Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the AHIMA RHIA exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Health Information Management, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as information governance and privacy compliance, data analytics and informatics, revenue cycle management and leadership within real-world settings like hospitals and health systems, ambulatory and physician practice settings, payer/vendor/government organizations.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official AHIMA certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the AHIMA RHIA exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for health information management professionals, health information operations leaders, health data/privacy-compliance professionals
AHIMA RHIA Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator |
| Credential | AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) |
| Vendor | American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) |
| Exam Code | RHIA » AHIMA RHIA Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Computer-based, in-person at a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center |
| Exam Duration | 210 mins |
| Number of Questions | 150 (130 Scored Items / 20 Pretest Items) |
| Passing Score | 300 (on a scale of 100-400) |
| Exam Price |
AHIMA members - $229 (USD) AHIMA non-members - $299 (USD) |
| Scheduling Window | 120 days from eligibility/approval, with the scheduling window starting when the ATT is created |
| Schedule Exam | Pearson VUE |
| Sample Questions | AHIMA RHIA Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | AHIMA RHIA Certification Practice Exam |
AHIMA RHIA Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Data and Information Governance |
- Evaluate the integrity of the health record documentation - Apply knowledge necessary to process the required clinical data elements for quality reporting (e.g., facility committees, payers) - Understand and apply data dictionary standardization policies - Manage documentation and data standards based on organizational policy - Complete data analysis to inform management - Develop policies and procedures for health record data, documentation management, and information governance - Comply with retention and destruction policies for health information - Manage the integrity of the master patient index (MPI) |
17-20% |
|
Compliance with Access, Use, and Disclosure of Health Information |
- Manage patient access to their health information, including use of patient portals - Advocate for patients and families in the process of obtaining health information - Process health information requests according to legal and regulatory standards - Monitor access to protected health information (PHI) internal and external to the organization (e.g., health information exchange (HIE)) - Develop health information request workflows to comply with legal and regulatory standards - Follow breach of information protocols - Ensure compliance with privacy and security initiatives (e.g., cyber security, disaster recovery) |
15-18% |
| Data Analytics and Informatics |
- Support end users in EHR applications - Create reports and visual representations of data - Use database management software and techniques (e.g., data mining) - Audit documentation using a focused tool (e.g., CDI, quality, safety) - Optimize health information and other technologies to improve workflows - Support health information exchange solutions - Examine software applications and integrations for the impact to health information - Understand the information systems development life cycle, including the analysis, design/development, implementation, maintenance, and evaluation phases - Validate healthcare statistics for organizational stakeholders |
23-26% |
| Revenue Cycle Management |
- Educate providers on various reimbursement models - Validate coding accuracy - Monitor department of health and human services (HHS) clinical documentation requirements - Conduct clinical documentation integrity (CDI) activities in support of revenue and quality improvement initiatives - Support the claims management process (e.g., CDM maintenance, DNFB analysis, and A/R management) - Assign diagnoses and procedure codes and groupings according to official guidelines - Conduct revenue integrity activities (e.g., coding audits, denials management, and fraud prevention) |
20-23% |
| Management and Leadership |
- Develop and implement goals and strategies, including change management to support organizational initiatives - Demonstrate knowledge of contracting/outsourcing processes - Perform human resource management activities (e.g., recruiting staff, creating job descriptions, resolving personnel issues) - Perform and oversee work design and process improvement activities - Facilitate training and development - Prepare and implement budgets - Assist with accreditation, licensing, or certification processes - Monitor organizational compliance with health laws, regulations, or standards - Demonstrate knowledge to lead or facilitate project management |
23-26% |
The AHIMA RHIA certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Health Information Management. The exam evaluates competencies such as information governance and privacy compliance, data analytics and informatics, revenue cycle management and leadership, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as health information management professionals, health information operations leaders, health data/privacy-compliance professionals working in settings such as hospitals and health systems, ambulatory and physician practice settings, payer/vendor/government organizations.
To prepare effectively for the AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
