For more than 25 years, AAHAM certifications have defined new levels of professionalism in the healthcare administrative field.
AAHAM would like to CONGRATULATE those individuals that recently passed the Certified Patient Account Technician (CPAT) exam and the Certified Clinical Account Technician (CCAT) exam! Their hard work and dedication has distinguished them among their peers.
Click here to download the 2012 AAHAM Certification Brochure (PDF)
Once you have recieved your confirmation email with the login and password:
Click here to download the latest Technical Study Outline
Click Here for the 2011 Certification Schedule
Click Here for the 2012 Certification Schedule
Click here to complete an Online Technical Exam (CPAT/CCAT/CCT) application
Click here to download Technical Certification Application (pdf format)
Click here to order the Technical Study Manuals online
Click here to download Technical Study Manuals Order Form (pdf format)
Click here to download the Technical CEU/Recertification Reporting form
Click here to download the Chapter Certification Chair Directory
CPAT/CCAT/CCT Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the benefits of obtaining AAHAM certification?
A: Certification helps keep you in pace with the industry. You gain recognition by the industry, personal challenge and satisfaction, national recognition, professional development, individual enrichment, employer awareness, and advancement opportunity. Certification demonstrates your proficiency, your commitment to your profession and your career ladder. In many instances certification can get you the job or promotion you really want.
Q: What is Technical Certification?
A: Technical certification tests the proficiency of clerical staff involved in the processing of patient accounts and helps to prepare them for the many changes to come. AAHAM offers three types of Technical Certification; the CPAT (Certified Patient Account Technician) the CCAT (Certified Clinic Account Technician) and the CCT (Certified Compliance Technician)
Q: Who is eligible?
A: The CPAT/CCAT or CCT exam is available to anyone involved in the processing of patient accounts. Membership in AAHAM is not a requirement, although it is encouraged. One-year employment in patient accounting is recommended to successfully complete the exam.
Q: What is the difference between the CPAT and the CCAT?
A: The CPAT is designed for those who work on the hospital side of patient accounting while the CCAT is for those who work on the clinical/physician side.
Q: What does the CPAT/CCAT exam cover and how much time do I have?
A: Each examination has three sections covering Patient Access (CPAT) Front Desk (CCAT), Billing, and Credit and Collections. All three sections cover relevant regulation and acronyms by sections. Each section has 40 questions. An examinee has 2 hours to complete a full exam, 80 minutes to complete a dual exam, and 40 minutes to complete a section retake of the exam.
Q: What does the CCT exam cover and how much time do I have?
A: The CCT exam covers four areas: knowledge of the Office of Inspector General compliance recommendations.The seven elements of a healthcare compliance plan, agencies that oversee healthcare compliance and non-compliance penalties. An examinee has 1 hour to complete the exam.
Q: When are the Technical exams given?
A: The Technical exams are offered four times a year typically during the 2nd and 4th weeks of February, May, August, and November (exact dates, times and locations will determined and communicated to you by your local chapter).
Q: How much does it cost for the CPAT/CCAT Exams?
A: The cost of taking the CPAT or CCAT Full Exam is $100. Section retakes are $50. A Dual Certification Exam is available to current CPAT's or CCAT's. Dual Certification Exams are $80.
Q: How much does it cost for the CCT Exam?
A: The cost for the CCT Exam is $100.
Q: What study materials are available for the CPAT/CCAT?
A: AAHAM offers a CPAT/CCAT Study Manual for purchase. The CPAT CCAT Study Manual is the only study manual written by AAHAM for AAHAM exams, specifically to assist you in studying for AAHAM's certification programs. The manual has a wealth of helpful information for those studying for the technical exams. The manual's sections correspond to each section of the exams, with material targeted and geared towards exam questions. It features knowledge checks (practice questions) along the way to help you gauge your progress. Click here to order the Technical Study Manuals online. AAHAM includes a CPAT/CCAT Study Outline in the exam fee. Download instructions for the Outline will be emailed approximately 6-7 weeks prior to the beginning of the exam period. in order to protect the integrity of the exams, AAHAM does not release any examination questions for viewing.
