Top 10 Clinical Data Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a clinical data coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate that an individual is knowledgeable and proficient in their field. A certification provides employers with evidence of the candidate’s qualifications and expertise. Furthermore, certifications demonstrate to employers that the candidate has taken the initiative to learn new skills and stay current on industry trends. This can make them more attractive candidates compared to those without any certifications. Additionally, certifications may be required for certain positions or can give an individual a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Clinical Data Coordinators and explain how they can help advance a clinical data coordinator's career.

What are Clinical Data Coordinator Certifications?

Clinical data coordinator certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of clinical data coordination. This certification is usually obtained by completing an accredited course or program that covers the fundamentals of clinical data coordination. It can also be earned through on-the-job experience and/or specialized training.

By obtaining a clinical data coordinator certification, individuals gain recognition for their expertise in this specific field. They are also able to demonstrate their knowledge to potential employers or other stakeholders in the healthcare industry. Additionally, this certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when competing for jobs or promotions within the healthcare industry.

On a practical level, having a clinical data coordinator certification validates that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of how to collect and analyze patient information accurately and efficiently. This includes knowing how to organize patient medical records, input data into electronic health records systems, ensure accuracy of all collected information, and provide reports and summaries on patient care outcomes when necessary. Having this type of certification can help physicians make more informed decisions about treatment protocols and enable healthcare organizations to better manage their resources more effectively.

Pro Tip: To become a certified Clinical Data Coordinator, you should pursue an accredited program in medical coding and billing or a similar field. Additionally, obtaining certification from organizations such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) can help demonstrate your competency and commitment to the field.

Related: What does a Clinical Data Coordinator do?

Top 10 Clinical Data Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Clinical Data Coordinators today.

1. Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM)

Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in the management of clinical data. CCDM focuses on the collection, organization, storage, analysis, and reporting of clinical data. The certification is offered by the Association of Clinical Data Management (ACDM).

The program consists of two parts – an online examination and a practical assessment. The online exam tests knowledge in areas such as data management principles, regulatory requirements, coding systems and software tools. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes approximately 6 months to complete the CCDM certification process. To get started, applicants must first register with ACDM and pay the registration fee of $195 USD. After successfully completing both parts of the program, applicants will receive their CCDM certificate from ACDM.

2. Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA)

Certified Clinical Research Associate (CCRA) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP). The CCRA certification is designed to recognize those who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of clinical research. It is an important credential for individuals who are looking to advance their careers in this field.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CCRA certification process. This includes completing an application, passing a comprehensive exam, and meeting continuing education requirements.

To get your CCRA certification, you must first complete an ACRP-accredited training program or have at least two years of full-time clinical research experience. After that, you must submit an application and pass the comprehensive exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible for certification.

The cost of obtaining your CCRA certification varies depending on whether you choose to take an ACRP-accredited training program or not. If you choose to take a training program, it can cost anywhere from $2,000-$4,000 USD. If you do not take a training program but have two years of full-time clinical research experience, there is no fee associated with obtaining your CCRA certification.

3. Certified Clinical Data Specialist (CCDS)

A Certified Clinical Data Specialist (CCDS) is a professional who specializes in the collection, organization, and analysis of clinical data. They are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of patient records and other healthcare data. The CCDS credential is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

It typically takes between 6-12 months to become a CCDS. To get certified, you must have an associate’s degree or higher in health information management or a related field, plus two years of relevant work experience. You must also pass the AHIMA's CCDS exam.

The cost for the certification process varies depending on your background and experience. The exam fee is $299 for members of AHIMA and $399 for non-members. There may also be additional fees associated with obtaining educational materials and/or taking preparatory courses.

4. Certified Clinical Data Analyst (CCDA)

A Certified Clinical Data Analyst (CCDA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's expertise in the field of clinical data analysis. The CCDA credential is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

To earn the CCDA credential, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience working with clinical data and demonstrate knowledge in areas such as data management, analytics, and reporting. Candidates must also pass an exam to demonstrate their proficiency in these areas.

The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. It covers topics such as data collection, analysis, reporting, and security. The cost for the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken; however, it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

In order to maintain their CCDA certification, individuals must complete 30 continuing education credits every three years. This can be done through attending conferences or taking courses related to healthcare information technology or health informatics.

5. Certified Healthcare Information Technology Professional (CHITP)

Certified Healthcare Information Technology Professional (CHITP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare information technology. The CHITP certification is administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

The CHITP certification requires successful completion of an exam that covers topics such as healthcare IT systems, data security, privacy, and legal and regulatory issues. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in healthcare information technology.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the exam. Preparation materials can be found on AHIMA’s website or through other providers. Additionally, many organizations offer courses and workshops to help prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CHITP exam varies depending on where you take it. The fee for taking the exam at an AHIMA-approved testing center is $450 USD. Other testing centers may charge additional fees for their services.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CHITP certificate from AHIMA which is valid for three years. You must renew your certification every three years by completing continuing education activities and paying a renewal fee of $150 USD.

6. Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP)

Certified Regulatory Affairs Professional (CRAP) is a certification program offered by the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the regulatory affairs field. The CRAP certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in regulatory affairs.

