CPHIMS-CA CANADIAN SUPPLEMENTAL EXAMINATION CANDIDATE HANDBOOK 2013
About this Candidate Handbook The CPHIMS-CA (Certified Professional in Healthcare Information and Management Systems Canada) credential was developed through a partnership between HIMSS, the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, and COACH: Canada s Health Informatics Association. This handbook is a guide for the CA exam only more information about the CPHIMS exam can be found in the Candidate Handbook and Application available on the HIMSS website. This document describes: The CPHIMS is an international credential, with an exam that is governed by HIMSS and administered internationally. COACH governs the Canadian Supplemental (CA) exam, which covers competencies that aren t part of the CPHIMS exam, plus competencies that require a higher level of understanding for the Canadian context. who is eligible to sit the exam the composition of the exam policies where to take the exam and registration procedures at different location types what happens after writing the exam. Candidates need to pass both the Canadian (CA) Supplemental Exam, and the core CPHIMS Exam, in order to obtain the CPHIMS-CA credential. CPHIMS-CA Eligibility The CPHIMS-CA is a professional-level credential that is a demonstration of a candidate s education and experience. Candidates must therefore meet the following requirements: Bachelor s degree (or global equivalent) plus five (5) years of associated information and management systems experience*, three (3) of those years in healthcare OR Graduate degree (or global equivalent) plus three (3) years of associated information and management systems experience*, two (2) of those years in healthcare *Associated information and management systems experience includes experience in the following functional areas: administration/management, clinical information systems, ehealth, information systems, or management engineering. 2
Exam Content Outline The CA is a one-hour exam and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions. 45 questions are scored and there are 5 pre-test or trial questions, upon which candidates will not be scored. Similar to the CPHIMS, each question on the CA examination is categorized by a cognitive level (Recall, Application, Analysis) and competency category that a candidate would likely use to respond. The CA exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions (45 scored and 5 pre-test/trial) Recall Application Analysis The ability to recall or recognize specific information The ability to comprehend, relate or apply knowledge to new or changing situations The ability to analyze and synthesize information, determine solutions and/or evaluate the usefulness of a solution 15-20% (7-9 questions) 50-60% (23-27 questions) 25-35% (11-16 questions) The following table outlines the specific competencies that are tested, on the CA exam and the percentage of the exam covered by each competency category. HIP Core Competencies Covered on the CA Exam A1 Information Management (20-25%), 9-11 questions A1.1 Advances the management of information as a key strategic resource. A1.3 Determines appropriate data sources and gaps in data sources in relation to identified business needs across the healthcare system. A1.4 Demonstrates an understanding of the data interrelationships and dependencies among the various health information systems (e.g., decision support systems, electronic health records, order entry, registries, etc.). A1.5 Demonstrates an understanding of the implications of ethical, legislative, and regulatory requirements related to the management of health information. A1.6 Applies accepted policies, principles and guidelines for the management of health information (e.g., COACH Guidelines and Canadian Health Information Management Association practices). A1.7 Demonstrates an understanding of relevant health information standards and their appropriate use (e.g., classifications, vocabularies, nomenclature, etc.). A1.8 Integrates data quality principles and methodologies into the identification, use and management of information sources (people and systems). A2 Information Technology (10-15%), 5-7 questions A2.5 Applies appropriate health informatics standards and enterprise models to enable system interoperability (e.g. HL7, SNOMED CT, IHE Profiles, CDA, security, safety). A2.9 Demonstrates an understanding of architectural relationships between key information technology components (e.g. the Infoway EHRS blueprint) and best practices in enterprise architecture frameworks/perspectives (e.g., The Open Group Architecture Framework, the Reference Model of Open Distributed Processing, etc.). B3 Clinical and Health Services (20-25%), 9-11 questions B3.1 Applies knowledge of basic clinical and biomedical concepts, clinical care processes, technologies and workflow for purposes of analysis, design, development and implementation of health information systems and applications. B3.2 Understands basic clinical terminology and commonly used abbreviations and acronyms. B3.3 Recognizes commonly used formats, structures and methods for recording and communicating clinical data and how these are incorporated into system and application use. B3.4 Fosters the adoption and use of health information systems in clinical settings. B3.5 Facilitates appropriate consumer use of health information and communication technologies. B3.6 Assesses and mitigates clinical safety risks associated with health information and systems throughout the system life cycle B3.7 Facilitates clinicians' use of electronic decision support tools in accessing evidence to support practice 3