Q: What study materials are available for the CCT?
A: AAHAM offers a CCT Study Manual for purchase. The CCT Study Manual is the only study manual written by AAHAM for AAHAM exams, specifically to assist you in studying for AAHAM's certification programs. The manual has a wealth of helpful information for those studying for the technical exams. The manual's sections correspond to each section of the exams, with material targeted and geared towards exam questions. It features knowledge checks (practice questions) along the way to help you gauge your progress. Click here to order the Technical Study Manuals online. AAHAM includes a CCT Study Outline in the exam fee. Download instructions for the Outline will be emailed approximately 6-7 weeks prior to the beginning of the exam period. in order to protect the integrity of the exams, AAHAM does not release any examination questions for viewing.
Q: What chapter am I a part of?
A: You can download the Chapter Certification Chair Directory from any of the certification pages on our website. Your local chapter would be the one in your state or in the closest geographical area.
Q: Is there an application deadline?
A: All applications must be received by the AAHAM National Office by December 1st for the February examination, March 1st for the May examination, June 1st for the August examination, and September 1st for the November examination. If the 1st falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline will move to the next business day.
Q: Once I have sent my application, how will I be notified of when and where to take my test?
A: You will be notified by your local Chapter Certification Chair, with the name of your proctor, date, time, and exam location. You will recieve your exam confirmation email, with the Study Outline download instructions, 6-7 weeks prior to the scheduled exam period.
Q: By what method do you take the exam?
A: The examination is given exclusively online in a proctored environment.
Q: What if I don't pass all of the sections?
A:You need to pass at least 2 of the 3 sections of the exam or you will have to retake the entire exam.You must then pass the final section within 12 months of your original exam date. Otherwise a complete retake the entire exam will be necessary. If taking a Dual exam, both sections must be passed or an entire retake is required.
Q: Can I cancel my test date?
A: There are no refunds or postponements. Exam fees are non-transferable.
Q: When will examinees be notified if they have passed the exam?
A: Examinees will know immediately if they have passed or failed the exam after they finish taking their exam. A passing examinee must have at least 70% correct on each of the three sections of the examination. Certificates will be mailed to your Chapter Certification Chair for presentation or mail distribution to passing examinees by the end of the month following the exam.
Q: Once you are CPAT/CCAT certified, what is the process for re-certification?
A: To retain the CPAT/CCAT designation, there are two options available. Option one is to retake and pass the entire exam every three years. The individual must reapply, prepare, take, and pass all sections of the examination. Option two is join as a National AAHAM member within the year you become certified and earn Continuing Education units (CEUs).Members must be in good standing by January 31st of each calendar year and earn and report thirty hours of CEUs within the three calendar years following certification. Fifteen of the CEUs must be obtained from attendance at AAHAM related educational programs. If membership and CEUs ore not maintained, the designation will be revoked and can no longer be used. In order for an individual to maintain their certification through CEUs, the individual must become a National AAHAM member wihtin the year that they earn their ertification.
Q: Once you are CCT certified, what is the process for re-certification?
A: The CCT exam must be retaken and passed every three years to maintain certification. The CCT certification is not maintainable through CEUs.
Q: Is there a Dual Technical Certification Exam available?
A: Yes, in order to take this exam you must currently be a CPAT or a CCAT. You cannot take both exams at the same time under any circumstances. If you are currently a CPAT then you can apply for the CCAT Dual exam. If you are currently a CCAT then you can apply for the CPAT Dual exam. The examination for either the CPAT Dual or the CCAT Dual consists of two sections covering Patient Access (CPAT) Front Desk (CCAT) and Billing. Both sections must be passed on exam day otherwise a complete retake of the Dual Exam is necessary.
Amanda Leibert, Technical Certification/CEU Manager
703-281-4043 ext. 211 amanda@aaham.org