12 Best Health Information Management Certifications to Take in 2025

Health information management certifications are essential for professionals seeking to advance their skills in managing healthcare data and ensuring the security and accuracy of patient information.

I've summarized the best health information management certifications with some notes about who and what each one is best for so you can find the right one for the next step in your career.

Best Health Information Management Certifications Shortlist

1. Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS®) — Best for entry-level healthcare IT professionals
2. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) — Best for managing patient health information and medical records
3. Certified in Health Data Analytics (CHDA) — Best for professionals focusing on health data analysis
4. Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS®) — Best for experienced healthcare information and management professionals
5. Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP®) — Best for IT professionals in healthcare environments
6. Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) — Best for specialists in healthcare data privacy and security
7. Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner (CDIP®) — Best for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of healthcare documentation
8. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) — Best for managing health information and data systems
9. Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®) — Best for coding in physician-based settings
10. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) — Best for mastering coding in hospital environments
11. Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — Best for physician office coding
12. Certified Coding Associate (CCA) — Best for entry-level coding professionals

Overview of the Best Health Information Management Certifications

Below are my detailed summaries of the best health information management certifications that made it onto my shortlist.

1. Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS®) — Best for entry-level healthcare IT professionals

The Certified Associate in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CAHIMS®) is a certification aimed at individuals looking to establish a foundational understanding of healthcare information systems. This certification is offered by HIMSS and is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in healthcare IT, making it a notable credential for those entering the field.

Issued by: HIMSS

Focus:

• Healthcare information systems
• IT in healthcare
• Health data management
• Healthcare technology applications

Prerequisites:

• Education and Work Experience: To qualify, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Possess a high school diploma or equivalent, along with a minimum of 45 hours of continuing education in healthcare IT, digital health, or informatics (as outlined in the CAHIMS requirements), or have at least 150 hours of experience in IT and healthcare through work, internships, practicums, or volunteer roles. OR
  • Hold an associate, bachelor's, or advanced degree from an accredited institution and complete at least 25 hours of continuing education in healthcare IT, digital health, or informatics (as specified in the CAHIMS guidelines), or accumulate 75 hours of relevant IT and healthcare experience through employment, internships, practicums, or volunteer work.
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Yes

Price: Starts at $349

Who It’s For: This certification is best for healthcare IT professionals, clinical informaticists, healthcare administrators, project managers, and entry-level professionals who want to advance in healthcare information and management systems.

2. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) — Best for managing patient health information and medical records

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). It is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing and ensuring the quality of medical records in various healthcare settings. This certification covers several domains related to health information management and requires candidates to pass a 150-question exam.

Issued by: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Focus:

• Quality and management of medical records
• Health information management
• Use of computer applications in healthcare
• Medical coding and data analysis

Prerequisites:

• Education: Meet at least one of the following:
  • Fulfill the academic requirements of a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree program in Health Information Management (HIM) or
  • A graduate from an AHIMA-recognized foreign HIM program, such as CHIMA (Canada), KMRA (Korea), or HIMAA (Australia)
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability:  Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $299
• Member: $229

Who It’s For: This certification is best for health information technicians, medical coders, health data analysts, compliance officers, and professionals in healthcare documentation and record management who want to advance their careers in health information management.

3. Certified in Health Data Analytics (CHDA) — Best for professionals focusing on health data analysis

The Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) certification, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), recognizes professionals' expertise in health data analysis, reporting, and business needs assessment. The certification process involves preparing for the exam, applying, scheduling, and maintaining the certification through continuing education. The exam consists of 142 questions, with a passing score of 300, and can be taken at Pearson VUE testing centers or online.

Issued by: AHIMA

Focus:

• Health data analysis
• Reporting
• Business needs assessment

Prerequisites:

• Education: To qualify, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:
  • Possess an RHIT® or RHIA® certification
  • Hold a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university
• Work Experience: The following are recommended but not mandatory:
  • At least three years of experience working with healthcare data
  • Familiarity with data acquisition, analysis, management, interpretation, reporting, and governance
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required: Hold an RHIT® or RHIA® credential

Renewability: Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $329
• Member: $259

Who It’s For: This certification is best for healthcare professionals who specialize in data management, analysis, and reporting, including health data analysts, clinical data managers, healthcare informaticists, quality improvement specialists, and professionals involved in healthcare data governance and decision-making.

