How to Pass the CEHRS Exam

Everything you need to know about the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam

In the age of digital transformation, the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) stands at the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare. With a commitment to harnessing the power of technology, CEHRS professionals are instrumental in the seamless adoption and utilization of electronic health records (EHRs). Through their expertise, they bridge the gap between technology and patient care, ensuring that vital medical information is readily accessible, accurate, and secure. Their dedication to the mastery of EHR systems and commitment to the highest standards of data integrity make them key players in the transformation of healthcare. By earning the CEHRS certification, professionals demonstrate their unwavering commitment to leveraging technology to shape a future where patient care is efficient, interconnected, and truly transformative.

In this article, we’ll cover various aspects of the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) Exam, including eligibility criteria, how to register for the exam, tips on how to study effectively along with highlights of the subjects and procedures covered in the CEHRS exam. Additionally, we’ll explore educational and training options available to prepare for the CEHRS exam and the process for renewing the CEHRS certification.

Read how to become a Medical Office Administrator if you want to learn more about the responsibilities, educational requirements, job outlook and salary* of medical administrators.

What is the CEHRS Exam?

How Long is the CEHRS Exam and What Does it Cost?

The CEHRS exam is an industry certification developed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) to measure students’ knowledge and skills so they can become electronic health record specialists. The exam lasts approximately one hour and 50 minutes to complete, consists of 150 questions and 20 pretest questions, and costs about $117.00.

CEHRS Exam Eligibility

The eligibility requirements for the CEHRS exam are as follows:

• Applicants must possess a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency
• Completed an electronic health records specialist training or education program within the last 5 years or have one year of supervised work experience in electronic health records specialist field within the last three years.

How Do I Register for the CEHRS Exam?

To register for the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam, you’ll need to follow these steps:

1. Check Eligibility: Ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements to take the CEHRS exam. The typical eligibility criteria includes having a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a formal training program in healthcare, health information technology, or a related field.
2. Create an Account: Visit the NHA website and create an account. You will need an NHA account to begin the registration process.
3. Select the CEHRS Exam: Once you have an NHA account, log in, and navigate to the “Certifications” section. Find the CEHRS exam from the list of available certifications and click on it.
4. Review Exam Details: Read through the information about the CEHRS exam, including the content outline, exam format, and associated fees.
5. Choose Exam Type and Payment: Select the exam type you wish to take (online proctored or in-person at an approved testing center) and proceed to make the payment for the exam fee.
6. Schedule Exam Date and Location: If you are taking the in-person exam, you’ll need to choose a convenient testing center and select an available date and time for your exam. If you are taking the online proctored exam, you can typically schedule the exam at a time that suits you.
7. Complete Registration: Review your registration details and confirm the exam date, location (if applicable), and payment information. Complete the registration process by submitting the necessary information.

For the most up-to-date and accurate information on CEHRS exam registration, eligibility requirements, and fees, visit the NHA website or contact NHA’s customer support directly.

How Do I Study to Pass the CEHRS Exam?

Sample Multiple Choice Questions You Might Find on the Exam

Studying to pass the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam requires a structured and focused approach. Here are the top 10 tips to increase your chances of success:

1. Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the CEHRS exam format, including the number of questions, time limit, and scoring system. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
2. Review the Content Outline: The NHA provides a detailed content outline for the CEHRS exam. Thoroughly review this outline to understand the topics that will be covered. Use it as a guide to structure your study plan.
3. Gather Study Materials: Collect study materials such as textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and CEHRS exam prep books. Ensure that the resources you choose are reputable and up-to-date.
4. Create a Study Schedule: Plan out your study sessions in advance. Set aside specific time each day or week for studying and stick to your schedule. Consistency is key to retaining information effectively.
5. Focus on Key Topics: Pay extra attention to areas of the content outline that carry more weight in the exam. Allocate more study time to topics that have a higher percentage of questions on the test.
6. Use Practice Exams: Take advantage of practice exams to assess your knowledge and identify weak areas. This will help you get accustomed to the exam format and improve your time management skills.
7. Review and Analyze Mistakes: After taking practice exams, thoroughly review both correct and incorrect answers. Understand the reasoning behind each answer choice to avoid similar mistakes in the future.
8. Utilize Flashcards: Create flashcards to memorize important definitions, terms, and concepts. Flashcards can be a quick and effective way to reinforce your learning.
9. Join Study Groups: Consider joining or forming a study group with others who are also preparing for the CEHRS exam. Collaborating with peers can provide additional insights and motivation.
10. Stay Updated: Stay informed about any updates or changes to the CEHRS exam content or format. Check the NHA website regularly for the latest information.

Here are five sample multiple-choice questions that you might encounter on the Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exam. These are sample questions and may not reflect the exact content or difficulty level of the actual CEHRS exam. They are meant to provide an idea of the type of content you may encounter.

