Embarking on a Coding Specialist Career often involves pursuing professional certifications to validate your expertise and enhance career prospects. For many aspiring and current professionals, certifications from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) are highly valued. Understanding the policies surrounding AHIMA certification exams is crucial for a smooth and successful journey. This article outlines the key policies related to exam cancellation, refunds, appeals, and ethical conduct, providing essential information for those navigating their coding specialist career path.
Exam Cancellation and Rescheduling Policy
Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes you may need to adjust your exam schedule. AHIMA, in partnership with Pearson VUE, offers a clear policy for exam cancellation and rescheduling.
You can cancel or reschedule your exam without any charges if done up to 15 business days before your scheduled date. This flexibility allows for adjustments as your career and preparation needs evolve.
However, if changes are made closer to the exam date, a fee applies. Cancelling or rescheduling between 14 days and 24 hours prior to the exam will incur a $30 fee from Pearson VUE. It’s important to note that rescheduling and fee payment must be handled online through the Pearson VUE website or by phone at (888) 524-4622, using a valid credit card.
Crucially, rescheduling is not permitted within 24 hours of your scheduled exam time. Candidates who fail to attend their scheduled exam or arrive more than 30 minutes late are considered no-shows. In such cases, the application fee is forfeited, and a new application with the full fee is required to retake the exam.
| Deadline | Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 15 days before exam date | No charge |
| Between 14 days and 24 hours prior to exam date | $30 |
| No-shows | Forfeit application and registration fees |
Understanding these deadlines and fees is essential for managing your exam scheduling and avoiding unnecessary costs as you progress in your coding specialist career.
Exam Refund Policy
In certain circumstances, you might need to request a refund for your exam application. AHIMA provides a refund policy that allows requests up to fourteen (14) business days before your scheduled test date or eligibility end date.
To initiate a refund, you must first cancel your exam appointment through Pearson VUE. Then, submit your refund request to [email protected] with the following details:
- Your Full Name
- AHIMA ID
- Exam Type
Please be aware that a $75 processing fee applies to all refund requests. Refunds will be credited back to the original payment method. Allow up to 4 weeks for card refunds and up to 3 months for check refunds. Refunds are not granted after the eligibility end date or if the exam has been forfeited due to a no-show.
Knowing the refund policy provides financial security and clarity as you plan your investment in your coding specialist career through AHIMA certification.
Appeals Processes
AHIMA provides several avenues for appeals, ensuring fairness and due process for certification candidates and professionals. These processes cover recertification, examination complaints, and eligibility reconsideration.
Recertification Appeals
For coding specialists maintaining their credentials, recertification is vital. Individuals facing permanent revocation of credentials due to recertification requirement failures can appeal. Appeals can be submitted once every 10 years per credential, within 90 days of revocation. The Recertification Appeal Form is used for submission. Further details can be found in the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart and the CCHIIM Disciplinary Appeal Policy Handbook. For those in inactive status or not permanently revoked, the Recertification Guide offers relevant information.
Examination Complaints
If you encounter any issues at the test center during your exam, it’s crucial to report them on the same day at the test center. Due to exam security, specific questions and answers cannot be disclosed. However, if you fail the exam and believe irregular testing conditions (e.g., emergencies, technical issues, site disruptions) were a factor, you can submit a complaint. Email your complaint to [email protected] within 7 days of receiving your score report, detailing the issue and desired resolution.
Eligibility Reconsideration
Applicants deemed ineligible for certification can request reconsideration. Email [email protected] within 30 days of the ineligibility notification. Certification staff will review your request, and a decision, typically made within 30 days, will be communicated via email. Note that no new information is accepted after submission.
Understanding these appeal processes empowers coding specialists to address concerns and ensure fair evaluation throughout their certification journey.
Code of Ethics and Professional Misconduct
Maintaining ethical standards is paramount in any career, especially in healthcare. The AHIMA Code of Ethics applies to all AHIMA members and credentialed professionals. If you believe a member or credentialed professional has violated this code, you can file a complaint.
For ethics violations involving certified individuals, use the Ethics Complaint Form and submit it with supporting documents to [email protected].. The CCHIIM Review Panel investigates potential violations according to the AHIMA Code of Ethics and the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy, outlined in the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart.
Adhering to the Code of Ethics is fundamental for maintaining the integrity of the coding specialist profession and ensuring patient data is handled responsibly and ethically.
By understanding and adhering to these AHIMA exam policies, coding specialists can navigate their certification process with confidence and professionalism, building a strong and ethical foundation for their careers.