HIP Core Competencies Covered on the CA Exam B4 Canadian Health System (20-25%), 9-11 questions B4.1 Demonstrates knowledge of health and health systems in Canada and appropriately applies this information to work products and services, including: -i. key characteristics of the Canadian health system (e.g., governance, funding, structures, agencies, related organizations, emerging trends, etc.), -ii. determinants of health (e.g., environment, genetics, socioeconomic), and -iii. key factors affecting healthcare (e.g., demographics, supply and distribution of health professionals, new technologies, incentives).understands how HI contributes to the organization s strategic direction. B4.2 Demonstrates knowledge of the way HI benefits are realized and measured in the Canadian healthcare system. B4.3 Demonstrates an understanding of different types of Canadian healthcare delivery models across the continuum of care and their interrelationships (e.g., hospitals, clinics, ambulatory centres and community health agencies, regional health authorities). B4.4 Demonstrates knowledge of how people, resources and information flow through the health system. B4.6 Addresses the challenges related to the adoption and realization of clinical value of information systems in the health sector. B4.7 Understands the need to balance the privacy of personal health information with improved care delivery and health system management. B4.8 Promotes the safe and appropriate use of health information technologies to ensure patient safety. C5 Organizational and Behavioural Management (4-6%), 2-3 questions C5.8 Applies best practices of change management in the implementation of new processes or systems. C7 Analysis and Evaluation (15-20%), 7-9 questions C7.1 Identifies and frames information queries in collaboration with stakeholders in order to meet their needs for analysis and interpretation of data. C7.2 Identifies relevant sources of data and information in order to: i. assess the quality of information, and ii. draw appropriate conclusions. C7.3 Demonstrates an understanding of appropriate analytical and evaluation techniques and concepts (e.g., qualitative and quantitative methods, basic statistical and epidemiological techniques, indicators and evaluation measures). C7.4 Contributes to quality analysis by organizing and transforming data into reliable and meaningful information for diverse audiences. C7.6 Demonstrates knowledge of indicators and metrics for healthcare delivery and systems management. The competencies tested on the exam are drawn from the Health Informatics (HIP) Core Competencies. For more detailed information on all the Core Competencies please visit: http://coachorg.com/en/resourcecentre/competencies-career-matrix.asp 4
Registering for the Exam The CPHIMS and CA examinations are delivered either by computer at AMP Assessment Centres or by paper and pencil at special administrations (group sittings) organized through COACH. A candidate who meets eligibility requirements for the examination may submit an application and fee at any time. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Examination Fees and Policy A candidate must submit the appropriate fee ($75 US*) with a complete examination application. Fees are nonrefundable and non-transferrable to another candidate. The application may be transferred to a future examination date by requesting a rescheduling of testing (additional fees may apply). * COACH collects exam fees in Canadian dollars. The Canadian dollar fee is adjusted quarterly to reflect changes in the Canadian/US. Prices for special administrations delivered in Canada are also subject to Goods and Services Taxes (GST) or Harmonized Sale Tax (HST). Eligibility and Audits Applications to write the CA exam are submitted online. Documentation of eligibility does not need to be submitted prior to applying for the exam. COACH reserves the right to verify information supplied by or on behalf of a candidate. If selected for an audit, the candidate will be asked to submit documentation supporting eligibility. How to Register Candidates with Disabilities COACH and AMP comply with the Canadians with Disabilities Act and strive to ensure that no individual with a disability is prevented from taking the examination solely by reason of that disability. Upon request, COACH and AMP will provide reasonable accommodation for a candidate with a disability. Wheelchair access is available at all Assessment Centres. A candidate with a disability that would prevent taking the examination under standard conditions may request special accommodations. For either a computer administration or a paper-and-pencil administration, complete the Request for Special Examination Accommodations form at least 45 days prior to the exam date. Special Administrations Special exam administration locations, where and how to register for special administrations can be found on the COACH website. For a special administration hosted by COACH or another organization, a candidate may register for the exam at the same time that he/she registers for the event at which the exam will be held. A simple online registration form will be available on COACH s website and possibly on websites of the organizations administering special examinations. Candidates may follow the links provided on the website to register. AMP Assessment Centres The CPHIMS and CA examinations are delivered by computer at AMP Assessment Centres geographically distributed throughout the world. In Canada, Assessment Centres are typically located in major city centres. Assessment Centre locations, detailed maps and directions are available at www.goamp.com. The exam is administered by appointment only (availability may vary by location). 