What is the passing score for CPHIMS?

The score you need, why it is not a percentage, when you see your result, and what happens if you do not pass.

How many questions do I need to get right?

HIMSS does not publish a number. The exam has 100 multiple-choice questions and your score is built from them, then placed on the 200 to 800 scale. Different versions of the exam can be slightly easier or harder, so the number of correct answers behind a 600 is not the same on every version. That is the reason a scaled score is used: 600 means the same level of knowledge whichever version you sat.

There is no penalty for guessing, so never leave a question blank.

How is the passing score set?

HIMSS uses the Angoff method: expert judges estimate, question by question, the probability that a candidate who just deserves to pass would answer it correctly. The average of those ratings gives the first passing score, which is then checked against how candidates actually perform. When new questions replace old ones, a statistical step called equating adjusts for the difference in difficulty between versions.

When do I get my CPHIMS result?

• Your result appears on the screen when you finish the exam.
• Pearson VUE then emails you how to open your score report in its portal. Scores are not given by phone or email.
• The report shows Pass or Fail and a bar for each content area: the further right, the stronger you were in that area.
• Your answers to individual questions are not disclosed.
• If you pass, HIMSS sends the certificate about eight weeks later.

What is the CPHIMS pass rate?

The candidate handbook gives no pass rate, so any percentage you read elsewhere is not an official figure. Do not use one to judge whether you are ready; use your own results per domain.

What happens if I fail?

• You wait 60 days before testing again. You may apply for the retake at once; the waiting period runs from your last exam date.
• You may retake twice at the lower retake fee within one year of your first application (the amount is on the cost page).
• After three failed attempts you submit a new application and pay the full fee again.
• The bars on your score report tell you which content areas to work on.

What does the pass mark on this site mean?

The mock exam here has 100 questions and shows a pass line at 70% with a score per domain. That line is this site's own, for practice. It is not the HIMSS scale, and passing a mock exam does not guarantee passing the real one.

Source

• HIMSS, CPHIMS Candidate Handbook (May 2024 edition): score reports, how the passing score is set, failing the examination.

Questions about the exam: CPHIMS guide · Exam cost · Eligibility · Renewal · Exam day · 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.