Top 10 Health Policy Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a health policy analyst in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certifications also provide employers with evidence that an individual has the necessary skills and qualifications to work in the health policy field. Certifications can also help demonstrate to potential employers that an individual is committed to their career, which can be attractive when looking for competitive positions. Additionally, certifications may increase an individual's chances of being hired or promoted within the health policy sector.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Health Policy Analysts and explains how they can help advance a health policy analyst's career.

What are Health Policy Analyst Certifications?

Health policy analyst certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in health policy. It is awarded by the American Academy of Health Policy Analysts (AAHPA) and provides recognition to professionals who have demonstrated a mastery in health policy analysis and development. This certification helps individuals stand out as experts in their field, as well as providing employers with assurance that those they hire are highly qualified for the job.

The certification process involves taking an exam that covers the core principles of health policy analysis, including government regulation and funding, public health initiatives, economics, ethics, data analysis and research methods. Those who pass this exam receive their certification from AAHPA, which is valid for three years before needing renewal.

Having this certification can offer many advantages to those in the health policy field. It can help individuals become more competitive in the job market by demonstrating their advanced knowledge of health policy issues and skill set. Additionally, it can provide them with access to resources such as networking opportunities, professional development seminars and conferences specifically tailored to those interested in health policy analysis. Finally, it can serve as a symbol of credibility when applying for jobs or seeking higher-level positions within organizations.

Pro Tip: When considering a health policy analyst certification, look for courses that provide in-depth training on the principles of public health, health care regulations, and economic analysis. Additionally, consider certifications that offer hands-on experience with analyzing data and developing policy recommendations. This will help you gain essential skills and knowledge to be successful in the field.

Related: What does a Health Policy Analyst do?

Top 10 Health Policy Analyst Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Health Policy Analysts today.

1. Certified Health Policy Analyst (CHPA)

A Certified Health Policy Analyst (CHPA) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in health policy and analysis. The CHPA credential is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in the field of health policy analysis. It is awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

To become certified as a CHPA, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam. Applicants must possess at least a bachelor’s degree in public health or a related field, or they must have completed at least one year of work experience in health policy analysis or related fields. Additionally, applicants must have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education related to health policy analysis within the last three years.

The CHPA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The exam covers topics such as: health care financing; public health law; public health ethics; research methods; program evaluation; and data management and analysis.

The cost for taking the CHPA exam is $400 for AAPC members and $500 for non-members. The fee includes all study materials needed to prepare for the exam, as well as access to online practice tests. Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will be issued their official CHPA certificate from AAPC.

2. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is a professional certification program designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare quality. The CPHQ certification is administered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least three years of full-time experience in a healthcare quality-related role, or two years of full-time experience plus a bachelor's degree in a related field.

The CPHQ exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as patient safety, quality improvement, risk management, and performance measurement. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered at testing centers around the world.

The cost of taking the CPHQ exam varies depending on where you take it and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $400-$500 USD.

3. Certified Healthcare Policy and Law Professional (CHPLP)

Certified Healthcare Policy and Law Professional (CHPLP) is a certification offered by the American Health Lawyers Association (AHLA). It is designed to recognize healthcare professionals who have demonstrated a mastery of healthcare policy and law. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as legal and regulatory compliance, health policy, health law, and healthcare finance.

The CHPLP certification process takes about three months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation including evidence of their educational background and work experience in the field of healthcare policy and law. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as legal principles related to healthcare organizations, regulatory compliance, health policy, health law, and healthcare finance.

The cost for the CHPLP certification process varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. In general, the cost ranges from $350-$600 USD. This includes the application fee, exam fee, study materials fee, and any other applicable fees.

Once certified, individuals are recognized as having achieved a high level of expertise in the field of healthcare policy and law. They are also eligible for certain professional benefits such as discounts on AHLA membership fees or access to exclusive networking opportunities within the organization.

4. Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)

Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of healthcare compliance regulations. The CHC certification is offered by the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA), which is a professional association dedicated to promoting healthcare compliance.

