As you
prepare for success on the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®)
exam, we’ve assembled valuable tips and details to support your efforts. You’ll
see details on exam registration and costs, items to bring with you on the day
of the test, the types of concepts that will be covered on the exam itself and
more.
What is the RHIA Exam?
The RHIA exam was developed to ensure that candidates meet a standardized level of knowledge and preparedness. This process ensures consistent quality to enhance the integrity of service throughout the industry.
Who is Eligible for the RHIA exam?
To be eligible for the exam, you must meet one of five prerequisites. These include:
- Finishing a baccalaureate program in Health Information Management that’s accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
- Earn a master’s level degree with the previously stated certification requirements.
- Receive a Certificate of the Degree post-baccalaureate certified program.
- Complete a Health Information Management program through a foreign association that has a reciprocal agreement with AHIMA.
- Meet the Proviso requirements set forth by the Commission on certification for Health Informatics and Information Management.
How to Register for the RHIA?
Online registration is available at www.ahima.org.
What is the Cost of the RHIA?
There are three exam fee tiers. AHIMA Premier Members pat $217.55, AHIMA Members pay $229 and non-members pay $299.
Where to Take the RHIA?
You can review options at www.pearsonvue.com.
When Should I Arrive for the RHIA?
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your exam time. If you are 15 minutes late, you won’t be able to take the test and you’ll forfeit your testing fee.
How Long is the RHIA?
The testing period is four hours.
What Should I Bring to the Exam?
- Two forms of identification, including a primary ID and a secondary ID.
- Your primary ID must be government-issued with your photo and signature. Acceptable examples include a driver’s license, a passport, a passport card, a state/province ID, national ID, military ID, government-issued local language ID, or Alien Registration Card, such as a green card or permanent visa).
- Your secondary ID must be current and include your signature. Examples include your Social Security card, an ATM or debit card, a credit card with a visible expiration date, or any of the additional items contained on the primary ID list above.
- NOTE: Your name on your registration materials must be an exact match with your name on your ID.
What Not to Bring to the Exam?
- All types of electronic devices, including calculators, phones, PDAs, handheld computers, and more
- Personal items, including purses, wallets and bags
- Writing instruments
- Any type of notes or paper
- Drinks/food
What to Expect During the Exam?
Format/Number of Questions: This is a computer-delivered exam, consisting of a total of 180 multiple-choice questions.
Content Domains
The RHIA exam has a total of five separate content domains represented. Here’s a summary of these five areas, including the estimated percentage that each domain makes up as a portion of the total test.
Domain 1: Data Content, Structure & Standards (18 to 22%)
This domain reviews concepts and knowledge related to classification systems, health record documentation and content, governance of data, secondary data sources and data management.
Domain 2: Information Protection Access, Disclosure, Archival, Privacy & Security (23 to 27%)
This domain of the exam looks at principles related to health law, data privacy, confidentiality and security and information release management, policies and considerations.
Domain 3: Informatics, Analytics & Data Use (22 to 26%)
The third domain of the exam deals with topics representing health information technologies, information management planning and strategy, decision support and analytics, statistics in healthcare, research approaches, consumer statistics, the exchange of health information and data quality and the integrity of information.
Domain 4: Revenue Management (12 to 16%)
This portion of the test looks at a number of topics, including reimbursement and revenue cycles, regulatory preparation and processes, coding management, validation and accuracy, fraud surveillance, and improving clinical documentation.
Domain 5: Leadership (12 to 16%)
This area of the RHIA exam covers a number of concepts, including leadership roles, change management, process improvement and work design, human resources management, development and training, organizational management, corporate strategy, financial management, ethics, project management, contract and vendor management and managing enterprise information systems.
Calculating Your Passing Score: There 400 points possible on the RHIA exam. To pass, you must score 300 or more on the test.
How Can I Prepare for the RHIA Test?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!