90 days are allowed from confirmation of eligibility within which a candidate must make an appointment for testing and take the examination. Depending on availability, it may take several weeks to schedule the examination at an Assessment Centre 5
Registration at an AMP Assessment Centre When registering online, a candidate must separately register for the CPHIMS and CA exams. It is recommended to register for the CA exam first, following which a link will appear to register for the CPHIMS exam. Candidates are encouraged to schedule their exams early as availability is limited at some locations. 1 Go to: http://online.goamp.com/candidatehome/examination.aspx?p_category=healthcare&p_client_code=coach& p_exam_id=21210 2 Click on the Register for this exam tab. 3a You will be prompted to sign in. If you have already created an account, enter your username and password. If not, click on I am a New User to create an account. 3b For new users: You will be brought to a Contact Information page with an assigned ID number at the top. Fill out all the necessary information on this page. The required fields are highlighted in orange. Click Next to proceed. Complete the Security Questions and click Submit. 4 For all users: On the Terms and Conditions page, check off Yes after you have read, understood and agreed to comply to the terms and conditions listed and click Next. On the Contact Information page, ensure that the information is correct and click Next. On the Application Status page, select the option that applies and click Next. On the Eligibility for Examination and Application Status page, select your eligibility for the examination process and click Next to proceed. On the International Testing page, select whether the testing centre is in US or located outside of US and click Next On the Demographics page, fill in the necessary information and click Next to proceed. 5 This brings you to the Payment Information page. Check to ensure that the amount charged for the selected exam is correct. Fill out your credit card information and click the Next button only once. It may take a few minutes to process your card information. 6 Once your payment has been successfully processed, you will have to provide an Electronic Signature on the next page by reading the statement provided and clicking Next. 7a For candidates writing the exam outside the US: An Eligibility Confirmation page will appear. This page provides you with a payment confirmation number, information on which exam you have registered for and instructions on how to schedule your exam at an Assessment Centre. N/B: You will have to call AMP to schedule your exam even though your registration is complete - be prepared to confirm a location and a preferred date and time for testing. 7b For candidates writing the exam at an Assessment Centre: Once your payment has been submitted, you will be directed through a series of screens that allow you to schedule your exam at an Assessment Centre online. 8 Make a note of the location, date and time of examination; an admission letter is not provided. 6
Writing the Exam Reporting for the Examination For a special administration organized by COACH, report to the testing room at the time indicated on the confirmation notice. The examination will begin after all scheduled candidates are checked in. Candidate Comments Comments may be provided on the answer sheet on the day of the examination. Comments will be reviewed, but individual responses will not be provided. Examination Format A candidate who arrives more than 15 minutes after the scheduled testing time is not admitted. At special administrations, the exam is a paper and pencil format. At assessment centres, the exam is administered via computer. Regardless of format, the candidate will be provided with the appropriate materials to take the exam. Rescheduling or Cancelling an Examination Refer to the CPHIMS Candidate Handbook and Application. Verifying Identity To gain admission to the Assessment Centre or testing room, the candidate needs to present two forms of identification, one with a current photograph. Both forms of identification must be current and include the candidate s current name and signature. The candidate is required to sign a roster for verification of identity. It is advisable to bring the confirmation notice sent by AMP or COACH. Acceptable forms of photo identification include: a current driver s license with photograph or other government-issued identification card with photograph. COACH can refuse administering an exam to candidates without proper identification. Employment ID cards, student ID cards and temporary identification cards are NOT acceptable as the primary form of identification. Use