HCQM Frequently Asked Questions

What does the acronym ABQAURP stand for?
What does the acronym HCQM stand for?
What does CHCQM stand for?
Why should I become certified by ABQAURP?
When can I sit for the HCQM exam?
What happens after I pass the HCQM Certification Exam, is there a designation that I can use?
How much does it cost to become certified?
Are Group Rates offered for HCQM Certification?
Is membership a requirement to sit for the HCQM Certification exam?
Can you tell me about the six Sub-Specialty certifications?
What is necessary to maintain the HCQM Certification?
What are the eligibility requirements for Health Care Quality Management Certification?
What type of examination is it?
How long will it take to be approved to take the exam?
What credits are accepted?
How long does it take for me to receive the exam scores?


What does the acronym ABQAURP stand for?
American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians®.     .::top::.

What does the acronym HCQM stand for?
Health Care Quality and Management.     .::top::.

What does CHCQM® stand for?
Certified in Health Care Quality and Management. It means that a health care professional has successfully passed ABQAURP's Health Care Quality and Management Certification Examination.     .::top::.

Why should I become certified by ABQAURP?
ABQAURP's HCQM Certification is recognized as a benchmark, demonstrating expertise in the fields of Health Care Quality Management and Patient Safety. Professionals certified by ABQAURP are distinguished by their level of skill in analysis, review, case management, and the many areas of health care administration. With today’s emphasis on cost-effective quality health care, health care professionals responsible for adherence to standards of care, quality improvement, and managed care continue to see an increased demand for their professional services. Many insurance and managed care companies require HCQM certification for their health care professionals.     .::top::.

When can I sit for the HCQM exam?
We are accepting applications for the HCQM exam. The 2024 exam window will be April 1 - September 30, 2024. Once all exam requirements have been met and candidate is deemed eligible, you may schedule your exam for any available date/time during the window. Our HCQM Certification Examination is given in a 4-hour time block and consists of 175 multiple choice questions. Examinees will receive a pass/fail result immediately upon completion of the exam.    .::top::.

What happens after I pass the HCQM Certification exam, is there a designation that I can use?
Yes, all ABQAURP Diplomates are encouraged to use the Certified in Health Care Quality and Management designation (CHCQM®). You will receive a Diplomate certificate and Membership Card through the mail. You will also be able to utilize the "ABQAURP Board Certified" digital credential to better promote your certification.     .::top::.

How much does it cost to become certified?
This depends on what is ordered and/or if one becomes a professional member first. (For instance, a professional may have met the eligibility requirements to sit for the HCQM exam and elect not to take the online Core Body of Knowledge (CBK) Course.) One of the least expensive ways to become HCQM certified is to first join as an Professional Member to receive the membership benefits and discounts. For specific pricing, please call Barbara Thomas at (800) 998-6030, extension 116.     .::top::.

Are Group Rates offered for HCQM Certification?
Yes. A Group Rate Schedule is offered to groups with as few as 5 - 9 individuals. More significant discounts are available to those groups of 10 - 19 individuals and for groups of 20 or more. An educated, knowledgeable health care provider and staff are better equipped to make the best possible decisions. This helps increase efficiency and effectiveness, while reducing errors that may not only save lives, but costs as well. A hospital or health system adopting HCQM Certification and education for their medical staff allows them to say to outside interests that they have the highest possible standards for their medical team by certifying their medical staff through an independent, non-profit organization (ABQAURP) that is dedicated to improving the overall quality of health care that is provided to the public. For specific information on group rates, please call Barbara Thomas at (800) 998-6030, extension 116.     .::top::.

Is membership a requirement to sit for the HCQM Certification exam?
No. You may choose to sit for the HCQM Exam as a non-member. However, you may choose to become an Professional Member to receive discounts on the exam and related fees.     .::top::.

Can you tell me about the six Sub-Specialty certifications?
ABQAURP provides certification in six sub-specialty areas: Physician Advisor, Transitions of Care, Patient Safety/Risk Management, Case Management, Managed Care, and Workers’ Compensation. This certification designation is over and above the HCQM Certification, however, sub-specialties do not require a separate exam. Exam candidates must meet the criteria by submitting 24 hours of directly related CME / CE for each sub-specialty in which they are applying. ABQAURP’s Core Body of Knowledge online course provides some CME / CE toward each sub-specialty. Sub-Specialties may be deferred until a later date as to not hold up the application process. Once an exam candidate passes the HCQM exam and becomes an ABQAURP Diplomate, they may apply for a sub-specialty at any time by submitting an application along with appropriate documentation and payment.     .::top::.

What is necessary to maintain the HCQM Certification?
To maintain Diplomate status, all Diplomates are required to complete 8 hours of ABQAURP-approved continuing medical education every two (2) years. Diplomates may retake the certification examination in lieu of fulfilling the educational requirement. Additionally, annual membership dues must be paid.     .::top::.

What are the eligibility requirements for Health Care Quality and Management Certification?
Candidates must:
  • Hold a current, non-restricted license in each state or territory of the United States in which the candidate is licensed (as applicable to the candidate’s profession), AND
  • Provide documentation of active involvement in Health Care Quality within the past five years, minimum of 208 hours (2 hours per week for two years) in any of the following exam Categories: Quality Improvement, Utilization Management, Risk Management, Case Management/Disease Management, Managed Health Care Systems, Transitions of Care, or Government (listed on Application and Verification), AND
  • Complete a minimum of twenty-five (25) hours of ABQAURP-approved continuing medical education (pertinent to at least one of the exam categories), OR complete the ABQAURP Core Body of Knowledge online course, AND
  • Have a professional, working knowledge of the English language.
     .::top::.

What type of examination is it?
The HCQM Exam is a compilation of 175 multiple-choice questions. Exam candidates have 4 hours to complete the exam.     .::top::.

How long will it take to be approved to take the exam?
Physician: It takes about four weeks from receipt of the completed application and all supporting documentation. ABQAURP does a background information check, which requires at least 15 working days from the receipt of the application, and then it could take an additional two weeks for processing by the Credentialing Committee.

Nurses and Other Health Care Professionals: Usually about three weeks from receipt of the completed application and all supporting documentation.     .::top::.

One of the eligibility requirements states completion of 25 hours of ABQAURP- approved continuing medical education (pertinent to at least one of the examination categories). What credits are accepted?
Any courses pertaining to Quality Improvement, Utilization Management, Risk Management, Case Management, Roles and Responsibilities of a Physician Advisor, Transitions of Care, Managed Care, Workers' Compensation can be used to fulfill this requirement. Submitting copies of certificates indicating the course subject and the number of credit hours received will provide verification of the 25 hours of credit. ABQAURP’s Core Body of Knowledge online course  fulfills this requirement.     .::top::.

How long does it take for me to receive the exam scores?
Exam candidates will receive their Pass/Fail test result immediately upon exam completion. Performance reports will automatically be emailed directly from Certification Management Services.    .::top::.

For more information, contact Barbara Thomas at: bthomas@abqaurp.org or (800) 998.6030 ext. 116.