HCQM - Health Care Quality & Management
- Cost $805-$1095
- Renews every 2 years
COURSE FORMAT
About
The Health Care Quality & Management certification (HCQM) Certification exam is intended for all nurses, allied health workers, and other medical professionals dedicated to quality improvement, managed care, utilization management, risk management, workers' compensation and case management principles. The American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP) administers this exam.
Eligibility Requirements
Current license free from restrictions in every U.S. state or territory candidate holds a license
Completed at least 208 hours of documented involvement in any of the following categories within the past five years:
Quality Improvement, Utilization Management
Risk Management
Case Management/Disease Management
Managed Health Care Systems
Transitions of Care
Government.
Complete the ABQAURP Core Body of Knowledge online course OR 25 hours of approved continuing medical education (CME) in one or more of the exam categories
Two professional references (colleagues or supervisors)
Professional English language proficiency, if applicable
Completion Time: Candidates have 4 hours to complete the HCQM exam
Cost:
Exam Fee ABQAURP Members: $645
Exam Fee Non-Members: $745
U.S. Application Fee (non-refundable) ABQAURP Member: $160
U.S. Application Fee (non-refundable) Non-Member: $250
International Application Fee (non-refundable) ABQAURP Member: $260
International Application Fee (non-refundable) Non-Member: $350
Subspecialty certification (if desired): $200
Course Format
The HCQM certification exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and candidates have 4 hours to complete it. Candidates receive Pass/Fail results immediately following completion of the exam. HCQM exam topics include:
Accreditation Organizations
Transitions of Care (TOC)
Credentialing and Privileging
Pay-for-Performance & Value-Based Care
Insurance and Managed Care
Workers' Compensation (WC)
Quality Improvement
Management and Assurance
Utilization Management
Clinical Resource Management
Case Management
Risk Management / Patient Safety
Regulatory Environment
Test Dates
From June 1 to September 30 annually. Candidates may take the exam in person at internationally-located Prometric Testing Centers or take it online anytime, from anywhere through Remote Proctoring (ProProctor).
Applicants register for the exam after receiving an email from ABQAURP. They may register online or by calling Prometric at (800) 998-1942.
Go to Prometric’s website
Click the option to schedule an an in-person exam
Select the appropriate program from a drop down menu
Be prepared to provide email address and phone number
Be prepared to consent to collection and processing of personal data
Exam Day Instructions
Arrive at the testing center 30 minutes before exam time
Bring a government-issued ID and test confirmation number from Prometric
Store personal items in provided lockers
Applicants register for the exam after receiving an email from ABQAURP. They may register online or by calling Prometric at (800) 998-1942.
Go to Prometric’s website
Click the option to schedule an online exam
Review the Prometric User Guide to ensure system compatibility
Select the appropriate program from a drop down menu
Be prepared to provide email address and phone number
Be prepared to consent to collection and processing of personal data
Certification
Application Process
Download the HCQM Exam Candidate Handbook
Apply for the HCQM Certification Exam online
Click “Register Myself”
Click “Edit registrant information”
Enter required information
Proceed to checkout
Enter credit card information
Prepare for the exam
Renewal
HCQM certification is valid for two years.The initial cycle begins on January1 of the year after passing the exam to December 31 of the second year. During each recertification cycle, each member must:
Complete a minimum of 8 credit hours of continuing education relevant to HCQM
Stay current with annual dues
ABQAURP automatically sends an updated HCQM Diplomate certificate to renewing members upon satisfactory completion of recertification requirements.
Continuing Education
Recertification requires completion of at least 8 CME/CE hours relevant to Health Care Quality and Management. Candidates may obtain these hours through ABQAURP-accredited continuing education using any combination of the following:
Attending any ABQAURP-accredited CE Conference
Completing any ABQAURP-accredited CE Online Course(s)
Attending any ABQAURP-accredited jointly provided program
Developing an approved CE course or conference presentation for ABQAURP
Alternately, candidates may complete 8 CME/CE credit hours of HCQM-focused content through non-ABQAURP accredited CE programs. However, there’s a $150 processing and verification fee using this option. Diplomate members may also retake the exam instead of completing CME/CE credits.
Other Resources
Related Certifications
Once certified, HCQM professionals may apply for certification in one of several subspecialties, including:
Case Management
Managed Care
Patient Safety / Risk Management
Physician Advisor
Transitions of Care
Workers’ Compensation
Subspecialty certification requirements include:
312 hours of documented work in the subspecialty
24 hours of continuing education in the applicable subspecialty
Alternatively, candidates may apply for subspecialty registration during initial certification.
Other related certifications include:
Frequently asked questions
Who should get the HCQM certification?
HCQM certification is recommended for allied health professionals and nurses involved in quality management or leadership.
What are the benefits of having HCQM certification?
HCQM certification demonstrates expertise in the field of Health Care Quality Management and Patient Safety. Certified professionals often see an increased demand for their professional services because they’ve distinguished themselves as having a high level of expertise in analysis, review, case management, and many areas of healthcare administration.
How much does the HCQM certification exam cost?
HCQM certification exam costs start at $805 for ABQAURP members, including the exam and application fees. Additional charges apply for non-members, international applicants, and subspecialty certification.
How long before I’m approved to take the HCQM certification exam?
Allied health professionals and nurses usually receive approval to take the HCQM certification exam about three weeks from the time the ABQAURP receives their applications and all supporting documentation.
How long before I receive my exam score?
You receive your preliminary pass/fail score immediately after you finish your exam and a detailed performance report via email directly from Prometric after the testing window closes.
Can I retake the HCQM exam if I don’t pass it the first time?
Yes, for an additional fee you can retake the exam once during the same testing window. Some candidates may choose to wait until the next testing window to have more time to prepare.
Can I earn a Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) online?
Yes you can earn a Health Care Quality & Management (HCQM) online.
What organization administers the HCQM exam?
The American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (ABQAURP) administers the HCQM exam.