of Calculators Some examination questions may require calculations. Use of a silent, nonprogrammable, solar-powered calculator without paper tape-printing capability or alphabetic keypad is permitted during testing. Use of a computer or a smartphone is not permitted. Calculators will be checked for conformance with this regulation before candidates are allowed admission to the Centre or testing room. Calculators that do not conform to these specifications are not permitted in the Assessment Centre or testing room. Name and Address Change If you move or change your name, please notify COACH at info@coachorg.com, phone 416-494-9324 or toll free 1-888- 253-8554. Confidentiality Information about a candidate for testing or renewal of certification and examination results is considered confidential. However, COACH reserves the right to share exam information with HIMSS (in order to collaborate on successful CPHIMS and CA candidates that need to be awarded certification). Also, COACH may use information supplied by or on behalf of a candidate in order to conduct research for improvement of services. Studies and reports concerning candidates will contain no information identifiable with any candidate, unless authorized by the candidate. Demographic information about a candidate will be shared only in cases where the candidate may benefit. Rules for Examination Violation of any of the rules of examination results in dismissal from the examination session. The candidate s score on the examination is voided and examination fees are not refunded. Evidence of misconduct is reviewed by the COACH Exam Committee to determine whether the candidate will be allowed to re-apply for the examination. If re-examination is granted, a complete application and examination fee are required to re-apply. Refer to the CPHIMS Candidate Handbook and Application for additional information about the rules for examination. 7
Security COACH and AMP maintain examination administration and security standards that are designed to assure that all candidates are provided the same opportunity to demonstrate their abilities. The testing environment is continuously monitored by audio and video surveillance equipment or testing personnel. Copyrighted Examination Questions All examination questions are the copyrighted property of COACH. It is forbidden under federal copyright law to copy, reproduce, record, distribute or display these examination questions by any means, in whole or in part. Doing so may result in severe civil and criminal penalties. Inclement Weather or Emergency In the event of inclement weather or unforeseen emergencies on the day of examination, COACH, in concert with AMP, will determine whether circumstances warrant the cancellation, and subsequent rescheduling, of an examination. In the event of a personal emergency on the day of examination, a candidate may request consideration of rescheduling the examination without additional fee by contacting COACH in writing within 30 days of the scheduled examination session. A description of the emergency and supporting documentation are considered on a case-by-case basis. Unscheduled candidates (walk-ins) are not permitted at special administrations or Assessment Centres. Refer to the CPHIMS Candidate Handbook and Application for more information about Reporting for the Examination, Taking the Examination, and Candidate Comments. After the Exam Scoring the Examination After the examination is completed, the candidate is asked to complete a short evaluation of the testing experience. Score reports are issued by AMP, on behalf of COACH. Scores are reported in written form only, by postal mail. Scores are not reported over the telephone, by electronic mail or fax. The score report indicates a pass or fail. A raw score (the number of questions answered correctly) on the total examination determines pass/fail status. The raw score of each exam category (Information Management, Information Technology, Clinical and Health Services, Canadian Health System, Organizational and Behavioural Management, Analysis and Evaluation) can be found on the score report. Even though the exam consists of up to 50 questions, the score is based on 45 questions. Up to five questions are pre-test questions and do not affect the candidate s score. The methodology used to set the minimum passing score is called equating. The equating method statistically compares the difficulty of each new version of the exam to the first exam version. If the difference in difficulty is strong enough, then the passing score for a new exam version may increase or decrease. By adjusting passing scores in this way, the passing standard for the certification program remains constant. This consistency provides the confidence that the credential expresses the same competence over time and over different exam versions. Scores Cancelled By the COACH Exam Committee COACH and AMP are responsible for the integrity of the scores reported. Occasions such as computer malfunction or misconduct by a candidate, may cause a score to be suspicious. The COACH Exam Committee is committed to rectifying such discrepancies as expeditiously as possible. The Committee may void examination results if, upon investigation, violation of COACH regulations is discovered. 8
