Healthcare professionals across the world, especially those in quality management, often search for how to get the CPHQ certification?
This certification not only validates your expertise in healthcare quality management but also significantly boosts your professional visibility. By earning the CPHQ credential, you demonstrate a deep commitment to enhancing patient care and safety, positioning yourself as a leader in the healthcare field. It strengthens your credibility, making you a more trusted and sought-after professional among employers and peers alike. In this guide, we’ll outline the steps to obtaining the CPHQ certificate and provide essential tips to help you successfully prepare for the exam.
What is the CPHQ Certification?
Before we discuss how to get the CPHQ certificate, it’s important to understand its significance and value.
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates a healthcare professional's expertise in quality management.
It encompasses key areas such as risk management, patient safety, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement.
By earning the CPHQ certification, individuals validate their skills and knowledge to enhance the quality of care in healthcare settings, which boosts their credibility and trustworthiness.
Offered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ), it is the only accredited certification in healthcare quality.
CPHQ examination
Taking the CPHQ examination is your first step to get the CPHQ certificate.
The National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) has teamed with PSI to offer CPHQ examination services in-person and online to foreign applicants, including those living outside the United States and its territories.
PSI follows industry standards for competency-based tests and is in charge of administering certification and reporting results.
Candidates for online tests must use PSI's Remote Proctoring technology, which involves monitoring by webcam, microphone, and desktop to assure security and avoid fraud. Before registering for the online CPHQ exam, candidates should understand PSI's privacy policy and terms of service, as their information will be gathered for identity verification and exam integrity purposes these policies can be found on PSI's website.
The CPHQ exam is the only completely approved, systematic assessment of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent healthcare quality professionals.
The exam is available in a computerized version on a daily basis at PSI Test Centers or online.
Examination Administration
The CPHQ exam is offered four times each year on a global scale.
- February 4-24, 2024.
- May 5-25, 2024.
- August 4-24, 2024.
- November 4-24, 2024.
Applying for the CPHQ exam
Many healthcare professionals around the world are searching for how to get the CPHQ certification online? Here is the detailed answer to this important question:
The CPHQ exam is administered both in-person and online, with a live remote proctor.
The CPHQ exam testing facilities, whether online or in-person, are equally rigorous and secure. The overall regulations are identical, however, you will need more information for the proctored online exam option.
Steps to Get the CPHQ Certificate
1. Ensure Eligibility
Before applying for the CPHQ exam, assess your experience, although the CPHQ does not require a minimum education level or specific years of experience, it is designed for individuals who have been involved in healthcare quality for at least two years, new entrants to the field or those with limited experience may find it challenging to pass.
2. Application Process
To apply for the CPHQ exam, visit the official NAHQ website, follow these steps to register:
Create an Account: You will need to sign in with your email address and create a new account if you do not have one already.
Complete the Application: Fill in your personal details and professional experience.
Be truthful, as any discrepancies can result in disqualification.
Pay the Fees: For NAHQ members, the application fee is $579, while non-members will pay $679.
Payment can be made by credit card, and an additional fee is charged for payment via check.
3. Schedule the Exam
After your application has been approved and the payment processed, you will receive instructions on how to schedule your exam. The exam is available in both online and in-person formats. Make sure to schedule it within the exam window you applied for. If any issues arise, such as a medical emergency or unforeseen circumstances, you may request an extension).
4. Preparation for the CPHQ Exam
Preparation is key to success in the CPHQ exam. Some highly recommended resources include:
HQ Solutions: A Resource for the Healthcare Quality Professional (4th Edition)
The Healthcare Quality Book: Vision, Strategy, and Tools
The Janet A. Brown Healthcare Quality Handbook.
Practice Exams
Taking practice exams can help you get familiar with the structure and types of questions on the CPHQ exam. You can find official practice exams through NAHQ or other certified training providers.
You can enroll in a course at one of the trusted institutions, such as Quality Leaders Academy, which offers comprehensive training and in-depth discussions to fully prepare you for the CPHQ exam. This ensures you have the knowledge and confidence to succeed in obtaining your certification.
5. Exam Day
On the day of your exam, ensure you have the necessary identification. You will need two forms of ID, one of which must be government-issued with your photo. For online exams, make sure your computer system meets the technical requirements.
6. After the Exam
You will receive your unofficial results shortly after completing the exam. Official scores and your digital CPHQ badge will be emailed to you 8-12 weeks after the exam window closes.
Preparing for Recertification
The CPHQ recertification process requires certified professionals to earn 30 continuing education (CE) credits over two years, It is important to note that:
- CE credits must be earned within the recertification cycle; any credits earned during the grace period will not be counted.
- CE credits cannot be earned for activities that are part of regular job-related functions, including full-time, part-time, or contract work.
- Current employment in the quality management field is not required to maintain active CPHQ status.
Additionally, all CE activities must relate to the areas covered in the most recent examination content outline
Finally, we discussed How to Get the CPHQ Certification Successfully and knew that, achieving the CPHQ certification is a vital step for healthcare quality professionals. You can successfully earn this credential by ensuring you meet the eligibility requirements, following the application process, and preparing thoroughly. The CPHQ certification will open doors for professional growth and enable you to contribute significantly to improving healthcare quality.