Preparing for Your Exam
Successful completion of AHDI’s credentialing exams will depend not only on training and experience but very often on focused exam preparation and study. A goal-oriented approach to preparation can make the difference between earning and not earning your credential. Candidates should consider any or all of the following recommendations for exam prep, independent exercise, and/or collaborative group study.
Understand the Exam Blueprint
The 120 items on the RHDS exam and the 120 items on the CHDS exam come from specific core competency objectives outlined on the exam blueprints for each exam. Understanding competencies to be evaluated for each objective will guide you in your studies. Blueprints for both exams, sample assessment items, and FAQs are in the Credentialing Candidate Guide (free download).
For information about the CHDP exam, blueprint, and prep materials, see the CHDP web page here.
Invest in Exam Prep Resources
- RHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blueprint Objectives
- RHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives
- CHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blueprint Objectives
- CHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives – coming soon
- The Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation, 4th Edition (current exams based on this edition)
- The Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation Workbook
Online Study Courses
AHDI offers online RHDS and CHDS study courses. Organizations/industry employers may also organize study groups, or you may host your own. The CHDS Study Course may be used to study for the CHDP Exam.
- RHDS Study Course: Mastering the Language of Healthcare (12-week course)
- CHDS Study Course: Mastering the Advanced Language of Healthcare (8-week course)
- AHDI Events Calendar
Take a Practice Exam
The Practice Exams are designed to parallel the weight and balance of objectives on the RHDS, CHDS, and CHDP exams. You will be tested on potential content domains from the exam blueprints, respectively, to give you an overall impression of exam scope and format, and to acclimate you with the testing environment. You will receive an email 24 to 48 hours after you complete and submit your Practice Exam with feedback on your missed objectives on any failed practice exam. These Practice Exams are proctored using AI technology and require the use of Google Chrome web browser. Learn more.
