
| Communication, Education, and Training | Designing and delivering compliance education programs. |
| Monitoring, Auditing, and Reporting | Establishing systems to detect and report non-compliance. |
| Discipline for Non-Compliance | Enforcing standards and managing violations. |
| Investigations and Remedial Measures | Conducting internal investigations and corrective actions. |
The exam includes 120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored), and candidates have 2 hours to complete it. A passing score is typically 75%.
🧠 Specialization Options
While CHC itself is a generalist credential in healthcare compliance, professionals often pursue additional certifications to specialize further:
| Specialization | Credential | Focus Area |
| Privacy Compliance | CHPC | HIPAA, data protection, patient confidentiality |
| Research Compliance | CHRC | Clinical trials, IRB oversight, FDA regulations |
| Medical Compliance | CMCO | Physician practices, billing, coding compliance |
| Ethics & Corporate Compliance | CCEP | Broader corporate ethics and compliance programs |
Some universities, like Kent State, offer graduate certificate programs accredited by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB), which can substitute for work experience and prepare candidates for CHC and related exams.
Cost
Here’s a detailed cost breakdown for earning the CHC – Certified in Healthcare Compliance designation:
💰 CHC Certification Cost Breakdown
🧾 Additional Notes
- Continuing Education Units (CEUs): To maintain certification, you’ll need to earn CEUs through approved training, conferences, or webinars.
- Financial Aid Options: Some employers reimburse certification costs or offer professional development stipends.
- Bundled Discounts: Occasionally, HCCA offers bundled pricing for exam + prep materials.
You can find more details on CHC 101’s cost guide.
Prerequisites
1. Work Experience
You must meet one of the following:
- One year of full-time work in a healthcare compliance role
- 1,500 hours of direct compliance duties within the last two years
- Completion of a CCB-accredited university certificate program in healthcare compliance within the past two years
2. Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
- 20 CEUs earned within the 12 months prior to applying for the exam
- At least 10 CEUs must be from live training (e.g., webinars, conferences, workshops)
3. Ethical Standards
- Candidates must adhere to the CCB Code of Ethics, which emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and compliance with legal standards
These prerequisites are designed to ensure that CHC candidates have both the practical experience and educational grounding to uphold the high standards of healthcare compliance.
Renewal Requirements
📅 Renewal Cycle
- Every 2 years from the date of certification.
📚 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
To maintain your CHC credential, you must earn:
| Requirement | Details |
| Total CEUs Required | 40 CEUs within the 2-year cycle |
| Live Training Minimum | At least 20 CEUs must come from live sessions (e.g., webinars, conferences, workshops) |
| Compliance Focus | All CEUs must relate directly to healthcare compliance functions and ethics |
| Documentation | Keep certificates, transcripts, or receipts as proof for potential audits |
💼 Submission & Fees
- Submit CEU documentation via the Compliance Certification Board (CCB) portal.
- Renewal fees vary but are typically around $100–$150 depending on membership status.
⏳ Grace Period
- A short grace period may be offered post-expiration, but relying on it can delay recognition or practice eligibility.
Average Time to Complete Course
🧠 Preparation Time
- Most professionals spend 2 to 6 months preparing for the CHC exam, depending on:
- Prior experience in healthcare compliance
- Familiarity with regulations (e.g., HIPAA, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute)
- Time available for study and review courses
📋 Eligibility Requirements
- 2 years of full-time work experience in a healthcare compliance role is required before you can sit for the exam.
📝 Exam Duration
- The CHC exam itself is 2 hours long, consisting of multiple-choice questions that test your knowledge of healthcare compliance laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
Exams
📌 Format
- Duration: 2 hours
- Questions: 120 multiple-choice questions
- 100 scored, 20 unscored (used for testing future questions)
- Delivery Options:
- In-person at HCCA/SCCE events (paper-based)
- PSI Test Center (computer-based)
- Remote proctored exam via PSI
📚 Content Areas & Weighting
| Content Area | Approx. # of Scored Questions |
| Standards, Policies, and Procedures | 11 |
| Compliance Program Administration | 19 |
| Screening & Evaluation of Employees, Vendors, etc. | 6 |
| Communication, Education, and Training | 14 |
| Monitoring, Auditing, and Internal Reporting | 22 |
| Discipline for Non-Compliance | 8 |
| Investigations and Remedial Measures | 20 |
These areas test your ability to recall, apply, and analyze compliance-related knowledge.
Designation Provider
The certifying body for the CHC – Certified in Healthcare Compliance designation is the Compliance Certification Board (CCB), which operates under the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA).
🏛️ About the Certifying Body
- Compliance Certification Board (CCB): Responsible for developing and administering the CHC exam and maintaining certification standards.
Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA): Supports professionals in healthcare compliance and offers resources, training, and events, but membership is not required to earn or maintain the CHC credential.
