Frequently Asked Questions

CHISP® Certification – Frequent Questions:

How much does the test cost?

Am I qualified to take the test?

What does the test cover?

How do I prepare for the test?

Can I buy a study guide?

How does CHISP® vary from other certifications?

Where and when is the test given?

What happens if I can’t show up for my scheduled exam?

How do I verify someone’s CHISP credential?

What is the format of the exam?

How do I earn and maintain the CHISP® Credential?

I need special accommodations for testing. Who should I contact?

If I want to cancel my annual membership, or my exam, or my training program --- can I get a refund?


Health IT Professional – Training Frequent Questions:

How much does the program cost?

What is included in the program fee?

What jobs will I be qualified for after training?

What will I learn?

Can I skip classes to finish faster?

Do you have a brochure that I can print for my employer?


If I want to cancel my annual membership, or my exam, or my training program --- can I get a refund?

ASHIM maintains a strict “No Refund” policy on all purchases, including annual membership.

  • Fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • All payments are final.
  • If you cancel or do not attend your exam there is no refund.

How do I register for the exam?

When you purchase the exam online, you are required to indicate by check-box the specific eligible experience that makes you qualified to sit for the certification exam. If you are unable to check one of the boxes because none of them apply to you, you are not qualified to sit and will not be permitted to register for the exam. ASHIM, at any time, randomly select CHISP certification applications for validation review. If you are unable to provide documentation upon request that supports your CHISP qualifying information your CHISP certification and or ASHIM membership will be revoked and other penalties may apply.


What is the format of the exam?

CHISP is a three hour timed exam. There are 250 multiple choice questions. Aside from the online test itself, no books, tools, or resources are permitted with testing.

  • You will be monitored during exam. Examinee must remain on web camera during the entire exam with one 10-minute break permitted.
  • If your proctor believes that are “cheating” (receiving help answering questions), your proctor will provide you with a warning or will stop the exam. Proctor determinations are final.
  • If an unexpected ASHIM-caused error occurs during testing, ASHIM will allow you to reschedule the exam without any additional fee.

How do I earn and maintain the CHISP Credential?

  • Your final pass/fail exam score will be revealed to you upon exam completion
  • Your credential will remain valid for one year. To renew your credential, you must maintain your annual ASHIM membership, which includes demonstrating your current knowledge in the healthcare IT industry.
    ASHIM provides a Continuing Education Unit exam, at no additional charge, which satisfies the requirement.

What happens if I can’t show up for my scheduled exam or if I am more than 10 minutes late?

If you do not give a 48 hour notice, you will be charged a processing fee of $49.95, which must be paid before the exam can be rescheduled.

  • E.g., if your exam time is 10:00 a.m. February 16, you must cancel no later than 10:00 a.m. on February 14 in order to avoid an additional processing fee.
  • If you provide more than 48 hours written notice, you may reschedule without an additional fee.

I need special accommodations for testing. Who should I contact?

  • Special accommodations are available for qualified individuals, contact the exam department by email at examdepartment@ashim.org