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Frequently asked questionsCHIM NCE

Eligibility

There are two ways to become a Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional in Canada:

  1. By attending an HIM program accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management.
  2. By holding a recognized certification from an international association under a reciprocal agreement with the Canadian College of Health Information Management:
  • Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA)
  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
  • Korean Accreditation Board for Health and Medical Information Management Education (KAHIME)

Both of the above pathways require candidates to successfully pass the CHIM National Certification Examination (NCE).

Maintenance of Certification

The requirements for upholding and maintaining this professional designation are as follows:

  • Annual membership renewal with the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA)
  • Upholding of the professional code of ethics
  • Completion of the required continuing professional education (CPE) credits as per the timeframe set forth in the CPE policy

Failure to meet any of these criteria may result in decertification.

What are the advanced standing pathways to become a Certified Health Information Management (CHIM) professional?

Reciprocal agreements:

I have little or no education in health information management. What is the best pathway for me?

Please visit the program directory to browse HIM programs accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management.


I am an internationally trained graduate in medicine, pharmacy, nursing, or other allied health professions. What is the best pathway for me?

Please review the eligibility requirements.


I would like to start a second career in HIM. What is the best pathway for me?

Please visit the program directory to browse HIM programs accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management.

I want to train to become a medical coder. What pathway do I take?

The recognized professional designation for classification and coding specialists (medical coders) in Canada is the CHIM professional designation. Please visit the program directory to browse HIM programs accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management.

I work as a medical coder outside of Canada. Do you recognize my AHIMA or AAPC credentials?

The recognized credential for classification and coding specialists (medical coders) in Canada is the CHIM professional designation. Previous experience with coding is valued; however, for a career as a coding specialist here in Canada, we recommend taking an accredited HIM program. The national certification examination includes more than coding and tests a student’s knowledge on the learning competencies found within the LOHIM document.

I am interested in enrolling in an HIM program accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management. What are my options?

There are a number of different HIM programs across Canada that are accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management. Please visit the program directory to browse a full list of accredited HIM programs. Please direct all inquiries to the program coordinator at the school of interest; the College is unable to answer program-specific questions related to cost, entrance requirements, length, or advanced standing for previous academic education.

Are there any online education options for HIM programs accredited by the Canadian College of Health Information Management?

Please visit the program directory to browse accredited HIM programs that can be completed online. Please direct all inquiries to the program coordinator at the school of interest; the College is unable to answer program-specific questions related to cost, entrance requirements, length, or advanced standing for previous academic education.

Does the Canadian College of Health Information Management recognize graduates of HIM programs outside of Canada?

The College has a reciprocal agreements with:

Can I become CHIM certified if I studied in a non-HIM program within health care?

Please visit the program directory to browse a full list of accredited HIM programs.