Frequently asked questions about the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems – Canada credential
What is CPHIMS-CA?
CPHIMS-CA, the Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems-Canada credential, is the first credential of its kind for Canadian health informatics professionals. The CPHIMS-CA credential is awarded to eligible candidates who successfully complete the related exams.
The benefits include:
- Providing evidence of professional competency to globally respected criteria;
- Building confidence in the public, patients, employers, government and others;
- Providing students and junior practitioners with goals for career and professional development;
- Enhancing patient safety and the consistency of health informatics (HI) professionals’ skill and practices;
- Contributing to accountability in healthcare spending;
- Enhancing the profile of HI as a profession, along with the salaries;
- Pursuing an alternative career path if you are an internationally trained professional in healthcare, information technology or management;
- Creating professional development opportunities and working conditions to attract qualified people and address the current shortage of competent HI professionals.
Yes. The credential tells employers that a candidate has been tested and found to meet respected measurements of what it means to be a competent health informatics professional. CPHIMS-CA also flags other important characteristics for hiring and performance evaluation – commitment to professional development and interest in learning and improvement. Leaders from across the industry – from government health agencies and universities to the vendor and clinician sectors – support the credential as a valuable resource.
CPHIMS-CA was developed through a partnership between Digital Health Canada and the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS). The CPHIMS Exam, the exam for the globally-respected HIMSS Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems (CPHIMS) certification, is one of two exams that candidates must pass in order to earn the CPHIMS-CA credential. They must also pass the Canadian Supplemental Exam developed by Digital Health Canada.
Yes. The CPHIMS Exam is an international exam.
The Canadian Supplemental Exam covers competencies that aren’t part of the CPHIMS Exam, plus competencies that require a higher level of understanding for the Canadian context. Major subject areas for this exam are: standards, information management, the Canadian health system and analysis and evaluation.
Pleas review the CPHIMS-CA Exam Eligibility + Registration Guide here.
The CPHIMS portion of the exam is administered by HIMSS. Complete the HIMSS online exam application to receive instructions on how and where to write the exam. Payment for the exam (C$534+tax for Digital Health Canada members/C$697+tax for non members) will be processed by HIMSS.
The CA portion of the exam is administered by Digital Health Canada. Prior to purchasing the CA Exam, complete an eligibility check and receive confirmation that you have met the requirements for testing. The exam fee (C$244+tax for Digital Health Canada Members/C$345+tax for non members) is non-refundable. You can purchase the CA exam in the Digital Health Canada store.
For more information, please review the CA Exam Handbook here.
The exam is offered online by remote proctoring. Candidates may choose from a wide selection of dates and times.
A special administration is a Private Group Sitting of the CPHIMS-CA exams. Organizations with at least eight eligible exam candidates can arrange with Digital Health Canada to host an onsite group sitting. Organizations with fewer than eight candidates may join with another organization to arrange a joint sitting. Email education@digitalhealthcanada.com to inquire.
The exams are currently offered online via remote proctoring.
Yes. See Study Resources for details.
You will receive results immediately following the completion of the exams.
If you fail to pass the Canadian Supplemental portion of the exam, you will hold the CPHIMS credential, but you will have to re-take the supplemental exam in order to attain the full CPHIMS-CA credential. Conversely, if you fail the CPHIMS exam but pass the Canadian Supplemental Exam, your Canadian credential will be “held” for one year. If you pass the CPHIMS Exam during this time, you will attain the full CPHIMS-CA credential. If you do not re-take the CPHIMS Exam during the one-year period, you will have to re-take the Canadian Supplemental Exam.
Yes. Candidates who successfully complete both exams will receive a certificate issued jointly by Digital Health Canada and HIMSS. Certificates are also viewable/printable through the HIMSS portal.
CPHIMS-CA.
No, you don’t have to be a Digital Health Canada member to write the CPHIMS-CA exams. Qualified non-members are encouraged to write. However, Digital Health Canada members pay less for exam registration fees, courses, and study materials. You can join Digital Health Canada here.
Yes. Your CPHIMS-CA certification must be renewed every three years through the HIMSS portal. More information on the renewal process can be found here.
For more information, please email education@digitalhealthcanada.com.