AAHAM Certified Revenue Cycle Professional

Intended Audience

This exam is intended for all supervisors and managers in the revenue cycle industry, to help equip you to effectively manage key aspects of the revenue cycle. This certification requires in-depth knowledge functional areas including registration (front desk), billing, credit & collections and revenue cycle management.

The Professional Revenue Cycle Certification validates the knowledge and skills possessed by a competent mid-level revenue cycle supervisor or manager. This certification is for the individual who desires confirmation and recognition of their expertise and/or for those who aspire to the executive level certification.

Although Professional Certification is not a pre-requisite for Executive level certification, it is designed as a rung on the AAHAM certification ladder to Executive certification for those interested in pursuing the next level in their career path.

Exam Overview

The Professional Certification is a comprehensive online, proctored, four (4) hour exam designed for supervisors and managers that covers revenue cycle subject matter including patient access, billing, credit/collections and revenue cycle management. The exam is comprised of true/false and multiple-choice questions. AAHAM offers two types of Professional certification; one focused on the revenue cycle within an institutional (hospital, health system) setting and the other focused on the revenue cycle in a professional (physician, clinic) setting.

Eligibility

CRCP-I/CRCP-P exams are available to National AAHAM members, in good standing. The applicant must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a healthcare related field. A two (2) year associate degree or a degree from an accredited university or college can be substituted for the two (2) years of experience. When using an educational waiver for experience, a transcript copy must accompany the application.

CRCP-I/CRCP-P Sections

Sections included in the CRCP exams include:

CRCP-I Sections

CRCP-P Sections

  1. Patient Access
  2. Billing
  3. Credit/Collections
  4. Revenue Cycle Management
  1. Front Desk
  2. Billing
  3. Credit/Collections
  4. Revenue Cycle Management

Exam Format

The exam is comprised of four (4) sections that contain multiple-choice and true/false questions. Examinees must initially sit for all four (4) sections of the exam. Each section is graded separately, and each of the four (4) sections must be passed with a score of 70% or greater in order to earn the certification designation. If one (1) or two (2) sections are failed, a retake of those sections is permitted. If three (3) or more sections are failed, a retake of the entire exam is required.

Dual Certification

Individuals who currently hold the CRCP-I or CRCP-P certification designation may take a three (3) section exam to obtain dual Certification. All sections of the dual CRCP-I/CRCP-P exam must be successfully passed (70% correct) to earn a dual certification. If two (2) of the three (3) sections are successfully passed, the remaining section can be retaken. If less than two (2) sections are passed, the entire exam must be retaken.

Exam Retakes

Exams for failed sections must be retaken within twelve (12) months of the initial exam date.

Exam Refunds and Postponements

CRCP-I/CRCP-P application fees are non-refundable and are non-transferable. No postponements are allowed.

Grading

Grading is immediate upon completion of the exam. Results will be provided online.

Exam Frequency

The exams are held three times a year; March, July and November.

Exam Preparation

AAHAM certification examinations require comprehensive working knowledge of patient account management, governmental regulations and policies that govern revenue cycle procedures. However, hands-on experience is not sufficient; candidates will need to enhance and refresh their knowledge through independent and group study programs. Participation in study opportunities provided by your local chapter and/or the national organization is highly recommended.

Study opportunities include:

  • A downloadable CRCP-I/CRCP-P study outline included in the CRCP exam fee. The study outline can also be purchased separately.
  • A comprehensive CRCP-I/CRCP-P Exam Study Manual is available for purchase. The manual is designed to assist you in studying for the CRCP certification as chapters correspond to each section of the exams, with material targeted and geared toward exam questions. It features knowledge checks (practice questions) to help gauge your progress.
  • Training and coaching opportunities are offered by local AAHAM chapters.

Professional Study Sessions will be conducted by Leanna Marshall (434/293-8891), Virginia Chapter Certification Chair.  Leanna is available to hold study sessions in person, at the University of Virginia Medical Center, Department of Patient Financial Services building located at 4105 Lewis & Clark Dr. Charlottesville, VA 22911, or via telephone conference.