Certifications
Health information management certifications, explained.
AHIMA issues seven credentials that matter in health information management. Two are degree-gated (RHIT, RHIA), two are coding credentials (CCA, CCS), and three are specialty credentials you add later (CDIP, CHDA, CHPS). These guides cover the eligibility gates, the exams, and what each one does to your paycheck.
Start here
The four core AHIMA credentials.
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RHIT Certification
Registered Health Information Technician
The entry credential for the field. Most medical records specialist and coding postings ask for it, and the associate degree behind it takes two years.
Eligibility gate: CAHIIM-accredited associate degree
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RHIA Certification
Registered Health Information Administrator
The management-track credential. HIM supervisor, privacy officer, and compliance roles are written around it.
Eligibility gate: CAHIIM-accredited bachelor's or master's
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CCS Certification
Certified Coding Specialist
AHIMA's senior coding credential. The one that moves coder pay the most, and the usual step after a few years of production coding.
Eligibility gate: Coding experience recommended; no degree required
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CCA Certification
Certified Coding Associate
The entry coding credential. Faster and cheaper than the RHIT, but it caps you at coding roles.
Eligibility gate: High school diploma; coding coursework recommended
Add later
The three specialty credentials.
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CDIP Certification
Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner
The clinical documentation integrity credential, for the $100K+ CDI specialist lane.
Eligibility gate: Credential or degree + CDI experience
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CHDA Certification
Certified Health Data Analyst
The health data analytics credential, for HIM professionals pivoting into reporting and quality analytics.
Eligibility gate: Credential or degree + analytics experience
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CHPS Certification
Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security
The privacy and security credential, for the compliance and privacy-officer track.
Eligibility gate: Credential or degree + privacy/security experience