Top 10 Practice Administrator Certifications

Certifications are important for a practice administrator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of competence and knowledge that employers look for. Certification shows that a practice administrator has the necessary qualifications and experience to manage an office or medical practice, as well as the ability to remain up-to-date on changes in the field. Certifications also give employers confidence that the individual is prepared to handle any situation, as well as provide evidence of their commitment to professional development. In addition, certifications can also open up opportunities for promotions, higher salaries, and greater job security.

This article reviews the benefits of obtaining certifications for Practice Administrators and provides an overview of some of the top certifications available, highlighting how they can contribute to a successful career.

What are Practice Administrator Certifications?

Practice administrator certification is a credential designed to help healthcare professionals excel in their roles as practice administrators. Practice administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a medical practice, such as managing staff, overseeing budgets and managing patient records. Certification demonstrates that individuals have met specific criteria related to their role and have a comprehensive understanding of the skills needed for successful practice management.

The certification process involves completing an approved program, which typically includes coursework, hands-on experience and an examination. Courses cover topics such as medical coding, regulatory compliance and billing procedures. Upon successful completion of the program and exam, individuals receive recognition from an accredited organization such as the American College of Medical Practice Executives or the Physician Assistant Education Association.

Having practice administrator certification can be beneficial for both employers and employees. For employers, it serves as an assurance that they are hiring qualified personnel who possess the necessary skills to manage a medical practice efficiently and effectively. For employees, certification can lead to increased job security, higher salaries and more opportunities for career advancement. Additionally, having this credential can make individuals more attractive to potential employers when seeking new positions in the field.

Pro Tip: Make sure you research the requirements for practice administrator certification in your state before beginning the process. Different states may have different requirements for certification, so it's important to be aware of what is required to ensure that you meet all necessary criteria.

Related: What does a Practice Administrator do?

Top 10 Practice Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Practice Administrators today.

1. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE)

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) is a certification for medical practice administrators and executives. This certification is offered through the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). It is designed to recognize the professional achievements and competencies of those who manage medical practices.

The CMPE certification process requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in areas such as finance, operations, human resources, information technology, marketing, and compliance. To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers all these areas.

The CMPE certification process typically takes about one year to complete. The first step is to apply for the exam by submitting an application form and paying the associated fee. Once approved, candidates will receive study materials and instructions on how to prepare for the exam. After studying the material and taking practice exams, candidates can then register for the actual exam which is administered online or at designated testing centers across the country.

The cost of obtaining CMPE certification varies depending on whether you are an ACMPE member or not. For non-members, it costs $595 USD to take the exam while members pay $495 USD. In addition to this fee, there are also fees associated with purchasing study materials ($95 USD) and retaking the exam ($295 USD).

2. Certified Professional Medical Practice Manager (CPPM)

Certified Professional Medical Practice Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a medical practice. The CPPM certification is offered by the American Academy of Medical Management (AAMM), which is an organization dedicated to promoting excellence in medical practice management.

The CPPM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as healthcare finance, medical coding, human resources, marketing and patient relations. In order to be eligible for the exam, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience in medical practice management or a related field.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all the requirements for the CPPM certification. Candidates must first register with AAMM and pay an application fee. They will then need to complete a pre-exam coursework and submit documentation of their work experience. After they have met all the requirements, they can then take the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CPPM certification varies depending on how many courses you take and how long it takes you to complete them. The cost typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD for all required materials and fees associated with taking the exam.

3. Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)

Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification for individuals who manage healthcare practices. The CPPM credential is offered by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). This certification is designed to demonstrate that the individual has met the highest standards in medical practice management and can effectively lead a medical practice.

It typically takes up to two years to complete all of the requirements necessary to become certified as a CPPM. Candidates must have at least three years of full-time experience in medical practice management, complete an approved course in healthcare finance and economics, pass an exam administered by ACMPE, and meet certain continuing education requirements.

To get started on the path to becoming a CPPM, candidates must first become a member of ACMPE. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership chosen. After becoming a member, candidates can then register for the CPPM exam and begin studying for it.

The cost for taking the CPPM exam is $495 for members of ACMPE and $595 for non-members. In addition, there may be additional costs associated with taking courses or other training materials needed to prepare for the exam.

4. American Association of Medical Office Management (AAMOM) Certification

The American Association of Medical Office Management (AAMOM) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes medical office managers who have met the highest standards of excellence in the field. It is designed to demonstrate a commitment to quality and professionalism in the management of medical offices.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and complete an application process. The AAMOM Certification Program requires at least two years of full-time work experience in a medical office setting or equivalent part-time experience. Applicants must also possess a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as completion of at least three college-level courses related to medical office management.

The AAMOM Certification Exam is offered twice each year and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as patient relations, legal issues, human resources management, financial management, information technology systems, and practice operations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $200 for members and $250 for non-members.

Once applicants have passed the exam, they will receive their AAMOM Certification within four weeks after submitting their completed application packet. The certification is valid for three years before renewal is required. Renewal fees are $150 for members and $200 for non-members.

5. Certified Healthcare Practice Administrator (CHPA)

Certified Healthcare Practice Administrator (CHPA) is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of healthcare practice administrators. This certification is offered through the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). The CHPA credential demonstrates that a healthcare practice administrator has achieved a high level of expertise in managing the day-to-day operations of a medical practice.

