Healthcare CIO Certification Examination Now Available Online

Examinations for the certified healthcare CIO (CHCIO) program will be available online in more than 80 countries, the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) announced recently.

Those working to achieve designation as a CHCIO will be able to take the 125-question CHCIO examination at any of 500 Kryterion Inc testing centers worldwide.

The exam, which is the cornerstone of the CHCIO program, was developed by industry CIOs within CHIME to test the knowledge and management skills associated with successful accomplishments as a healthcare CIO. CHCIO status represents achievement of the highest standard of professional development for healthcare CIOs and is the only credentialing program that distinguishes HIT executives from others in the industry.

Interest in the program is growing, drawing nearly 50 CHCIO exam participants during its last offering in October. Until now, opportunities to take the examination were limited to two or three times per year.  By offering the CHCIO exam at Kryterion testing centers, CHIME is providing candidates increased convenience reduced travel costs and enhanced security.  

“The introduction of online testing will increase the opportunity for candidates to pursue certification and will mean that they no longer have to bear the financial burden to take the examination,” said Gary Barnes, CIO at Medical Center Health System in Odessa, Texas and the program’s certification committee chair.

Kryterion is a full-service test development and delivery company that serves the association, technology and education markets with world-class secure testing solutions. Its solutions for testing in certification and distance education include a full suite of components that enable its clients to test with confidence and convenience.

Since CHIME launched the CHCIO program in 2009, 163 individuals have earned CHCIO status and 51 have been designated CHCIO-eligible.

To become a CHCIO, candidates must be a CHIME member or affiliate with three years of experience as a CIO (or equivalent) pass the 125-question CHCIO examination; and collect 25 continuing education units (CEUs). Candidates without the three years of experience, but who otherwise meet the qualifications, receive the designation CHCIO-eligible. In addition, CHCIOs must be committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years, including collecting CEUs.

“CHIME is continually evaluating and developing the exam and the entire CHCIO process to ensure that it remains relevant and a true barometer of professional expertise and ability,” Barnes said. “We have a panel of CIOs who are passionate about the program and committing the time it takes to make the test an accurate reflection of what a top-flight CIO needs to know to perform at a high level as a healthcare CIO.”

For more information about the CHCIO program including information on registering for the exam, visit www.cio-chime.org/chcio/exam.asp. For Kryterion testing center locations go to www.kryteriononline.com/host_locations.

Source: College of Healthcare Information Management Executives