Welcome to the national certification examination (NCE) FAQ page. Featured on this page are answers to the most common questions regarding the NCE. You can use the categories to quickly navigate to different question topics.
Categories
Applying to the NCE
What do I do if my membership will expire before I write my NCE?
An active membership is required during both the application process and while writing the NCE.
Can I withdraw or defer my application?
To withdraw or defer your examination application, please contact exam@echima.ca.
The request to withdraw from an examination must be received in writing by the application deadline. A refund of 100% of the examination fee will be provided. No refund will be provided past these deadlines.
How do I know if my application is approved?
Applications are reviewed after the Application, payment & transcript deadline. Approved candidates will receive an email 2-3 days following this deadline to inform them of their approval.
What is the application deadline for my exam?
How do I submit my transcript?
Transcripts are required to be received on or before the application deadline. CHIMA is not able to request a candidate’s transcript from an institution as they contain personal information. It is suggested that candidates confirm their program’s policy for submitting transcripts to CHIMA. Candidates will not be notified of the receipt of their transcript.
There are two methods of submission, please choose from one of the following methods (Please note that electronic transcripts are preferred):
Electronic
Electronic transcripts are accepted only when received directly from an institution. They must be scanned individually as a PDF, saved as ‘lastname_firstname_institution,’ and emailed to exam@echima.ca.
Mail-in
Both an institution and exam candidate can mail a sealed, original copy to the following address:
CHIMA
Attn: Examinations
301-50 Ottawa Street South
Kitchener, Ontario
N2G 3S7
How do I know if my transcript has been received?
Candidates will not be notified of the receipt of their transcript. Please contact your program coordinator to confirm that they have submitted your transcript/supporting documentation.
Do I need to submit my transcript again if I’m writing the examination for a second time?
No, you will not need to re-submit a transcript if you have already submitted it during a previous application.
How do I schedule my exam date and time?
You will be sent a link to book your exam date and time closer to the Application, payment & transcript deadline of your examination period. This will be sent to the email address you submitted while completing your application.
If you do not receive this email by the deadline, please check your spam/junk folder. If you still have not received the email, please contact exam@echima.ca.
What do I do if I need to re-schedule my exam?
If you need to re-schedule your NCE date and time, you can do so within the Canadian College of Health Information Management card within your dashboard.
To do so, please follow these steps:
- Click on your name in the top-right corner of the website
- Select My dashboard from the drop-down menu
- Click into the Canadian College of Health Information Management card
- Select the ‘Manage’ button under NCE appointments card
- Click on the ‘Edit’ button
- Choose your new date and time
- Click on the ‘Save’ button
If you have any questions or would like assistance, please contact exam@echima.ca.
Preparing to write
Where is the exam written?
The examination is hosted online through echima.ca. You can write from a place of your choosing as long as it an acceptable test environment according to the proctoring guidelines.
What internet browser should I use?
Google Chrome (latest version) is the suggested browser of choice for both Windows and Mac users.
If you need to download Google Chrome, please visit the following link for more information: https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/95346?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DDesktop
What do I need to bring with me on the day of my exam?
- Government-issued I.D –prior to writing your examination, the proctoring software will prompt you to take a photo of yourself as well as a photo of your I.D.
- CHIMA Username and password – you will need to log in to your account and will not be able to exit the proctoring software to collect this information
- Proper technology set up
Note: A calculator is available within the exam platform for candidates to use during the exam.
What resources are available to help me study?
The resources available to you, such as practice quizzes and primers, are featured on the NCE help centre resources page.
Can I bring my notes with me to the exam?
No. Notes, answer sheets, textbooks, etc. are not permitted while writing.
Can I take a bathroom break while I write my exam?
Yes, bathroom breaks are permitted. Please note that the timer for your exam cannot be paused.
Can I bring water to my examination sitting?
Yes, bringing a drink to your examination is permitted.
What can I expect the day of my examination?
You will receive an email two hours before the time of your examination. In this email will be the link you will click to begin your examination process. Once you click on this link, you will be brought to a course page. Please read through the information as well as the terms and conditions. Once complete, click on the ‘Start Quiz / Commencer le test‘ button.
This will bring you to the proctoring set-up stage. During this stage, the proctoring software will confirm that your technology is working as it should be. Then you will be prompted to take a photo of yourself, a photo of your ID, and lastly, you will show a 360 of your testing environment.
After this, you will be brought to a new page with an instruction table. Once finished reading, scroll down to click on the ‘Start now‘ button. After clicking this button, your examination time will start and you can begin writing.
Technical support
How do I know if my technology is suitable for writing the NCE?
It is a mandatory requirement to test proctoring software before writing to ensure you can begin your examination without issue.
It is highly recommended to test this proctoring software at least a week before your scheduled sitting.
Review the NCE proctoring guideline for more information on preparing your technology.
What should I do if I require assistance while testing the proctoring software?
Please fill out this form: https://www.echima.ca/contact-the-exam-and-proctoring-support-team/
What should I do if I require assistance while writing my exam?
Please fill out this form: https://www.echima.ca/contact-the-exam-and-proctoring-support-team/
I’m planning to write the NCE at my workplace but I am unable to open the proctoring software.
If you are planning to write the NCE while at your workplace, please note that you may need to contact your organization’s IT department to double-check what firewalls are in place. Firewalls can block the software from performing properly.
If your organization’s firewalls cannot be removed, you will need to find an alternate space to write in.
Will I lose time if I take too long during the proctoring set up?
No, the timer for your examination does not start until after you have completed the proctoring setup.
Next steps after your examination
When will I receive my results and how do I review them?
You will be notified through email once your grades are released. Please ensure to check your junk/spam folder as the email may have ended up there.
Candidates can view their grades by signing in to their CHIMA dashboard. Please select ‘National Certification Examinations’ and navigate to ‘Examination history’. Grades are posted approximately 20 business days* after the examination period ends.
* At times, the College could run outside of these service level agreements due to extenuating circumstances.
How can I prove that I am certified to potential employers?
Once certified, you will be listed on the Registry of Professionals. This registry includes all professional members who are in good standing with the Canadian College of Health Information Management.
You also have a printable member card that displays your certified status. To locate this card, please follow the steps listed below:
1. Sign in to your CHIMA account using the button at the top right of the home page; you will be automatically redirected to your dashboard.
2. Click into My membership
3. Click on the ‘Professional membership card’ button
4. This will bring you to a new page with your card, and you will have the option to save and print.
When can I expect my certificate in the mail?
Candidates who pass will receive an official certificate from the Canadian College of Health Information Management and a welcome letter in the mail within 45 business days. Please note at times, the College could run outside of these service level agreements due to extenuating circumstances.
The certificate is sent to the address you submitted on your application. If your mailing address has changed since you’ve submitted your application, please contact exam@echima.ca as soon as you can. Additional fees will apply if the certificate needs to be reprinted.
What name will be displayed on my certificate?
The full name (including the middle name) you submitted during your examination application will be used on your certification. If there was an error in your submission, please get in touch with exam@echima.ca as soon as you can. Additional fees will apply if the certificate needs to be reprinted.
Will I switch to a professional membership automatically?
If you pass the NCE, you will receive an email prompting you to switch to the professional membership.