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4. Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS®) — Best for experienced healthcare information and management professionals

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS®) certification is a credential offered by HIMSS that validates professionals' expertise in global healthcare information systems. It is designed to support career advancement in healthcare IT by confirming the holder's skills and knowledge.

Issued by: HIMSS

Focus:

• Healthcare information systems
• IT management in healthcare settings
• Global healthcare IT practices

Prerequisites:

• Education and Work Experience: Meet one of the following:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and 5 years of information and management systems experience, with 3 years in healthcare
  • Graduate degree or higher from an accredited college or university and 3 years of information and management systems experience, with 2 years in healthcare
  • 10 years of information and management systems experience, with 8 years in healthcare (no degree required)
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Yes

Price:

• OA Member: $529
• Member, Corporate or Student Member: $579
• Non-member: $699
• Extension: $139
• Retake: $339
• Renewal (Member): $339
• Renewal (Non-Member): $459
• Self-Assessment Exam (Member): $119
• Self-Assessment Exam (Non-Member): $129

Who It’s For: This certification is best for experienced healthcare IT professionals, informaticists, healthcare administrators, project managers, consultants, and executives who lead, manage, or implement health information and technology solutions to improve healthcare delivery.

5. Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP®) — Best for IT professionals in healthcare environments

The Certified Health Informatics Systems Professional (CHISP®) certification is tailored for those in the health IT sector, showcasing their proficiency in both technological and healthcare domains. It distinguishes professionals in roles demanding adeptness with electronic health records (EHRs) and electronic medical records (EMRs). Being CHISP® certified enhances credibility with physicians, an essential aspect in the healthcare industry.

Issued by: American Society of Health Informatics Managers (ASHIM)

Focus:

• Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
• Electronic Medical Records (EMRs)
• Health IT systems
• Healthcare technology integration

Prerequisites:

• Education and Work Experience:
  • Complete the ASHIM Health IT Professional training program OR
  • Have at least three years of IT experience
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required:
  • May present a degree in Computer Science OR
  • Hold comparable IT certifications

Renewability: No

Price:

• Full Training Course: $1,200
• Clinical Pro Fast Track: $999
• IT Pro fast Track: $999

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for IT professionals, healthcare administrators, clinical informaticists, and medical coders who work with health information systems, electronic health records (EHRs), data security, and interoperability in healthcare settings.

6. Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) — Best for specialists in healthcare data privacy and security

The Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) certification is a professional credential that recognizes expertise in managing privacy and security programs within healthcare settings. It signifies proficiency in designing and implementing privacy measures, ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations such as HIPAA, and safeguarding patient information. The certification process involves meeting certain eligibility criteria, preparing for the examination, and maintaining the credential through continuing education.

Issued by: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Focus:

• Designing privacy measures
• Implementing security programs
• Ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA
• Safeguarding patient information

Prerequisites:

• Education and Work Experience: To qualify, candidates must meet at least one of the following:
  • High school diploma or GED or six years of healthcare privacy or security experience OR  
  • Associate degree in Health Information Management, Health Informatics, or IT or four years of experience OR  
  • CCA, CCS, CCS-P, or RHIT credential or four years of experience OR  
  • Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, Health Informatics, or IT or two years of experience OR  
  • RHIA credential or two years of experience OR  
  • Master’s degree or higher (JD, MD, PhD) in Health Information Management, Health Informatics, or IT or one year of experience
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required:
  • CCA, CCS, CCS-P, or RHIT and a minimum of 4 years of experience in healthcare privacy or security or
  • RHIA and a minimum of 2 years of experience in healthcare privacy or security

Renewability:  Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $329
• Member: $259

Who It’s For: This certification is best for healthcare professionals who specialize in protecting patient information, ensuring regulatory compliance, and managing privacy and security programs, including privacy officers, security officers, compliance professionals, health information managers, and risk management specialists.

7. Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner (CDIP®) — Best for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of healthcare documentation

The Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner (CDIP®) certification, provided by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), acknowledges professionals who excel in clinical documentation integrity (CDI) within the busy landscape of electronic medical record systems. This credential is esteemed by employers and peers, highlighting leadership and proficiency in coding and documentation practices.

