FAQs – Health Information Technology Professional Competency Exam By HIT Pro

What is the Health Information Technology Professional™ (HIT Pro) competency exam?
The HIT Pro exam assesses basic competency of individuals who are seeking to demonstrate their proficiency in certain health IT workforce roles integral to the implementation and management of electronic health information. The HIT Pro exam assesses the competency of health IT professionals to:

• Assess workflows
• Select hardware and software
• Work with vendors
• Install and test systems
• Diagnose IT problems
• Train practice staff on systems

HIT Pro is the exam of the Workforce Development program sponsored by the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Why is there a need for the HIT Pro exam?
As hospitals and other healthcare affiliates convert to Electronic Health Records (EHRs), the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a shortfall over the next five years of about 50,000 qualified health IT workers. The purpose of the Workforce Development program is to ensure there are enough qualified workers to support these organizations in their efforts to manage new processes and technologies, and the creation of the HIT Pro program was in response to this important need.

Who is eligible to take the HIT Pro exam?
The exam is intended for citizens and permanent residents of the United States who are:

• individuals trained through short-duration (typically six months) non-degree health IT programs or
• members of the workforce with relevant experience or other types of training

Is there an official study guide?
The HIT Pro exams team has not developed a study guide at this time. We cannot be responsible for and do not endorse any study materials developed by other entities.

Where can I take the HIT Pro exam?
Individuals may take the exam at any of 230 Pearson Professional Centers in the US and its territories.

Why take the HIT Pro exam?
The HIT Pro offers professionals:

• Increased job opportunities in an expanding market
• Validation of expertise and knowledge in the topic area
• Preparation for future changes in healthcare and IT
• Personal and professional development that will help you stay on top in your field
• Long term confirmation of skills that is endorsed by the US Department of Health and Human Services

The HIT Pro offers employers:

• Assurance that individuals have undergone a rigorous examination of their skills and health IT knowledge
• Confidence in a trained workforce that is ready to implement and manage an effective EHR transition
• An excellent, cost-efficient way to assess the health IT competency of their existing staff

How is this exam different from other health IT exams?
HIT Pro is the competency examination of the US Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Workforce Development program. It is one part of the federal government’s comprehensive effort to facilitate EHR implementation in hospitals, corporations and government.

Who is developing the HIT Pro exam?
In April 2010, HHS’ Office of the National Coordinator awarded $6 million to Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) to develop the HIT Pro competency examinations.

NOVA has selected two partners to assist in developing the HIT Pro exam;

• The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is the respected leader in health information and informatics advocacy, education, research and professional credentialing.
• Pearson VUE develops and delivers computer-based testing programs for leading academic, healthcare, government, IT and professional credentialing clients around the world.

How much does the HIT Pro exam cost?
Because the HHS has identified a critical need for experienced workers to support EHR implementation, the HIT Pro exams will be subsidized for a short period of time and will be made available to eligible candidates at no cost.

How do I obtain a voucher?
Eligible schools or healthcare employers can request vouchers from the Pearson VUE Voucher Store.
Eligible candidates can request unique, one‐time use vouchers through your community college consortia school, other accredited academic institution, or healthcare employer only. Candidates cannot request vouchers directly from Pearson VUE.

Those who are unable to obtain a voucher through one of these entities can request a HIT Pro voucher via the AHIMA online store or by completing the PDF voucher request form.

What is the passing score for the HIT Pro exams?
The current passing scaled score for all HIT Pro exams is 500 out of 600. A scaled score is a mathematical conversion of a raw score (number of questions answered correctly). The scaled score is determined by converting the number of questions answered correctly to a scaled score ranging from 300-600. Candidates need a minimum scaled score of 500 to pass a HIT Pro exam.

FAQs – HIT Pro Second Exam Promotion (Offered Through August 31, 2011)

How do I participate in the HIT Pro Second Exam Promotion?
To participate in the HIT Pro Second Exam Promotion, eligible voucher recipients simply need to take their first HIT Pro competency exam by August 31, 2011.

Who is eligible for the Free HIT Pro Second Exam Promotion?
Individuals who received a voucher for an initial HIT Pro competency exam and test by August 31, 2011 will receive a free voucher for a second HIT Pro competency exam.

Who is eligible for an initial free HIT Pro exam voucher?
The free exam voucher is intended for citizens of the United States who are:

• individuals trained through short-duration (typically six months) non-degree health IT programs,
• members of the workforce with relevant work experience or other types of training,
• displaced workers with relevant work experience.

How do I get my initial HIT Pro exam voucher?
Initial HIT Pro competency exam vouchers can be requested by members of the ONC/HITECH Community College Consortia and other eligible entities (e.g., other accredited academic institutions, health care providers, organizations in the United States military, state/local employment agencies, and electronic health record (EHR) vendors) in the United States (and U.S. territories).

Those who are unable to obtain a voucher through one of these entities can request a HIT Pro voucher via the AHIMA online store or by completing the PDF voucher request form.

How do I get my voucher for the free second HIT Pro competency exam?
Take your initial free HIT Pro exam by August 31, 2011. Vouchers will be sent to eligible recipients at the same time or shortly after initial HIT Pro exam score reports are sent.

When will I get my score report?
Please see the HIT Pro Live Exam Dates & Score Report Schedule.

What exam can I take using my second free HIT Pro exam voucher?
You can use the second free exam voucher for a retake if you did not pass on the initial attempt or for any of the other six HIT Pro competency exams.

When does my second free exam voucher expire?
The second free exam voucher will expire two months (60 days) after the date of issuance.

What if I have already taken a second HIT Pro exam?
If you take an initial HIT Pro exam by August 31, 2011, you will recieve a second free voucher to be used for a retake or another of the six HIT Pro competency exams.

Can I get a refund if I have already taken a second HIT Pro exam?
No, we are sorry, refunds are not available if you paid for a second HIT Pro competency exam. However, if you take an initial HIT Pro exam by August 31, 2011, you can still get a second free voucher for a retake or another of the six HIT Pro competency exams.

What if my initial HIT Pro exam is scheduled later than August 31, 2011?
The initial HIT Pro competency exam must be taken by August 31, 2011. If your initial HIT Pro competency exam appointment is scheduled for September 1, 2011 or later, you are welcome to reschedule your initial exam.

What are the dates of the the HIT Pro Second Exam Promotion?
The initial HIT Pro competency exam must be completed by August 31, 2011. Candidates will have two months (60 days) from the date of issuance to use the second free exam voucher.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my first HIT Pro competency exam and can’t schedule a new exam by August 31, 2011?
Candidates who do not take their first HIT Pro competency exam by August 31, 2011 will not be eligible for the HIT Pro Second Exam Promotion; however, a free voucher for the initial exam can still be requested.

What if I received a free exam for an initial HIT Pro competency exam but it expired before I scheduled my exam?
All vouchers for initial HIT Pro exams are free. You can request a new voucher from your training program, employer or employment office.

What if I didn’t show up for my initial HIT Pro competency exam appointment?
Since you did not take the exam, you can still request a voucher for an initial HIT Pro competency exam and qualify for the HIT Pro Second Exam Promotion. All of the same business rules apply as when scheduling your initial exam. Candidates who fail to show up for their exam will forfeit their $20 scheduling fee, and will be charged an additional $179 no show fee.

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