The CHC certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as healthcare laws, regulations, and standards; risk management; ethics and corporate compliance; and organizational structure and operations. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 4 hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CHC certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in healthcare compliance or related areas such as health law, risk management, or internal audit. In addition, applicants must submit proof of their work experience along with their application for the exam.

The cost for the CHC certification exam is $595 for HCCA members and $795 for non-members. After passing the exam, there is an annual fee of $150 to maintain the certification status.

5. Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP)

Certified Regulatory and Compliance Professional (CRCP) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage regulatory and compliance issues in their organizations. The CRCP certification is offered by the Regulatory Compliance Association, an international organization dedicated to promoting best practices in regulatory and compliance management.

The CRCP program consists of three parts: a self-study course, an online exam, and a practical application project. The self-study course provides an overview of the principles of regulatory and compliance management as well as specific regulations that apply to various industries. The online exam tests participants’ knowledge of the topics covered in the self-study course. Finally, the practical application project requires participants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete all three components of the CRCP program. To get started, individuals must first register for the program through the Regulatory Compliance Association website. After registering, they will receive access to the self-study materials and instructions on how to complete each component of the program.

The cost for obtaining CRCP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of the Regulatory Compliance Association or not. For non-members, it costs $1,495 USD for access to all three components of the program; for members, it costs $995 USD.

6. Certified Health Care Risk Manager (CHRMP)

Certified Health Care Risk Manager (CHRMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have mastered the core principles of health care risk management. The program is administered by the American Hospital Association and is designed to help hospital organizations, health systems, and other health care providers reduce their risk exposure and improve patient safety.

The CHRMP program consists of an online course and exam that can be completed in six months or less. The course covers topics such as legal liability, patient safety, risk assessment and management, quality improvement, communication strategies, and more. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, participants are awarded the CHRMP credential.

The cost of the CHRMP program varies depending on the participant's country of residence. In the United States, it costs $1,495 for members of the American Hospital Association or $1,795 for non-members. In Canada, it costs CAD$1,595 for members or CAD$1,895 for non-members.

To get started with the CHRMP program you must first register online at https://www.aha.org/certification/chrmp/register/. Once registered you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your online course materials and take your final exam.

7. Certified Public Health Administrator (CPHA)

Certified Public Health Administrator (CPHA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of public health administrators. It is offered by the National Board of Public Health Examiners (NBPHE) and is designed to demonstrate competence in the field of public health administration. To become certified, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements, pass an exam, and maintain their certification through continuing education.

The CPHA exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as public health law, epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental health, health services management, and policy development. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $300.

To be eligible for the CPHA exam, applicants must have either a master's degree or doctoral degree in public health from an accredited institution or at least five years of full-time experience in a public health setting within the past 10 years. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to their professional qualifications.

Once applicants pass the CPHA exam, they are required to complete at least 15 hours of continuing education credits every three years to maintain their certification status. The cost for continuing education varies depending on the type of course taken.

8. American Society of Public Administration’s Health Care Management Certification Program

The American Society of Public Administration’s Health Care Management Certification Program (HCMCP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the management of health care organizations. The program is based on the core competencies for health care management, which include: leadership and strategic planning; finance and budgeting; operations and quality management; human resources management; and information technology.

The HCMCP consists of three levels of certification: Certified Health Care Manager (CHCM), Advanced Certified Health Care Manager (ACHCM), and Master Certified Health Care Manager (MCHCM). To obtain each level of certification, applicants must meet certain requirements, such as having a minimum number of years of experience in health care administration, completing specific courses or seminars related to the core competencies, and passing an examination. Each level requires more experience and additional coursework than the previous one.

The CHCM certification can be obtained by completing a two-year program that includes 12 credits in health care administration, four credits in leadership studies, four credits in financial management, four credits in operations/quality management, four credits in human resources management, and four credits in information technology. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE). The cost for this program is approximately $3,000.

The ACHCM certification requires completion of an additional 24 credits beyond the CHCM program as well as passing an exam administered by ACHE. This program takes approximately two years to complete and costs approximately $5,000.

Finally, the MCHCM certification requires completion of 36 additional credits beyond the ACHCM program as well as passing an exam administered by ACHE. This program takes approximately three years to complete and costs approximately $7,500.

