The CPHQ credential: Changing with the field
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) certification program is sponsored by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) , in Glenview, IL. "The CPHQ program is the only voluntary certification in the health care quality field fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies," says Sarah Tackett, ART, BS, CPHQ, president of NAHQ.
The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is a subsidiary of the National Organization for Competency Assurance in Washington, DC. Ongoing NCCA accreditation depends upon performance of national job analysis surveys every five years, but rapid changes in the field have prompted the HQCB to undertake a new job analysis every three years. This is the fourth time quality professionals have been surveyed. The CPHQ program promotes excellence and professionalism through recognition of individuals who demonstrate knowledge in the quality management field. The three-hour certification examination and the recertification processes are administered independently by the Healthcare Quality Certification Board (HQCB) in San Gabriel, CA.
Test date:
Nov. 8, 1997
Testing site:
Over 30 sites nationwide and overseas. Candidates living more than 400 miles from a site may request a special test site for an additional nonrefundable fee of $100.
Credentialing board:
Healthcare Quality Certification Board (HQCB)
P.O. Box 1880
San Gabriel, CA 91778
Telephone: (800) 346-4722, (626) 286-8074
Fax: (626) 286-9415
INTERNET:[email protected]; http://www.cphq-hqcb.org.
(Office hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.)
Application:
The registration deadline each year is June 30 to take advantage of the lower early-bird fees of $235 and $300. The final deadline is a postmark not later than Aug. 31. To receive a Candidate Handbook containing the application form and information specific to the next exam, write, call, or e-mail the HQCB.
Eligibility criteria:
Associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree in any field; or RN or LPN license; or accreditation in medical records technology plus minimum of two years of full-time experience; or its part-time equivalent (4,160 hours) in healthcare quality management, utilization management, or risk management activities in the past five years.
Exam content:
Test covers two main categories; management/ leadership activities and continuum of care. Each category includes several subcategories under the broad topics of planning, information management, education, training and communication, performance measurement and improvement, and accreditation and licensure survey process.
Registration fee:
The regular fee is $285 for NAHQ members; $350 for non-NAHQ members; must be postmarked by Aug. 31.
Recertification:
Every two years. Cost is $95. Candidates must have completed 30 hours or more of acceptable continuing education hours every two years and submit a summary of continuing education activities form.
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