Issued by: AHIMA

Focus:

• Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI)
• Competency in coding and billing
• Understanding of electronic health record (EHR) functionality

Prerequisites:

• Education
  •  Meet at least one of the following:
    • Possess an associate’s degree or higher **or**  
    • Complete the academic requirements of a CAHIIM-approved post-baccalaureate HIM certificate program
  • Not required but recommended:
    • Associate’s degree or higher in a health care or allied health care discipline
    • Completion of coursework such as medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, pathology, and pharmacology
• Work Experience: Minimum of two years of clinical documentation integrity experience (Not required but recommended)
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required:
  • Completion of the academic requirements of an HIM Certificate of the Degree (Post-Baccalaureate) program approved by the CAHIIM; or
  • Hold a CCS®, CCS-P®, RHIT®, or RHIA® credential

Renewability: Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $329
• Member: $259

Who It’s For: This is best for HIM professionals who specialize in clinical documentation improvement (CDI), including clinical documentation specialists, health information managers, medical coders, compliance officers, and healthcare professionals involved in ensuring accurate and complete patient records for quality care and reimbursement.

8. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA®) — Best for managing health information and data systems

The Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Designed for professionals in healthcare settings, this certification validates expertise in managing health information. RHIAs are knowledgeable in medical, administrative, ethical, and legal standards related to healthcare delivery and patient privacy. The certification process involves meeting specific eligibility requirements, preparing for the exam, and maintaining certification through continuing education.

Issued by: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Focus:

• Information governance  
• Compliance with uses and disclosures of PHI  
• Data analytics and informatics  
• Revenue management  
• Management and leadership

Prerequisites:

• Education: Meet at least one of the following:
  • Complete a CAHIIM-accredited bachelor's degree in HIM; or
  • Complete a CAHIIM-accredited master's degree in HIM; or
  • Complete a CAHIIM-approved Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in HIM; or
  • Graduate from a foreign HIM program approved by CHIMA (Canada), KMRA (Korea), or HIMAA (Australia)
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $299
• Member: $229

Who It’s For: The RHIA certification is best for professionals who manage health information systems, ensure data accuracy, oversee medical records, and support healthcare operations, including health information managers, compliance officers, data analysts, clinical documentation specialists, and healthcare administrators.

9. Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®) — Best for coding in physician-based settings

The Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P®) certification is tailored for professionals who work in coding within physician offices, clinics, and specialty centers. This certification is designed for those experienced in coding both inpatient and outpatient records. It is particularly relevant for individuals who already hold credentials like the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). The CCS-P certification process involves preparing for and passing an exam, as well as maintaining the certification through continuous education.

Issued by: AHIMA

Focus:

• Diagnosis coding
• Procedure coding
• Research
• Compliance
• Revenue cycle

Prerequisites:

• Education and Work Experience: Complete courses in all the following topics and meet one of the following experience requirements:
  • Anatomy and physiology  
  • Pathophysiology  
  • Pharmacology  
  • Medical terminology  
  • Reimbursement methodology  
  • Intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding  
  • Procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS) +1 year of coding experience after completing required courses; OR  
  • Minimum of 2 years of coding experience applying codes
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required:
  • CCA® credential +1 year of coding experience; OR
  • Other coding credentials from a different certifying organization +1 year of coding experience; OR
  • CCS-P®, RHIT®, or RHIA® credential

Renewability: Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $399
• Member: $299

Who It’s For: This certification is for medical coders who specialize in coding services provided in physician offices, group practices, and other outpatient settings, including coding specialists, medical billing professionals, compliance auditors, and healthcare professionals responsible for accurate coding and reimbursement.

10. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) — Best for mastering coding in hospital environments

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is designed for individuals proficient in medical data classification. It targets those experienced in coding both inpatient and outpatient records. The certification process includes preparing for the exam, applying, scheduling, and maintaining the certification through continuous education. The exam consists of 107 questions, and a passing score is 300. It is globally accessible through Pearson Vue testing centers.

