March 12, 2025

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT): Certification Requirements and Cost

Learn how to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), including RHIT certification requirements, costs, and steps.

Written by

HealthJob Editors

Reviewed by

Heading 2

What Is RHIT Certification?

The Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential is a professional certification awarded by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This nationally recognized credential validates your expertise in managing health records and information according to industry standards.

Unlike general health information technology roles, RHITs specifically focus on maintaining, collecting, analyzing, and protecting health care data. The certification distinguishes you from non-certified professionals and is increasingly preferred or required by employers in health care settings.

The RHIT credential differs from the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification, which is geared toward management-level positions and requires a bachelor's degree. The RHIT serves as an excellent entry point into the health information field, requiring an associate degree from an accredited program.

RHIT Certification Requirements

To become eligible for RHIT certification, you must meet specific educational requirements established by AHIMA:

Step 1: High School Prep

Building a strong base for a career in health information typically begins with high school coursework. Classes in biology, computer science, and general health sciences can be helpful. Volunteer work or part-time experience in a medical office can also offer valuable insights into healthcare operations.

If you have a GED or high school diploma, you meet the initial requirement to pursue higher education in health information management, which is essential for RHIT certification.

Step 2: Choose an Accredited Program

Prospective RHITs must enroll in a CAHIIM-accredited associate degree program in Health Information Management, or a closely related field such as Health Information Technology. Verify accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management (CAHIIM), which ensures the program meets the quality standards for healthcare education.

Programs typically include coursework in medical terminology, coding and classification systems, healthcare law, and data analytics—preparing students for the RHIT certification exam offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Additionally, be sure to review the CAHIIM standards for associate and bachelor’s programs, so you know your chosen school invests in reliable institutional practices that lead to ethical, outcome-based education.

Step 3: Gain Professional Practice

Many health information programs require a Professional Practice Experience (PPE) or internship. The PPE usually requires approximately 40-120 hours of in-person practice at a health care facility, depending on the program's design. Some schools require up to 120 hours of on-site training. This experience often requires meeting site requirements such as immunizations, background checks, and other health facility prerequisites.

During this time, you might also explore specialized certifications beyond RHIT, such as Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS), to strengthen your resume. While not mandatory, these credentials can highlight specialized expertise.

Step 4: Register for the RHIT Exam

Once you’re close to graduating or have graduated from a CAHIIM-accredited associate program, you can register for the RHIT certification exam through AHIMA. Those nearing program completion may be eligible for early testing if they meet particular milestones, such as being in their final term of study or awaiting transcripts.

The exam fees are $229 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members. You’ll need to create an AHIMA account, provide the required documentation, and schedule your exam date.

Step 5: Pass the RHIT Exam

The RHIT exam includes 150 questions (130 scored and 20 pretest) covering health information systems, data analytics, regulatory standards, and privacy/security best practices. You have 3.5 hours to complete the computer-based test. A passing score is at least 300.

Preparation strategies include studying with AHIMA’s official prep resources, using online practice exams, and reviewing all the healthcare-specific laws and ethical standards. On exam day, pace yourself, answer the questions you’re sure of first, then return to more challenging items. You’ll receive your exam results immediately after completing the test.

Step 6: Finding a Job (RHIT Work Settings, Job responsibilities and Salary Expectations)

After earning your RHIT certification, you'll need to understand the job market landscape. Health Information Management professionals work across various settings, with different specializations and salary potentials.

Distribution of HIM Professionals

According to an AHIMA survey, HIM professionals are distributed across these work settings as follows:

44% work in Revenue Cycle Management (coding and billing)
27% work in Operations/Medical Records Administration
6% work in Compliance and Risk Management
4% work in Education
4% work in Clinical Documentation Improvement
4% work in Informatics/Data Analytics
3% work in IT and Infrastructure
8% work in other areas

When considering where to pursue your RHIT career, evaluate not just the salary potential but also factors like job stability, advancement opportunities, work environment, and alignment with your specific interests within the health information field.

Job Responsibilities

RHITs typically perform tasks such as:

Ensuring accuracy and completeness of health records
Managing and organizing patient health information
Coding medical information for reimbursement and research
Maintaining confidentiality and security of patient data
Analyzing health care data for quality improvement
Collaborating with health care providers and administrators
Handling release of information requests
Monitoring compliance with health regulations
Participating in quality improvement initiatives
Serving as cancer registrars in some settings

Work Settings

RHITs work in diverse environments including:

Hospitals and health systems (28% of medical records specialists)
Physician practices (19% of medical records specialists)
Long-term care facilities
Insurance companies
Government agencies
Consulting firms
Electronic health record (EHR) vendors
Pharmaceutical companies
Law firms specializing in health care

RHIT Salaries

According to a 2019 survey by AHIMA, RHIT certification holders had an average salary of $70,300.

Years of Experience	RHIT Salary
Less than one year	$49,150
1-2 years	$38,710
3-4 years	$42,960
5-6 years	$50,910
7-10 years	$57,630
11-20 years	$63,000
21-30 years	$76,520
31 or more years	$79,100

Maintain Your RHIT Certification

After passing the exam, you officially hold the RHIT credential. However, to keep this certification active, you must complete 20 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. At least two of these CEUs should address privacy and security issues—vital in today’s healthcare landscape. Maintain all documentation of your completed CEUs and submit them to AHIMA as required.

Building a Successful RHIT Career

Once certified, you can pursue roles in diverse healthcare environments such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, or even government agencies. Below are key strategies to help you excel and grow as an RHIT:

Create strong job materials: Prepare a professional resume and cover letter emphasizing your education, RHIT certification, and relevant internships. You can also highlight achievements on LinkedIn or other professional networking platforms.

Network and job search effectively: Connect with industry professionals and alumni from your program. Attend healthcare-focused job fairs and leverage specialized job boards. Building relationships can help you find hidden opportunities.

Interview preparation: Research the employer’s background and align your strengths with their mission. Practice common interview questions about coding, health information management, and HIPAA regulations. Follow up with a polite thank-you message afterward.

Professional development and growth: Consider earning additional credentials like a bachelor’s or master’s degree in health information management. Stay involved in professional organizations—such as AHIMA—to keep pace with developments in the healthcare industry. Networking and continuous learning are pivotal for career advancement.

Moving Forward in an RHIT Career

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully navigate the path to becoming a Registered Health Information Technician. From obtaining the necessary education and certification to building a strong professional network, you will be well-prepared to enter the rewarding field of health information management.

As an RHIT, you will play an essential role in improving patient care while working at the important and bustling intersection of healthcare and technology.