In addition to these programs, applicants may also need to complete continuing education courses or other activities related to their field every few years in order to maintain their certifications.

9. American College of Healthcare Executives’ Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives

The Fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) is a distinguished credential that recognizes healthcare executives who have demonstrated professional development, commitment to continuing education, and active participation in ACHE activities. The FACHE credential is the highest level of certification offered by ACHE and signifies board certification in healthcare management.

To become a Fellow, applicants must meet certain requirements including:

• Holding an advanced degree from an accredited college or university
• Having at least five years of senior-level healthcare management experience
• Being a current member of ACHE
• Completing at least 60 hours of continuing education within the past three years
• Passing a written examination on healthcare management principles and practices
• Submitting letters of recommendation from two current Fellows
• Agreeing to adhere to ACHE’s Code of Ethics.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the application process for becoming a Fellow. Applicants will need to submit their application online along with supporting documents such as transcripts, letters of recommendation, and proof of membership in ACHE. Once all necessary documents are received, the application will be reviewed by a panel of Fellows who will make a decision on whether or not the applicant meets all requirements for Fellowship. If approved, applicants will receive their FACHE credential within four weeks after notification is sent out.

The cost to apply for Fellowship is $350 USD for members and $550 USD for non-members. This fee covers the cost of processing the application as well as administering the written examination if applicable.

10. National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards' Nursing Home Administrator Certification

The National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB) Nursing Home Administrator Certification is a voluntary certification program for individuals in the field of long-term care administration. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge in the management and operation of nursing homes.

To obtain the NAB Nursing Home Administrator certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having completed an approved educational program, having at least two years of experience in long-term care administration, and passing an exam administered by the NAB. The exam consists of four parts: a written examination, an oral examination, a performance assessment, and a clinical simulation.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. Applicants should plan on spending up to two hours per day studying for the exam over the course of several weeks or months prior to taking it.

The cost of obtaining the NAB Nursing Home Administrator certification varies depending on individual circumstances. Generally speaking, applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $400-$600 for all associated fees (including application fee, examination fee, and any other applicable fees).

Do You Really Need a Health Policy Analyst Certificate?

A Health Policy Analyst Certificate is not required to become a health policy analyst, but it can be beneficial to your career. A certificate in health policy analysis can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a successful health policy analyst. The certificate program will help you develop your understanding of the healthcare system, its policies and regulations, as well as how to make decisions that are in the best interest of patients, organizations, and communities.

The certificate program will also give you an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field. This could potentially lead to job opportunities or further education in the field. Additionally, many employers look for applicants with a certification when hiring for positions related to health policy analysis. Having a certification can demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field which may help you stand out among other applicants.

Ultimately, whether or not you should pursue a Health Policy Analyst Certificate depends on your career goals and aspirations. If you are looking for more knowledge and experience in this field then it may be worth considering getting certified. However, if you are already experienced in this field or have other qualifications then it may not be necessary for you to obtain a certificate.

Related: Health Policy Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Health Policy Analyst Certifications

1. What is a Health Policy Analyst Certification?

Answer: A Health Policy Analyst Certification is an official credential that demonstrates a professional's knowledge and understanding of the laws, regulations, and best practices related to health policy analysis. This certification provides an individual with the necessary skills to analyze health policy issues, develop policy recommendations, and help organizations make informed decisions.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Health Policy Analyst Certification?

Answer: The requirements for obtaining a Health Policy Analyst Certification vary depending on the certifying body. Generally, applicants must have at least two years of experience in health policy-related work, demonstrate knowledge of core concepts related to healthcare policy and economics, and pass an examination administered by the certifying body.

3. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to complete specific courses or training programs prior to taking the exam. It is also recommended that applicants have at least two years of experience in healthcare-related work before taking the exam.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The timeline for obtaining a Health Policy Analyst Certification varies depending on the certifying body and individual circumstances; however, it typically takes between one and two years from start to finish (including coursework and examination).

5. Is there any continuing education required after certification?

Answer: Yes, many certifying bodies require certified professionals to complete continuing education credits every few years in order to maintain their certification status. This ensures that they stay up-to-date with changes in health policy analysis regulations and best practices.