The RHIT exam

• 150questions (130 scored)
• 3.5 hrstotal appointment time
• $229member fee ($299 non-member)
• 20 CEUsevery two years

What RHITs do

RHITs make sure health records are complete, accurate and properly entered into information systems. Many specialise in coding, others in cancer registries, release of information, data quality or supervision. Most work in hospitals, but RHITs also work in physician practices, long-term care, public health and organisations that use patient data, such as insurers.

Eligibility: a degree is required

To sit for the RHIT you must meet one of AHIMA's eligibility requirements:

• complete the academic requirements of an associate-degree Health Information Management (HIM) program accredited by CAHIIM, or
• graduate from an HIM program approved by a foreign association that has a reciprocity agreement with AHIMA.

AHIMA currently accepts HIM degree programs only. Health informatics degrees do not qualify. Students in their final term of a CAHIIM-accredited program can apply to test early.

Exam format

The exam has 150 questions: 130 scored and 20 unscored pretest items, mixed at random. You have 3 hours and 30 minutes in total, including five minutes for the confidentiality agreement. The exam is computer-based at a Pearson VUE center.

Applying

1. Create a MyAHIMA accountand read the candidate guide.
2. Apply and pay.$229 for AHIMA members, $299 for non-members. Retakes cost the same.
3. Send your transcriptor submit the early-testing form.
4. Schedule within 120 daysof approval. Extensions are available in 30-day steps for a fee.

RHIT or a coding credential?

If you want to code and nothing else, a coding credential such as the CPC or CCS is faster to reach, because neither requires a degree. If you want room to move into HIM supervision, data or compliance, the RHIT's degree pathway is a strong foundation. Compare them on our coding exams comparison.

Recertification

RHITs recertify every two years by earning 20 CEUs, at least 80% of them in AHIMA's health information domains, and paying a recertification fee. See AHIMA CEU requirements.