Question 1: Which of the following is a key principle of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)?
A) Protecting patient privacy and confidentiality
B) Requiring electronic health record (EHR) interoperability
C) Mandating health information exchange (HIE) participation
D) Setting standard billing practices for healthcare providers

Question 2: In the context of electronic health records (EHRs), what does “PHI” stand for?
A) Personal Health Information
B) Protected Health Information
C) Private Health Insurance
D) Patient Health Indicators

Question 3: Which government agency is responsible for overseeing the adoption of EHR technology in the United States and provides incentives for meaningful use?
A) Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
B) Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
C) National Institutes of Health (NIH)
D) Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC)

Question 4: A patient’s medical history, diagnosis, treatment plan, and progress notes are typically documented in which section of the electronic health record (EHR)?
A) Demographics
B) Medications
C) Past Medical History
D) Current Problem List

Question 5: Which of the following is NOT a standard code set used in healthcare for procedures and services?

A) CPT (Current Procedural Terminology)
B) ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification)
C) HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System)
D) LOINC (Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes)

What is the Passing Score?

To pass the CEHRS Exam, it is important to prepare thoroughly and familiarize yourself with the exam content. Here are some tips to help you increase your chances of passing the CEHRS Exam:

Subjects and Procedures Covered in the CEHRS Exam

The questions fall into five topic areas, which the NHA refers to as “domains.” Each domain has different subtopics that are categorized as either knowledge statements, which refers to information and concepts that the student will need to know or task statements which relate to physical duties that the student will need to know how to perform.

1. Non-Clinical Operations: this domain consists of task statement that include managing patient information, coordinating patient flow, and supporting colleagues with EHR software. The knowledge statements are related to general office skills, HER-related hardware maintenance, patient portal support and more.
2. Clinical Operations: this domain includes task statements that cover duties including finding electronic health records, documentation review, and navigating the EHR system. The clinical operations knowledge statements are related to procedures for securely transmitting data, data charting requirements, layouts of medical records, and more.
3. Revenue Cycle/Finance: this domain includes task statements that cover duties that include verifying procedural descriptions, providing estimated patient costs, and managing payments. The knowledge statements are related to clinical vocabularies, National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) standards, health insurance terminology, and more.
4. Regulatory Compliance: the domain includes task statements that cover adhering to professional standards with health records, identifying non-compliant behaviors, and participating in internal audits. The regulatory operations knowledge statements are related to HIPAA requirements, electronic security, federal guidelines on reporting breaches, and more.
5. Reporting:  this domain includes task statements covering running standardized financial and clinical reports, generating statistical reports, and verifying report accuracy. The knowledge statements are related to HIPAA requirements, electronic security, federal guidelines on reporting breaches, and more.

Educational and Training Options to Prepare for the CEHRS Exam

Here are some educational and training options you can consider to prepare for the CEHRS exam:

1. Formal Education Programs: Look for accredited educational institutions that offer programs related to health information technology, medical billing and coding, or health informatics. These programs often cover topics relevant to EHR management and can provide a solid foundation for the CEHRS exam.
2. Online Courses: Many online platforms offer courses specifically tailored to CEHRS exam preparation. These courses cover the exam’s content and may include practice tests and study materials.
3. CEHRS Exam Prep Books: There are several books available that are specifically designed to help individuals prepare for the CEHRS exam. Look for reputable publications with positive reviews from previous test-takers.
4. Practice Exams: Utilize practice exams to assess your knowledge and identify areas where you need to focus your studies. NHA may provide official practice exams, and other test prep platforms often offer similar resources.
5. Study Groups or Tutors: Consider joining a study group or working with a tutor who specializes in CEHRS exam preparation. Studying with others can be motivating and provide additional insights.
6. NHA’s Online Resources: Check the NHA website for official study materials, exam content outlines, and other resources that can help you understand what to expect on the CEHRS exam.
7. Hands-on Experience: If you have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with electronic health records, take advantage of it. Practical experience can reinforce your understanding of EHR management concepts.
8. Time Management: Create a study schedule and set aside dedicated time each day or week for exam preparation. Consistent study habits can make a significant difference in your success.

How Many Times Can You Take the CEHRS Exam?

Candidates who do not pass the certification exam on the first attempt will be allowed to retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. Candidates will be allowed three attempts to successfully pass the exam, with a waiting period of a minimum of 30 days between each examination attempt. For each repeated failure after the third attempt, the candidate will be required to wait one year before attempting to take the exam again. For each retake attempt, the candidate must re- register and pay the full examination price.

Renewing CEHRS Certification

Follow the three simple steps below to complete the NHA certification renewal. The expiration date will be automatically updated when payment is complete.

Step 1: Complete 10 Continuing education (CE) credits by logging into your nhanow.com account. Click “Find CE Courses” on the left menu under Continuing Ed then choose your course, select “View Content” and then “Take Exam.”

Step 2: Renew Certification by logging into your NHA account and select “Renew Certifications” on the left menu.

Step 3: Check out by paying your two-year certification renewal fee.

Learn more on how to become a Medical Office Administrator and explore educational programs, such as the Medical Office Administration program at Brookline College to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to pursue a career in dental assisting. In addition, check out the best entry-level medical jobs to see all the available options for a career in the healthcare profession.