What the Course Entails and Exam Details

This examination assesses a candidate’s competency in several key domains essential to the process redesign role. The core focus is on the practical application of workflow principles within a clinical environment that is increasingly dependent on electronic health records (EHRs) and other health information technology. While there is no mandatory prerequisite course, candidates must demonstrate knowledge in areas such as: analyzing existing "as-is" workflows to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies; designing future-state "to-be" workflows that incorporate best practices and regulatory requirements; managing the change process to ensure successful adoption of new technologies and procedures; supporting health IT implementation teams with workflow insights; and using data to measure and sustain process improvements. The exam focuses on a candidate's ability to ensure that technology serves the workflow, rather than forcing clinical staff to adapt to suboptimal system limitations.

 What to Expect in the Final Exam

The CHTS-PW final exam is a comprehensive assessment of your practical knowledge. It is a computerized, closed-book examination administered in a proctored environment at a Pearson VUE testing center. The exam typically consists of multiple-choice questions designed to test both your theoretical understanding and your ability to apply workflow and information management principles to real-world healthcare scenarios. While the exact number of questions and time limit may vary slightly, candidates should prepare for a rigorous session that requires both speed and accuracy. AHIMA does not publish a fixed passing score; instead, it uses a scaled scoring method where a specific scaled score must be achieved. For the most current and detailed information on the exam format, total question count, and time allowance, candidates are strongly advised to consult the official AHIMA Candidate Handbook available on their website.

How to Study and Exam Centers

Effective preparation for the CHTS-PW exam requires a multi-faceted approach. First and foremost, obtain and thoroughly review the official AHIMA CHTS Candidate Handbook, which outlines the detailed content domains and recommended study references. Utilize official AHIMA resources, such as the CHTS-PW Exam Preparation Primer and any available sample questions. Many candidates find it beneficial to supplement these with recognized third-party practice exams and study guides to gain exposure to different question styles. Engaging in hands-on work or simulation of workflow analysis, flowcharting, and gap analysis is invaluable. Focus your study on the critical aspects of meaningful use, clinical quality measures, change management models, and project management methodologies as they apply to healthcare IT. To take the exam, you must register through the AHIMA website, purchase an exam voucher, and then schedule your testing appointment directly with Pearson VUE. The CHTS-PW is available globally at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers, and in some cases, may offer an online proctored option; verify availability on the Pearson VUE website when scheduling.

Job Opportunities from the Course

A CHTS-PW certification opens a variety of career paths within the intersection of healthcare, business process, and information technology. Organizations value professionals who can ensure that significant investments in health IT yield improvements in efficiency and patient care quality. Potential job titles include:

• Workflow Analyst
• Process Improvement Specialist
• Clinical Informatics Specialist
• Healthcare IT Project Manager
• Implementation Support Specialist
• EHR Application Analyst
• Healthcare Data Analyst
• Clinical Transformation Consultant
• Practice Administrator
• Quality Improvement Coordinator
• HIM Manager
• IT-Clinical Liaison
• Health Information Exchange (HIE) Analyst