CPHQ Exam Study Guide
Your complete guide to the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality exam. Study all 7 domains with flashcards, practice exams, and study tools.
What is the CPHQ Exam?
The Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) is the only certification specifically designed for healthcare quality professionals. Administered by the Healthcare Quality Certification Commission (HQCC), the CPHQ credential demonstrates expertise across all domains of healthcare quality, patient safety, and performance improvement.
The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 25 unscored pilot items) and candidates have 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete it. The passing score is approximately 72%, though the exact cutoff varies by exam form. The CPHQ is recognized across hospitals, health systems, managed care organizations, consulting firms, and government agencies.
The 7 CPHQ Exam Domains
Quality Leadership
Organizational leadership, strategic planning, quality culture, change management, stakeholder engagement, and healthcare quality governance.
Performance Improvement
Quality improvement methodologies including PDSA, Lean, Six Sigma, benchmarking, performance measurement, and process redesign.
Population Health
Population health management, care coordination, care transitions, social determinants of health, health equity, and community health.
Health Data Analytics
Data collection, analysis, statistical methods, performance measurement, health informatics, data visualization, and evidence-based decision making.
Patient Safety
Patient safety culture, error prevention, root cause analysis, FMEA, Just Culture, safety reporting systems, and high reliability organizations.
Quality Review
Utilization management, peer review, credentialing, privileging, OPPE/FPPE, medical staff quality, and professional accountability.
Regulatory
CMS Conditions of Participation, Joint Commission standards, DNV, NCQA, state regulations, survey readiness, and accreditation processes.
CPHQ Exam at a Glance
125
Total Questions
150
Minutes
~72%
Passing Score
7
Content Domains
Who Should Take the CPHQ Exam?
The CPHQ is designed for healthcare professionals working in quality management, patient safety, risk management, utilization management, case management, performance improvement, and related fields. Candidates typically have a minimum of two years of experience in healthcare quality. There is no specific degree requirement, though most candidates hold a bachelor's or master's degree in healthcare administration, nursing, public health, or a related field.
Why Get CPHQ Certified?
- Demonstrates specialized knowledge in healthcare quality
- Recognized nationally by employers and accrediting bodies
- Enhances career opportunities and earning potential
- Validates commitment to continuous professional development
- Connects you to a professional community of quality experts