Issued by: AHIMA

Focus:

• Medical data classification
• Inpatient and outpatient coding
• Coding proficiency and accuracy

Prerequisites:

• Education and Work Experience: Complete courses in all the following topics and meet one of the following experience requirements:
  • Anatomy and physiology  
  • Pathophysiology  
  • Pharmacology  
  • Medical terminology  
  • Reimbursement methodology  
  • Intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding  
  • Procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS) +1 year of coding experience after completing required courses; OR
  • Minimum of 2 years of coding experience applying codes
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required:
  • CCA® credential +1 year of coding experience; OR
  • Other coding credentials from a different certifying organization +1 year of coding experience; OR
  • CCS-P®, RHIT®, or RHIA® credential

Renewability: Yes, it requires completion of CEU requirements and a recertification fee every 2 years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $399
• Member: $299

Who It’s For: This certification is ideal for experienced medical coders who specialize in hospital and other healthcare facility coding, including inpatient and outpatient coding professionals, medical billing specialists, compliance auditors, health information technicians, and those responsible for accurate coding, reimbursement, and regulatory compliance in healthcare settings.

11. Certified Professional Coder (CPC) — Best for physician office coding

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, offered by AAPC, is a key credential for medical coding in physician office settings. It assesses competencies in coding for services provided by physicians and non-physician providers, focusing on CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes. The certification exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, which must be completed in four hours, with a passing score of 70%. Candidates can take the exam online with a remote proctor or at a testing center. Preparation requires knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines, with training options available.

Issued by: AAPC

Focus:

• CPT® codes
• HCPCS Level II codes
• ICD-10-CM codes
• Medical terminology
• Anatomy
• Coding guidelines

Prerequisites:

• Education: Requires a high-level knowledge of Medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Yes, requires maintaining AAPC annual membership and earning 36 CEUs every two years.

Price:

• One-exam attempt: $399
• Two-exam attempts: $499
• Exam prep training: $2,799

Who It’s For: This certification is crucial for medical coders, medical billing specialists, coding auditors, compliance professionals, and healthcare reimbursement analysts who specialize in coding for physician offices, outpatient facilities, and other healthcare settings.

12. Certified Coding Associate (CCA) — Best for entry-level coding professionals

The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is designed for early-career professionals in the healthcare industry. This certification validates a foundational level of coding proficiency and serves as a stepping stone for those who interpret healthcare data and evaluate medical claims. The CCA credential signifies a coder’s commitment to professional development and competence in medical coding across various healthcare settings.

Issued by: AHIMA

Focus:

• Healthcare data interpretation
• Medical coding
• Evaluation of medical claims
• Clinical classification systems
• Reimbursement methodologies
• Patient health information
• Compliance

Prerequisites:

• Education: Recommended but not required:
  • Completion of an AHIMA-approved coding program (PCAP Program)
  • Completion of other coding training programs including:
    • Anatomy and physiology  
    • Medical terminology  
    • Basic ICD diagnostic/procedural coding  
    • Basic CPT® coding
• Work Experience: Recommended but not required:
  • 6 months of coding experience applying codes
• Exam: Yes
• Other Certifications Required: Not required

Renewability: Yes, it requires maintaining AAPC annual membership and earning 36 CEUs every two years.

Price:

• Non-Member: $299
• Member: $199

Who It’s For: Theis coding certification is ideal for entry-level medical coders, medical billing specialists, health information technicians, and coding clerks who want to demonstrate their competency in coding across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient facilities.

FAQs About Health Information Management Certifications

What are health information management certifications?

Health information management (HIM) certifications are professional credentials that validate an individual's expertise and knowledge in managing health information systems and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and security of patient data. These certifications are offered by various professional organizations and are often required to advance in the HIM field.

Why are HIM certifications important?

HIM certifications are important because they demonstrate a professional's commitment to the field, enhance their credibility, and can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. They also ensure that practitioners are up-to-date with the latest industry standards and regulations.

What are some common HIM certifications?

Common HIM certifications include the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). Each certification focuses on different aspects of health information management, such as administration, coding, or technical skills.

How can one prepare for an HIM certification exam?

Preparation for an HIM certification exam typically involves studying relevant coursework, utilizing study guides, attending review workshops, and gaining practical experience in the field. Many certifying bodies also offer practice exams and other resources to help candidates prepare.

Who offers health information management certifications?

Health information management certifications are offered by organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). These organizations provide various certifications tailored to different roles within the HIM field.

Other Useful Resources

Here are a few other useful resources to check out:

• Best healthcare analytics courses

What's Next?

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