This is the second blog of a three part series that describes my experience about the CPHIMS certification exam. The first blog answered why I selected this certification. Today I will talk about my exam preparation efforts. The third and last blog will describe how my exam day went.
Hope you will find this helpful if you are planning on getting CPHIMS certified.
Now four things before I begin my blog. First, I really did what I am going to write here. I am not going to give you an impression that this was an easy thing for me to crack. Second, it may seem to you that I planned my preparation very precisely. I did not. It rather evolved as I progressed and learned from my efforts. So a lot of back and forth-ing, learning from mistakes etc. Third, you may be a genius and think what I did was way too much. You are right. I put higher priority on preparedness than on my wits. Fourth and last, use this blog as a guideline and not as a guarantee of any sort.
NOTE: HIMSS has updated the CPHIMS exam in March, 2013.
Lessons Learned
Overall lesson learned: CPHIMS is definitely manageable if you have a good background in either IT or Healthcare.
I learned these four major lessons early in my preparation cycle,
1. There is no real single study guide for CPHIMS. This is probably because the syllabus is pretty broad and can get deep in certain areas. This means …
2. You will end up guessing or missing a few questions in the actual exam. Do not let it get to you.
3. Understanding andmemorizing details are equally important.
4. Simulated exams are critical for success.
I came up with the following strategies to meet these challenges.
Preparation Strategies
Some of these strategies came from my background in the Indian education system.
1. Independent research is the key.
2. Use authentic sources for the study material.
3. Spend time up front to create quality summary notes of the material. Then study these notes over and over and over …
4. Write the content from memory on paper. Then check back with the notes for correctness. This greatly helps in retaining the material in your head.
5. Use as many simulated tests sources you can find for practice. More you practice the better you get.
a. Ignore the simulated test time limits. Answer the questions slowly and carefully. The goal is to get all of these right.
b. Use exam score data to pinpoint your areas of weakness. Forget how badly you did in the exam. The goal is to understand and fix your shortcomings as much as possible.
c. Add the answers of incorrect questions to your summary notes material.
d. Repeat the previous three steps with the next test.
The Execution
Here’s a list of my study material with summary description for each. A content rating varies between 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) depending on how well it helped me answer the actual CPHIMS questions.
Preparing for Success in Healthcare Information and Management Systems
THE CPHIMS REVIEW CD-ROM
NOTE: This material is not available any more. Instead please see this list of HIMSS resources.
Price: $250. Rating: 3/5
Comment: I bought this CD with high hopes. I listened to each word of every module multiple times. I made condensed notes of the content that I did not know or thought was important. I recycled a slightly used composition book for my note book (see picture on left). It was my single source of “truth” for the next couple of months.
The overall material was OK. But I wished if the quality could have been better considering its high price tag. It did motivate me to research the content on my own.
This ultimately made a big difference.
CPHIMS Self-Assessment Examination
Price: $60. Rating: 3.5/5
Comment: I started working on this after thoroughly studying the CD-ROM content. I treated the exam as a study guide rather than an actual test.
This exam really helped in my preparation. But I will tell you that some of the questions and their answers looked weird, random and difficult to apprehend when I cross-checked these with the content. I could not make head or tail of at least one answer. Also, content for several questions were not covered in the CPHIMS Review CD-ROM. That made me question the value of the review material even more.
I wrote down each question in my notebook. Then I thought hard, consulted my notebook, researched the Internet to answer the question. I would answer 15-20 questions at a time. Take a break for a couple of days. Read the notebook from front to back. Then show up for the next round of beating. All said and done, I scored a measly 74/100 (the system mails you the questions and answers with detailed analysis of your score) – General: 72%, Systems: 86%, Adminsitration: 63%. CPHIMS requires 68/100 to pass. And did I tell you that I took w-a-y more time than the usual (two hours)? “No problem”, I told myself, “Let’s stick to my strategy.” The data clearly showed I needed help on Administration. So I started working on it.
The Well-Managed Healthcare Organization, Seventh Edition by Kenneth R. White
and John R. Griffith
Price: $0. Rating: 2/5
Comment: I found this book from my Internet research. I was very fortunate to get free access to Books24x7 (as part of corporate subscription by my employer). After scanning the content two things became apparent. First, this was a very good book. Second, it was too dense and long (584 pages) for me to finish within a reasonable time. So I read parts that I thought were most relevant: Chapter 1: Foundations of High-Performing Healthcare Organizations, Chapter 2: Cultural Leadership, Chapter 3: Operational Leadership, Chapter 4: Strategic Leadership—Governance and Chapter 5: Foundations of Clinical Performance.
