Certification Process

Recent surveys show that there is a clear relationship between certification and career advancement:

Certification accounts for approximately 13 percent of the variance in income between certified and non-certified members. The greatest percentage of certified members have an income of more that $150,000 (18%). The greatest percentage of non-certified members have an income of more than $50,000 but less than $60,000 (14%).

Eighty-four percent of certified members report it is more likely that job applicants will be hired if they are HFMA certified. Fifty-six percent of non-certified members report it is more likely that a job applicant will be hired if HFMA certified.

Seventy-two percent of employers say that they are more likely to hire a job applicant for a financial position in healthcare if she/he is certified by HFMA. More than two-thirds (69%) of search firms say the fact that a job applicant is certified by HFMA increases the likelihood they will be placed.

Now that you know these survey results, and the ways in which certification can impact your career... shouldn’t you be making plans to become HFMA certified?

You must complete the following requirements to be certified. Please note that the requirements to take the examination are separate from the requirements necessary for certification.

Membership

You must have been a Regular or Advanced Member of HFMA for at least two years.

Exam

To take the CHFP exam, you be a Member of HFMA by the date you register for the examination. You must pass the HFMA Certification Examination. A passing score is required on both the core section and one specialty section.

Education

You must have completed a minimum of 60 semester hours at an accredited college or university. You must submit a transcript, or a copy of your diploma/degree to complete this requirement. You may also complete this requirement through alternative education.

References

You must provide favorable references, which must be from a current elected officer of your HFMA Chapter, and your CEO or immediate supervisor.

You may request a second officer in your HFMA chapter to submit a reference if you are a CEO or are self-employed. HFMA will contact your HFMA Chapter officers. You can facilitate the referencing process by having your supervisor sign your certification application form.

Experience

You must have two years of experience in healthcare and/or financial management.

Maintaining Your Certification

Status must be maintained every three years by earning 90 contact hours.

For more specific information, please consult your chapter certification chairperson, Chris Chartier, at 515-362-5186 (or charticr@ihs.org) or the HFMA certification staff at 1-800-252-HFMA, ext. 311 or 308.