What happens on CPHIMS exam day?

Where you sit the exam, what to bring, what is not allowed in the room, and how the two hours run.

Can I take CPHIMS online from home?

Yes. HIMSS offers two ways:

• A Pearson VUE test centre, the main way, with centres around the world. Most are open six days a week.
• OnVUE, online proctoring, at home, at work or anywhere that qualifies, on your own computer.

For OnVUE you need a computer with a webcam, a microphone and speakers, a stable internet connection, and the right to install the OnVUE app on that computer. Run Pearson VUE's system test first and book only when every check passes. A work laptop behind a VPN or a virtual desktop usually fails that test; if you cannot pass it, book a test centre.

How do I book the appointment?

• After HIMSS approves your application you get an Authorization to Test email, usually within 3 to 5 business days, with the booking instructions.
• You must sit the exam within 90 days of that approval. Appointments are first come, first served, so book early.
• There are no walk-ins.
• Changing the appointment is free 30 days or more ahead; the rest is on the cost page.

What do I bring to the test centre?

• The confirmation notice from Pearson VUE.
• A primary ID: government-issued, current, with your name, signature and photograph. A passport, a driver's licence, a national ID card or a military ID. Temporary IDs are not accepted.
• A second ID showing your name and signature, such as a signed bank card or an employee or student card.

The name on both must match the name you registered with. Without proper ID you are not admitted, it counts as a missed appointment, and the fee is not refunded. You may also be asked for a palm scan.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. A candidate who arrives more than 15 minutes after the appointment time is not admitted.

What is not allowed in the testing room?

• Phones and any electronic or recording device. Having one in the room ends your exam.
• Watches, hats and coats; books, notes and reference materials.
• Food, drink and smoking.
• Your own calculator. An on-screen calculator is provided.

Only keys, a wallet and items you need for medical reasons are permitted. Centres have lockers, but HIMSS advises leaving belongings at home. You get one sheet of scratch paper and must hand it back, or your score report is not released.

How do the two hours run?

• A short tutorial on the software comes first. It does not count toward the two hours; the clock starts when you start the exam.
• One question at a time, with four options. You may change an answer as often as you like.
• You can leave a question unanswered and return to it, or flag it for review.
• A countdown timer is on every screen. The exam ends at the two-hour mark.
• 100 questions in 120 minutes is about 72 seconds a question.
• Leaving the room needs the proctor's permission, and the clock keeps running.
• Before you finish, the screen reports how many questions you answered. There is no penalty for guessing, so answer all 100.

Your result appears on the screen at the end. What it means is on the passing score page.

Can I use a dictionary if English is not my first language?

The exam is in English only. At a test centre, a candidate whose first language is not English may bring a paper, word-to-word translation dictionary: no definitions, no pictures, no thesaurus. The proctor inspects it before and after the exam and decides whether it is acceptable.

Source

• HIMSS, CPHIMS Candidate Handbook (May 2024 edition): examination administration, scheduling, on the day of the examination, rules.

Questions about the exam: CPHIMS guide · Exam cost · Eligibility · Passing score · Renewal · How long to study · Is it worth it?

The four domains: Healthcare and Technology Environments · Clinical Informatics · Healthcare Information and Systems Management · Management and Leadership

Facts checked against the HIMSS candidate handbook and the HIMSS site on 9 October 2026; HIMSS may change them, so confirm on its site before you apply or pay. An independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by HIMSS. CPHIMS® is a registered trademark of HIMSS.