CPHIMS
A little over 4 years ago I received a call from Jeff Couch, co-founder and Managing Partner of Uber Operations. The purpose of the call was to see if I would be interested in moving back to the US to help grow his company. It has been an amazing ride. I have worked with some of the best health technologists in the nation and have been part of projects of national significance ( Pandemic Influenza and Lab Information Exchange Hub ). I have also had the opportunity to be involved in national organizations and workgroups like HIMSS and the HIMSS Latino Community. As I became involved in industry groups I began to hear more and more about the CPHIMS certification. After doing some research, I knew it was something I wanted to go sit for……..Well, I took the test on July 2, 2012 and I passed. It was challenging but if you spend the time preparing and have the required experience, there is no reason why you can’t pass. Below are a few things I did to prep:
- It helps if you are a PMP and have experience with Six Sigma and ITIL. They will ask you questions related to Initiate, Execute, …Close…as well as Configuration Management, Change Management etc. (if you need help learning about any of these, let me know here)
- Read the CPHIMS web site 5 times: http://www.himss.org/ASP/certification_cphims.asp Know it back and forth. HIMSS provides a ton of helpful information.
- I purchased and studied the Preparing for Success in Healthcare Information and Management Systems:
- The CPHIMS Review CD ROM (link). It was helpful but there were many questions on the test that were not mentioned in the study guide. If I would do it again, I would spend a little extra money and time on the Practice Test ( link ).
- I studied for a month and a half. I dedicated about 1.5 hours, 5 days a week for about a month and a half. (I am lucky to have a wife that supported me. She rocks.)
- I used up all of the 2 hours allowed to take the test. The math questions took the most time (not difficulty but time needed to calculate)
- If you didn’t figure this out from #6 here it is: bring a calculator..they only allow you to bring simple calculators in the testing center..no TI-84)
- Don’t forget to bring 2 forms of identification (that include your signature).
- You can do it.
If you found this blog post it probably means you are “Googling” away trying to see if you are going to pull the trigger. Hope this helps and if you have any questions, feel free to reach out here.
Hi,
I recently did the CPHIMS exam and wasn’t successful…I bought the himms book to prep for the exam since I figured they’d have all the read info, but I guess not cuz I was totally prepared for just the details in the book. I knew some of the math cuz I did pmp a while back, but some of the math was foreign to me cuz I didn’t see any of it in the himms book which really upsets me since I studied that book a lot. Can you please help. Did the review cd rom have the math questions?
Travis, Thanks for the comment. The CD had some math but not enough. I think the CPHIMSS exam resembled the PMP exam when it came to math. Have you considered doing a practice test? The CPHIMS web page contains links to options.
hi,
I will be taking the exam in Sept. I have the CD and book but there’s not much on the US healthcare environment is mentioned. As I’m not familiar with the US healthcare environment, are there any particular topics i should focus on ? are they on policies alone or processes ?
Jasmin,
Congrats on planning to take the exam. The exam does include topics related to recent US legislation like ARRA, HITECH and does cover detailed topics like HIPAA and data breach notification. Medicare and Medicaid is included, as you can imagine. Also, there is mention to national health system differences between the US and England, for example. I am sure you will do well. Feel free to ask if you have any additional questions. Best of luck, Eduardo
hi Ed, thanks so much for your reply. You mentioned that there are mathematical questions in the exam; are these on finances or just formula maths? how about the PMP questions ? are they purely theory or application questions?
Jasmin, Based on my experience, the math is more logical. You don’t really need to memorize equations but understand ratios and budgets. The testing center may provide paper and pencil, which helps. Bring a simple calculator to the exam.
Hi Ed,
I am taking this exam next month. Thanks for the information on it. If you have any materials that you can spare, I would appreciate it. Thanks!
Lola,
Congrats on taking the first step in scheduling the exam. I don’t have any materials I can share but recommend you visit the CPHIMS page hosted by HIMSS, where you can find materials and study guides. Best of luck.
Eddie
Hi Ed,
I’m taking the exam in a month’s time. Since I’m in Canada, I’m not too familiar with some of the latest Health IT legislations in the US. Besides ARRA, HITECH, and HIPAA, what are some of the other ones covered in the exam?
Thanks a lot!
I would focus on ARRA, HITECH, HIPAA. I think there are around 10 questions related to the law. Best of luck and feel free to contact me if you have any other questions.