Skip to content
Independent certification guide · exam data reviewed November 2026 Study guidesBrowse by fieldHow we review
Find a certification

CPHQ – Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality

CPHQ – Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality vs 2 alternatives compared

Exam fee, level, duration, validity and salary side by side. Blank cells mean we do not have verified data yet.

CPHQ – Certified Professional in Healthcare QualityCPHIMS – Certified Professional in Health InformaticsRHIA – Registered Health Information Administrator
VendorNAHQHIMSSAHIMA
LevelIntermediateAdvancedIntermediate
Exam fee$370–$470$395–$495$229–$299
Duration———
Passing score———
Valid for——2 years
Typical salary$70K–$100K$90K–$130K$65K–$95K
Prerequisites——Successful completion of a CAHIIM‑accredited HIM baccalaureate, master’s, post‑baccalaure…

Which should you choose?

Should I take CPHQ – Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality or CPHIMS – Certified Professional in Health Informatics first?

CPHQ – Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality is the lower-level certification (Intermediate vs Advanced), so it is usually the better first step.

Should I take CPHQ – Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality or RHIA – Registered Health Information Administrator first?

Both are rated Intermediate. Pick the one whose exam domains match the job you want, and check which one employers in your area ask for.