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.
Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality®
Over 40,000 dedicated professionals have demonstrated their knowledge and confirmed their commitment to Quality excellence by earning the CPHQ, the only accredited certification in healthcare Quality. Join this esteemed community by earning your two-year renewable CPHQ certification.
NAHQ not only offers the CPHQ – we’ll help you prepare as you work toward earning this impressive certification. To maximize your preparation for the CPHQ exam, we offer:
- Free informational sessions about how the CPHQ will advance your career and your organization
- Exam prep products to help you prepare for exam day
- Instructions to apply for the exam, including in-person and virtual options
Joint Commission endorses the CPHQ,
Sheranda Fesler speaks about the benefits of her CPHQ
My journey from certification to Quality leader
Vice President of Quality and Safety
HCA Houston Healthcare
Delve deeper. Our growing portfolio of short, virtual courses focus on each of the 8 domains of the Healthcare Quality Competency Framework. Through engaging activities, content, and assessments, these micro-credentials help elevate skills and extend knowledge beyond the CPHQ.
- More in-depth skills within each of the Framework domains
- A certificate and digital badge to demonstrate you earned the credential
- Relevant knowledge valued by organizations and healthcare Quality leaders
- CPHQ/CNE credits
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.'
To achieve Quality, Safety and Value, follow the NAHQ Framework
Want to learn about the CPHQ®?
Find out more about the only accredited certification in healthcare Quality.
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