It typically takes between 6 to 12 months to complete the requirements for certification. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria, including having at least three years of experience in healthcare administration or management, and completing an ACMPE approved course. Candidates must also pass an exam administered by ACMPE.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which courses and exams you choose to take. Generally, the cost ranges from $500-$1,500 for all required materials and fees.

6. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a professional certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of medical office managers. The certification is intended for those who are responsible for managing the administrative aspects of a medical office or clinic.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the requirements for CMOM certification. To get certified, individuals must first pass an exam that covers topics such as patient care management, financial management, personnel management, and legal/regulatory compliance. After passing the exam, applicants must also submit proof of two years of experience in a medical office setting.

The cost of obtaining CMOM certification varies depending on the testing site and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$400 to take the exam and an additional fee may be required to apply for certification after passing the exam.

7. American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) Certification

The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) is a professional organization that provides certification for medical practice executives. It is the only nationally recognized credential for medical practice administrators and managers. The ACMPE certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage a medical practice.

To become certified, individuals must pass an examination that covers topics such as healthcare administration, finance and accounting, operations management, human resources management, information technology and strategic planning. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in a medical practice setting or a master's degree in healthcare administration or business administration with an emphasis on healthcare management. Applicants must also submit three letters of recommendation from employers or supervisors attesting to their qualifications for taking the exam.

The cost of the ACMPE certification exam is $595 for members of the American College of Medical Practice Executives and $795 for non-members. Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education activities every two years.

8. Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ)

Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is an internationally recognized credential that certifies individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of healthcare quality principles and practices. The CPHQ certification is administered by the National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ).

The CPHQ certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive exam, which covers topics such as healthcare quality management, patient safety, performance improvement, risk management, and data analysis. It typically takes between three to six months to prepare for the exam.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of experience in healthcare quality or a related field. They must also complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documentation such as transcripts and letters of recommendation. In addition, applicants must pass an online assessment before taking the exam.

The cost of the CPHQ certification varies depending on the country in which you are applying. For example, in the United States it costs $395 for NAHQ members and $495 for non-members.

9. Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR)

Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage the revenue cycle of a healthcare organization. The certification is offered through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The CRCR program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as medical coding, billing and reimbursement, accounts receivable management, and compliance. It takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete the course. After completing the course, individuals must pass a proctored exam in order to become certified.

The cost of the CRCR program varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or non-member. For AAPC members, the cost is $299 for the online course and $199 for the exam. For non-members, the cost is $399 for the online course and $299 for the exam.

In addition to passing the proctored exam, applicants must also meet certain eligibility requirements in order to become certified. These include having at least one year of experience in a revenue cycle role and holding a current credential from either AHIMA or AAPC.

10. American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certification

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certification is a professional certification program for medical coders. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in coding, billing, and reimbursement processes. The AAPC certifies coders in the areas of medical coding, auditing, compliance, and practice management.

To obtain an AAPC certification, you must first complete the required coursework and pass an exam. The coursework typically takes about three months to complete and covers topics such as anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, coding guidelines, reimbursement systems, compliance regulations, and more. Once you have completed the coursework and passed the exam, you will receive your certification from the AAPC.

The cost of obtaining an AAPC certification varies depending on your chosen program. Generally speaking, most programs range from $400-$600 for the coursework alone. In addition to this fee, there are also fees associated with taking the exam which can range from $200-$500 depending on the type of exam taken.

Overall, obtaining an AAPC certification requires dedication and commitment but can be well worth it for those looking to advance their career in medical coding.

Do You Really Need a Practice Administrator Certificate?

The short answer to this question is "it depends." A Practice Administrator Certificate can be a valuable asset, particularly if you are planning to work in healthcare administration or management. It provides proof of your knowledge and expertise in managing the day-to-day operations of a medical practice, which can be highly beneficial in securing a job.

However, the decision to pursue a Practice Administrator Certificate must come down to your individual circumstances. If you have experience working in healthcare administration or management, then a certificate may not be necessary as employers may already recognize your qualifications. If you are just starting out or looking to switch careers into healthcare management or administration, then obtaining a certificate may be helpful in demonstrating that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job.

It's important to consider factors such as cost and time when deciding whether or not to pursue a Practice Administrator Certificate. The cost of obtaining the certificate can vary depending on the program and school offering it, while earning one typically requires completing courses and exams which can take considerable amounts of time and effort.

Ultimately, it's up to you to decide if getting a Practice Administrator Certificate is worth it for your career goals and current situation.

Related: Practice Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Practice Administrator Certifications

1. What is a Practice Administrator Certification?

Answer: A Practice Administrator Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the management of medical practices. It is earned by completing an accredited program and passing an exam.

2. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can help to demonstrate your commitment to excellence in practice management, strengthen your resume, increase job opportunities, and improve the quality of patient care.

3. What topics are covered on the certification exam?

Answer: The topics covered on the certification exam include healthcare regulations, finance and accounting principles, human resource management, marketing and business operations, information technology systems, and medical practice operations.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified varies depending on the program chosen and individual study habits; however, most programs require at least one year of study and can take up to two years of preparation before taking the exam.

5. Is there a fee associated with becoming certified?

Answer: Yes, there is usually a fee associated with taking the certification exam and any additional course materials or study resources required for successful completion of the program.