The CRAP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as the fundamentals of regulatory affairs, global regulatory requirements, and best practices for maintaining compliance with regulations. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Applicants must also submit documentation demonstrating their experience in the field, including a resume and letters of recommendation from two professional references.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the application process for the CRAP certification. During this time, applicants must prepare for the exam by studying course materials provided by RAPS or attending review courses offered by local universities or other organizations.

The cost of obtaining the CRAP certification varies depending on whether you are taking a review course or self-studying for the exam. Review courses can cost anywhere from $500-$2000, while self-study materials can range from $100-$400. Additionally, there is an application fee of $200 and an examination fee of $450 that must be paid before taking the exam.

7. Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA)

The Certified Quality Improvement Associate (CQIA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). It is designed to provide quality professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and implement quality improvement processes. The CQIA certification program covers topics such as process management, quality systems, statistical process control, problem solving, and customer satisfaction.

The CQIA certification requires a minimum of two years of work experience in a quality-related field. Candidates must also pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality improvement. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as process management, total quality management, statistical process control, problem solving, customer satisfaction, and more.

To get the CQIA certification, candidates must first register for the exam through ASQ's website. Once registered, they will receive a study guide that outlines the topics covered on the exam. Candidates then have 90 days to complete all requirements for the exam including studying for it and taking it at an approved testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CQIA certification varies depending on whether or not you are an ASQ member. For non-members, the fee is $399 USD; whereas members pay $299 USD.

8. Clinical Trial Management Professional (CTMP)

Clinical Trial Management Professional (CTMP) is a certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of professionals who are responsible for managing clinical trials. The CTMP program is administered by the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the field of clinical research.

The CTMP program is open to anyone with at least three years of experience in clinical trial management or related areas, such as regulatory affairs, project management, data management, or quality assurance. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as study design and protocol development, patient safety and ethics, data collection and analysis, budgeting and contracting, and more.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. Candidates must achieve a score of at least 70% in order to pass the exam. The cost for taking the exam is $450 USD for ACRP members and $550 USD for non-members. Once certified, individuals must complete continuing education activities every two years in order to maintain their certification status.

9. Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

A Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) is a professional who specializes in managing health information and medical records. The RHIA credential is offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). To become an RHIA, one must have a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field, and pass the AHIMA certification exam.

It typically takes two to three years of study to prepare for the RHIA certification exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as health data management, information technology, legal and ethical issues, and healthcare reimbursement systems.

To obtain the RHIA credential, individuals must first become members of AHIMA. Membership fees vary depending on location and type of membership chosen. After becoming a member, individuals can register to take the RHIA certification exam. Exam fees are $399 for members and $499 for non-members.

Once an individual has passed the RHIA certification exam, they will receive their official certificate from AHIMA which is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

10. American Society for Quality – Clinical Data Management Certification (ASQ-CDM).

The American Society for Quality – Clinical Data Management Certification (ASQ-CDM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of clinical data management professionals. The ASQ-CDM certification is aimed at individuals who are responsible for managing the collection, entry, analysis, and reporting of clinical trial data.

To obtain the ASQ-CDM certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in clinical data management or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as regulatory compliance, data integrity, database design and programming, project management, and quality assurance. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the ASQ-CDM certification varies depending on the type of application submitted. For those who submit a paper application, the cost is $450; for those who submit an online application, the cost is $425. Additionally, there is an annual fee of $50 to maintain active status in the program.

Once certified by ASQ-CDM, individuals must renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education activities or retaking the exam.

Do You Really Need a Clinical Data Coordinator Certificate?

When considering whether you need a Clinical Data Coordinator Certificate, the answer is not always an easy one. On one hand, having a certificate can demonstrate your knowledge and abilities in this field, which can be beneficial in job interviews and when applying for promotions. On the other hand, it may not always be necessary to have a certificate in order to do the job.

If you are just starting out in the field of clinical data coordination, having a certificate might be helpful as it gives employers assurance that you have the skills necessary to succeed in the position. It also shows that you are committed to learning and advancing your career within this field. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire those who have received some form of formal training or certification.

However, if you already have experience working as a clinical data coordinator or have significant knowledge of the profession from another job or educational background, then obtaining a certificate may not necessarily be essential for getting hired. In some cases, employers may even view it as an unnecessary expense or time commitment on your part. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if having a certificate would be beneficial for furthering your career goals in this field.

Related: Clinical Data Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Clinical Data Coordinator Certifications

1. How do I become a Clinical Data Coordinator?

Answer: To become a Clinical Data Coordinator, you must have at least an Associate's degree in health information technology or a related field, and certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

2. What is the eligibility criteria for Clinical Data Coordinator certifications?

Answer: The eligibility criteria vary depending on the specific certification. Generally, applicants must have completed at least two years of experience in clinical data management and be AHIMA-certified. Additionally, some certifications may require additional education or professional development courses to qualify.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Clinical Data Coordinator?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Clinical Data Coordinator will demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in clinical data management, help you stand out to potential employers, and increase your earning potential. It also provides opportunities for professional growth and recognition within the industry.

4. How long does it take to complete a Clinical Data Coordinator certification?

Answer: The length of time needed to complete a Clinical Data Coordinator certification depends on the type of certification chosen and the amount of preparation required. Generally, most programs can be completed within six months to one year.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after completing my Clinical Data Coordinator certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifications require that you participate in continuing education activities every two years in order to maintain your credentials and stay up-to-date with industry changes and best practices.