HCQM - Health Care Quality & Management

  • Cost $805-$1095
  • Renews every 2 years

COURSE FORMAT

Online
In Person

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).

In Person

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

Online

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

  • Log in or create an account

  • 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:

  • NAHQ Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

  • IHI Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS)

  • NCC Obstetric and Neonatal Quality and Safety (ONQS)

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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.