Hindsight – it was an overkill. Hence the low rating. But I give this book a 5/5 for the knowledge I gained.
A Guide to the Project Management Body Of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Fourth Edition by Project Management Institute
Price: $0. Rating: 4/5
Comment: Books24x7 again came handy. I read only the first three chapters: Chapter 1: Introduction, Chapter 2: Project Life Cycle and Organization , Chapter 3: Project Management Processes for a Project . The book has really valuable and relevant information. I also liked its simple and direct style.
Federal Register
Price: $0. Rating: 3/5
Comment: Healthcare information is a moving target. You need to plug yourself into sources that will feed you with the latest updates.
Case to the point – Federal Register site. This is THE authoratative source of information about US government news, policies & mandates (both current and future) in healthcare.
Any updates on federal policies and mandates show up here first. I browsed through this site about once a week. I was amazed how quickly I could get an update of what’s happening out there. I give this site a 5/5 based on quality and timeliness of information.
Several other web sites
Price: $0. Rating: 4/5
Comment: I do not have a list of these websites. I used these sources to collect a medley of information (in my notebook). This helped me the most in understanding various topics in-depth as well as in the actual CPHIMS exam..
I did not have a set time for study because of my crazy schedule. So I studied (my notebook) on the plane while traveling on business, during idle times while running chores, lunch breaks, night time after I am done with the work orders for the day. You get the idea. I also started writing the content from memory on paper. I used the blank sides of paper recycled from junk mail and used printer paper at home. I found other online practice exams (for example, HIMSS demo test, Android based, Momentrix Media LLC). I took the HIMSS demo test because it was free. Android based test looked very good based on the reviews I saw. But I decided that I have spent enough money already. So I did not take it. Momentrix reviews scared me. I went over the HIMSS self-assessment exam questions several times and re-answered these to get practice.
Finally around end of September I decided it’s time to take the exam. So I contacted Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. I will talk about this and my exam day on my next blog.
Timeline – Two months
Although I decided to get CPHIMS around end of May, I did not start my preparation till middle of August! Talk about procrastination! So with my exam on October 10 I got about a couple of months to get ready.
What’s your story?
How did you prepare for your CPHIMS exam? What worked and what didn’t? Let’s hear about your experience.
Great resource. Thanks for sharing your experience.
CJ, Thanks!
Hi Sandip,
The information’s about this exam is like a Ocean on Internet. I myself googled this a lot and finally reach this blog which is very helpful to me now.
If possible can you please email me as much details you can to start my study on this, like (books, pdf, tests sample, any material). This will help me to save some money also.
Thanks,
Sneh Giri
sneh2383@yahoo.co.in
Sneh, Thanks! Please go through my blogs to see a list of the material that I used. There are two ways.
First, top-down. Here you go deep with a handful of study material. Then go wide with material from trusted sources. I have listed a few of these in my blogs. HIMSS updated its CPHIMS study guide I believe. I have not see the new version so I cannot comment.
Second, bottom-up. I highly recommend that you take as many sample tests as you can. HIMSS site has one and I recommend it. I have also read good reviews about an Android based test exam (the link is in blog). You study these questions (forget about your test score) and their answers. This is an effective strategy.
Good Luck!
I agree with Sneh, this blog has been really helpful. I am studying for CPHIMS certification at the moment. Having done it without much guidance in 2012, I’m trying it again with a lot more clarity on requirements and strategy. I got the 2nd edition of the HIMSS book and I’m utilizing the practice tests. I’m planning on doing it at the end of April.
Travis,
Thanks! Best of luck on your CPHIMS exam!