Passing/Failing the Examination CA Result CPHIMS Result Outcome Fail Fail The candidate will have to rewrite both exams to obtain the CPHIMS-CA. Fail Pass Pass Fail The candidate will be awarded the CPHIMS credential. The CA exam may be rewritten at any time; when passed the candidate will earn the full CPHIMS-CA. The candidate s CA result will be held for a period of one year if the candidate passes the CPHIMS exam in that time he/she will receive the CPHIMS-CA designation. If he/she does not pass CPHIMS within the next year, both exams must be rewritten Pass Pass The candidate is awarded the CPHIMS-CA credential. Duplicate Score Report A candidate may purchase additional copies of the score report at a cost of $25 US per copy. The request must be Renewal of Certification submitted to AMP, in writing, within 12 months after the examination; and must include the candidate s name, AMP identification number, mailing address, telephone number, date of examination and examination taken. Submit this information with the required fee payable to AMP. The duplicate score report will be mailed within 5 business days after receipt of the request. Audits Documentation of eligibility does not need to be submitted prior to applying for the exam. However, COACH reserves the right to verify information supplied by a candidate. While all applicants are eligible for an audit, only a percentage of applicants are selected for audit. If selected for an audit, the candidate will be asked to submit documentation. Every fifth application received is selected for audit Renewal of Certification Attaining certification is an indication of mastery of a welldefined body of knowledge at a point in time. Periodic renewal of the certification is required to maintain certified status. Initial certification or renewal of certification is valid for 3 years from the month when the CPHIMS-CA passed his/her CPHIMS. CPHIMS-CA may be renewed by: 1. Successful re-examination for both the CPHIMS & CA exams; or 2. Documentation of continuing education (CE) over the 3-year period. COACH members may track their CE through the COACH member portal. Please note there is a fee associated with renewing by either option. Check the COACH website for more detail. Appeals A candidate who wishes to challenge the results of an examination or outcome of renewal certification should contact COACH at info@coachorg.com, phone 416-494-9324 or toll free 1-888-253-8554. The Exam Committee will review all appeals on a case by case basis. Failing to Renew A CPHIMS-CA who fails to renew his/her CPHIMS and CA is no longer considered certified and may not use the CPHIMS-CA credential in professional communications. Please refer to the COACH website for more information about renewal. Recognition COACH reserves the right to recognize publicly any candidate who has successfully attained the CPHIMS- CA credential. The candidate will receive a certificate of recognition and his/her name will be posted on the HIMSS and COACH websites as well as Healthcare in Information Management & Communications Canada, the official COACH Journal. 9
Additional Resources CPHIMS-CA Canadian Health Informatics Review and Reference Guide Available on the COACH website. The guide contains: new chapter on Organizational and Behavioural Management updated information on the competencies that will be tested key organizations that health informatics professionals should be familiar with suggested review materials (books, journal articles, organizations publications and websites) a glossary with terminology that may be on the exam and that candidates need to recognize and understand Online Review Course COACH offers these sessions via web conference. Watch www.coachorg.com and your email for dates. Each course covers: 1. About the exam (background, topics on the exam etc.) 2. Study tips (suggestions for what and how to prepare) 3. Question and answer period (obtain live answers on all your questions about the exam and CPHIMS-CA credential). Each session is recorded in case you miss a date or would like to review the material again. Contact COACH at info@coachorg.com for more information. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. You can also find CPHIMS review materials for purchase on the COACH website About COACH COACH: Canada s Health Informatics Association is the voice of health informatics (HI) in Canada, promoting the adoption, practice and professionalism of HI. COACH represents a diverse community of accomplished, influential professionals who work passionately to make a difference in advancing healthcare through information technology. HI is the intersection of clinical, IM/IT and management practices. Members are dedicated to realizing their full potential as professionals and advancing HI through access to information, talent, credentials, recognition, programs and a broad range of services and specialized resources. Our members are dedicated to realizing their full potential as professionals and advancing HI. COACH embraces these goals and provides access to the information, talent, credentials, recognition and programs needed for HI in Canada. COACH offers a broad range of services for networking, forums, information and best practice sharing, peer awards, national conferences and professional development, including specialized career resources and the CPHIMS-CA professional certification. For more information, visit www.coachorg.com. 10