CPHQ & Continuing Education

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is more than just a certification; it serves as a validation of your expertise and competency in healthcare quality management. Earning the CPHQ demonstrates that your knowledge meets the industry standard for delivering excellence in healthcare quality and safety.

As the only accredited certification in healthcare quality, the CPHQ provides distinct advantages. This credential supports your professional growth, enhances your ability to excel in your current role, and establishes you as a true champion of quality within the healthcare field.

CPHQ FAQs

The pandemic has accentuated the importance of healthcare quality, underscoring its critical impact on both patient outcomes and employee safety. Healthcare professionals in Michigan have demonstrated leadership within their organizations by effectively responding to these challenges. Numerous performance improvement methodologies that are now prioritized are incorporated into the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality® (CPHQ) program, which provides practitioners with vital competencies for addressing contemporary healthcare quality concerns.


What is the CPHQ Credential?

The CPHQ® designation is the industry’s gold standard certification for healthcare quality. The accreditation fosters excellence and professionalism through measuring an individual’s performance against a predefined level of quality improvement knowledge. The CPHQ® credential is not limited to those with nursing degrees. Anyone who is working in, or who would like to work in Quality Improvement in any field or area of healthcare, recent graduate or senior students in nursing and allied health science career programs, and healthcare professionals changing career focus.

Why CPHQ?

  • The CPHQ® credential validates your competence, expertise and skills in the field, providing clear evidence of your professional competence.

  • Certification sets you apart from other healthcare quality professionals, showcasing your commitment to excellence and ongoing professional development.

  • Achieving the CPHQ® credential boosts your credibility with employers, colleagues, and stakeholders, signaling your dedication to quality improvement in healthcare.

  • The CPHQ® certification demonstrates your commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare and improving patient outcomes.

  • The CPHQ® credential indicates your readiness and ability to contribute to improvements across the continuum of care.

  • Increasingly, the CPHQ® credential is preferred or required for various positions in healthcare organizations, reflecting its value in the industry.

  • More than 40,000 healthcare quality professionals worldwide have earned the CPHQ® credential, highlighting its widespread acceptance and prestige.

How do I qualify for the exam?

There are no formal eligibility requirements to sit for the exam. This provides an accessible opportunity for individuals who wish to pursue certification in healthcare quality.

While there are no official prerequisites, it is recommended that individuals have at least two years of experience working in the healthcare quality profession. The exam is specifically designed with the perspective and knowledge base of a two-year healthcare quality professional in mind.

Individuals are encouraged to review the content outline for detailed information about the exam topics. The content outline also offers tools and guidance to help assess readiness for the exam, ensuring that candidates can adequately prepare and identify any areas needing further study.

How do I begin??

Begin your preparation by thoroughly reviewing the Exam Content Outline. Each exam question is designed to relate directly to a specific task within the outline and aims to evaluate your ability to complete these tasks or apply the relevant knowledge to various scenarios. Take time to familiarize yourself with the seven major content areas, and pay special attention to topics that are less familiar to you. This assessment will help you create a study plan tailored to your needs. For further details on how to prepare, refer to the additional information provided here.

After establishing your study plan, examine the available resources to choose which ones best support your preparation. The National Association for Healthcare Quality offers both online and in-person review courses, as well as various reference products. Furthermore, the CPHQ Candidate Handbook provides a comprehensive list of published materials that can assist in your exam preparation. The handbook is conveniently accessible online.

How long should I take to prepare?

The amount of time needed to prepare for the exam varies for each individual. Factors such as your prior experience in the healthcare quality field and your personal study habits play a significant role in determining the length of preparation required. According to a recent survey of candidates, most individuals spend between six weeks and three months getting ready for the exam. It is important to assess your own familiarity with the content and establish a study schedule that aligns with your needs and experience. There is a list of several helpful study resources here.

What happens during the exam ?

The third step in the exam preparation process is registering for the exam. Candidates often find that scheduling their exam appointment helps them concentrate their study efforts. By setting an exam date, you create a clear target, which can motivate you to organize and focus your preparation.

Once your preparation is complete and your exam is scheduled, the final step is to take the exam. In response to the Coronavirus pandemic, candidates have the flexibility to choose between taking the exam remotely or at designated testing centers, allowing for greater convenience and accessibility.

After completing the exam, you will receive an unofficial score report. This report includes your photograph, which is taken prior to the start of your exam. The score report will indicate a 'pass' or 'fail' result and provide your raw score, which reflects the number of questions you answered correctly. Additionally, the report breaks down your raw scores for each of the four content categories assessed in the exam.

It is important to note that you are not permitted to use the CPHQ credential until you receive official documentation. Official confirmation of your results typically arrives six to eight weeks after you complete the exam.