ONC offers competency exams for health IT pros
The Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) has released its six initial Health Information Technology Professionals Examinations, intended to identify highly skilled health IT experts.
The exams demonstrate skill levels in competencies identified as essential for key health IT professional workforce roles, according to the ONC. The exams will enable healthcare providers and other employers to assess the health IT competencies of their staffs.
Employers can also use the exams to identify additional training needs for staff and assess their personnel requirements. In addition, institutions of higher education can utilize the exams to evaluate and improve their health IT programs.
The six exams are aligned with the roles and training provided by ONC’s Community College Consortia program, the agency stated. These roles include:
The Health IT Professionals Exams are now open to individuals. The first 27,500 eligible U.S. health IT workers can take an exam free of charge using a voucher. Eligible individuals include students trained through the Community College Consortia program and others with relevant experience, training or education in healthcare or IT. The exams will be administered at 230 U.S. testing centers, according to the ONC.
The cost of the first exam for individuals without a voucher is $299. Individuals can retake an exam for the same role or take an additional exam for another role, for $199.
Click here for more information about the Health IT Professionals Examinations.
The exams demonstrate skill levels in competencies identified as essential for key health IT professional workforce roles, according to the ONC. The exams will enable healthcare providers and other employers to assess the health IT competencies of their staffs.
Employers can also use the exams to identify additional training needs for staff and assess their personnel requirements. In addition, institutions of higher education can utilize the exams to evaluate and improve their health IT programs.
The six exams are aligned with the roles and training provided by ONC’s Community College Consortia program, the agency stated. These roles include:
- Clinician/Practitioner Consultant
- Implementation Manager
- Implementation Support Specialist
- Practice Workflow & Information Management Redesign Specialist
- Technical/Software Support Staff
- Trainer
The Health IT Professionals Exams are now open to individuals. The first 27,500 eligible U.S. health IT workers can take an exam free of charge using a voucher. Eligible individuals include students trained through the Community College Consortia program and others with relevant experience, training or education in healthcare or IT. The exams will be administered at 230 U.S. testing centers, according to the ONC.
The cost of the first exam for individuals without a voucher is $299. Individuals can retake an exam for the same role or take an additional exam for another role, for $199.
Click here for more information about the Health IT Professionals Examinations.