Dear Sandip sir
I am in Mumbai and keen to study heathcare IT hence want to get CPHIMS study material. But it is expensive so requesting if I can borrow your material. Thanks n Regards. James
Sandeep,
It is great article I was wondering how could I build my Healthcare career as a IT Project Management professional.
hi,
i need study partner or join a study group , in order to have the next CPHIMS exam
my email mohab2006fe@yahoo.com
HI,
PLESAE I NEED YOUR advice , i will buy those books HIMSS Dictionary, Third Edition/The CPHIMS Review Course, Second Edition
do you recommend them or not thanks,
regards,
Hi Sandip,
I read the blog about your experience of taking the CPHIMS certification. Since this took place a few years ago, can you please share your thoughts on if this certification proved useful to you for (a) increasing your healthcare domain knowledge and (b) value of this certification in the healthcare industry.
Thanks,
Thanks Sandip. I agree with all the above comments. The way you’ve generalized the info is just phenomenal. I appreciate you taking the time and do this for all the CPHIMS seekers. I wish you best of luck in your future endeavors. Thanks for the help again.
After you filled out the application for the exam..did anyone ever confirm your healthcare experience? One of my years of experience might be questionable and I don’t want to pay the fee, pass the test, only to find out they won’t allow it.
Hi Sandip, could you tell me if there is a eBook available somewhere for the second edition CPHIMS Review material? I tried purchasing the book from HIMSS, it is redirecting me to a UK site and the prices are way too high. Can you help me?
Thanks,
Raghu
Raghu, I have updated all three CPHIMS blogs. Please check the second blog for updated information. Hope this helps.
Jim, No one checked/confirmed my healthcare experience. From what I have seen, all experience etc. you submit for CPHIMS is based on an honor system.
Thank you! Wish you the same!
Dinesh, As I have mentioned in my first blog, I did not use CPHIMS to seek employment. I found out that the Healthcare IT professionals are aware of it. That alone can give you an edge if you are persistent. But I found an astounding lack of awareness in other folks. For example, professionals who sell to the Healthcare industry. They would not know if CPHIMS hit them in their face on a bright sunny day!
Mohab, I have not used these resources so I cannot advice.
Mohab, Have you checked LinkedIn? Right now, I see six CPHIMS groups with one that says Exam Prep Study Group in its name.
Raja, I find Healthcare to be very certification and credential focused. I see folks with so many acronyms after their names that I have stopped asking what these mean. I highly recommend the PMP certification from Project Management Institute. Followed by actual paid experience in the Healthcare industry. I can tell you that right IT talent is a scarce commodity in Healthcare. Primarily because of lower than average pay compared to other industries. Also, resources are generally really tight as margins are thin and are getting thinner everyday. So my advice is evaluate your priorities and reasons carefully before you commit to a full-time life-long Healthcare IT career.
James, I have loaned out all my materials to a colleague. If you have time, I recommend that you research the material available free on the Internet. Also, connect with online groups, for example on LinkedIn.
Very useful information as i am starting my initial search on CPHIMS preparation. I agree Mometrix is scare. BTW, online study group is a valuable info at this time.
Hi Sandip,
I attemptes the 100 questions and scored 58 correct, this is without any preparation as I am a IT project manager for a PAYER application.
Just want your opinion that do I still need detail preparation, or I can attemp the exam now?
Dinesh, you do need detailed preparation. Chances are you can pass without it. But this is not an easy exam and you may end up failing it.
Very well written. I am looking forward to take the exam sometime this year.
I am currently studying for the CPHIMS certification. I have ordered the study guide and will be getting it in the mail soon. Since, I have access to the self-assessment test, I started studying it and going through the questions. I later realized that I was making mistake by answering the questions.
I decided to just go through the ones I have answered so far and wait for the book. Once I am comfortable with what I have studied in the book, I will continue with the question.
Do I have to pass the assessment before I can be registered for the actual exams? Your thoughts please. Thanks
Thanks! Good Luck!
The CPHIMS exam has changed since I took it. However, I do not think you have to pass the assessment test to qualify for exam registration. Please clarify with the CPHIMS folks. I suggest that you go over the study guide before attempting to take the test. Good luck!
Not sure why some of these have been mentioned here as 0$, none of them are actually for free.
Hi Sandip Da,
Thank you very much for the very informative blog on CPHIMS.
I have started preparing for it and have planned for April end.
However i am not bale to find the links working (for example, HIMSS demo test, Android based).
I need more tests samples to prepare, can you help me to find it out.
I was planning to go for Mometrix but you mentioned it’s review was not good.
Thanks in advance.
Regards
Afroz
afroz01@gmail.com