Credentials
Certifications and credentials play a critical role in ensuring that the profession is guided by universal standards and that individuals can develop and demonstrate their qualifications. NAHQ offers the only accredited certification in healthcare Quality and a growing portfolio of micro-credentials in focused areas.
The benefits of NAHQ's credentials
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What it is | A certification program consisting of a high-stakes exam and a two-year recertification cycle. It measures and validates knowledge across a broad set of healthcare quality competencies essential for the profession. | A professional development program that includes education and a low-stakes assessment. It is designed to enhance knowledge and skills in specific, focused domains of the Healthcare Quality Competency Framework. |
Content covered | Based on the industry-validated CPHQ Exam Content Outline, which aligns with the Healthcare Quality Competency Framework. | Provides an in-depth exploration of a single domain within the Healthcare Quality Competency Framework, covering all competency statements for that domain. |
Source of content | Developed through a Job Task Analysis (JTA) process, ensuring exam content is timely, relevant, and consensus based. | Based on the competencies and skill statements within each domain of the Healthcare Quality Competency Framework. |
What you earn | - Post-nominal credential (CPHQ) | - Certificate of completion |
Length of certification | Certification is valid for two years and requires recertification to maintain active status. | No renewal requirements— does not expire. |
Who it’s for | Healthcare professionals and leaders with experience working on quality activities or in a quality-adjacent role who want to demonstrate a broad command of Quality and Safety Knowledge as well as their commitment to earning the profession’s most coveted designation. | Designed for: |
NAHQ members enjoy valuable discounts on our educational offerings and events, as well as credential resources and exam support. Join our community of more than 10,000 professionals, working together to become a 'Force for Quality.'
There is a roadmap to healthcare Quality excellence. NAHQ can help you follow it.
The NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™ serves as the industry standard, defining the Quality & Safety competencies, skills and behaviors required to advance Quality & Safety excellence across the healthcare continuum.
This expert-created, data-informed Framework is continuously validated and updated by NAHQ to ensure it provides the most up-to-date information, guiding professionals, organizations, and the healthcare industry to create a competent, coordinated workforce prepared to deliver healthcare excellence.
Want to learn about the CPHQ®?
Find out more about the only accredited certification in healthcare Quality.
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