Preparing for Your Exam
Successful completion of AHDI’s credentialing exams will depend not only on training and experience but very often on focused exam preparation and study. A goal-oriented approach to preparation can make the difference between earning and not earning your credential. Candidates should consider any or all of the following recommendations for exam prep, independent exercise, and/or collaborative group study.
Understand the Exam Blueprint
The 120 items on the RHDS exam and the 120 items on the CHDS exam come from specific core competency objectives outlined on the exam blueprints for each exam. Understanding competencies to be evaluated for each objective will guide you in your studies. Blueprints for both exams, sample assessment items, and FAQs are in the Credentialing Candidate Guide (free download).
For information about the CHDP exam, blueprint, and prep materials, see the CHDP web page here.
Invest in Exam Prep Resources
- RHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blueprint Objectives
- RHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives
- CHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blueprint Objectives
- CHDS Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives – coming soon
- The Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation, 4th Edition (current exams based on this edition)
- The Book of Style & Standards for Clinical Documentation Workbook
Clearance Products
- The Book of Style, 3rd edition, Workbook & CD
- RMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives (RHDS Ready)*
- The CMT Exam Guide (CHDS Ready)*
- CMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives (CHDS Ready)*
* The RMT and CMT Exam Guides published by AHDI were written to align with the prior exam objectives and The Book of Style for Medical Transcription, 3rd Edition. They do not align fully with current RHDS and CHDS exam blueprints as these have been updated. Other supplemental study will be required if those resources are used. Some of the clinical and style content in these publications is still valid but do not align with all of the core competency objectives housed on the current exam blueprints.
Please also note that The RMT and CMT Review Guides published by Stedman’s were not written according to the current RHDS and CHDS exam blueprints. Other supplemental study will be required if those resources are used. Some of the clinical and style content in these publications is still valid but do not align with all of the core competency objectives housed on the current exam blueprints.
Online Study Courses
AHDI offers online RHDS and CHDS study courses. Organizations/industry employers may also organize study groups, or you may host your own.
- RHDS Study Course: Mastering the Language of Healthcare (12-week course)
- CHDS Study Course: Mastering the Advanced Language of Healthcare (8-week course)
- AHDI Events Calendar
Take a Practice Exam
The Practice Exams are designed to parallel the weight and balance of objectives on the RHDS, CHDS, and CHDP exams. You will be tested on potential content domains from the exam blueprints, respectively, to give you an overall impression of exam scope and format, and to acclimate you with the testing environment. You will receive an email 24 to 48 hours after you complete and submit your Practice Exam with feedback on your missed objectives on any failed practice exam. These Practice Exams are proctored using AI technology and require the use of Google Chrome web browser. Learn more.
