A Certified Healthcare Constructor is a professional credential that is awarded by the American Hospital Association. If you work in healthcare construction and want to compete for the best positions in healthcare facility engineering, it is important that you consider applying for credentials that demonstrate your knowledge and also your commitment to the field. Read on, and learn more about the CHC credential offered by the AHA and what you need to do to be considered eligible to apply.
What Does the CHC Credential Represent?
The CHC designation is fairly new and was introduced in the industry in 2010 by the AHA in conjunction with the American Society for Healthcare Engineering. The purpose is to help healthcare facilities across the nation optimize health care facilities by hiring the most knowledgeable and experienced representatives in the profession of healthcare construction.
Since constructors that work in this environment are responsible for designing safe and efficient buildings that are perfect to deliver healthcare services, having the skills needed to fulfill job responsibilities is crucial. By earning the CHC, the credentialed professional shows they have this knowledge and are ready to perform at a high standard as a project superintendent, architect, engineer, construction manager, engineer designer, planner, estimator or marketer.
Eligibility Requirements for the CHC
To sit for the exam to earn your certification you must pay a $400 for the examination fee. In addition to the fee, you will need to meet educational and health-specific professional requirements. You will either need to possess a Bachelor's degree with 5 years of healthcare construction experience or an Associate's degree with 7 years of experience. Some candidates will be considered eligible without a post-secondary degree but they must be able to show 10 years of construction experience and 5 years worth of experience in the healthcare setting.
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How Are You Tested and What is Covered on the Exam?
Before you can earn a professional certification to be considered certified in the field you must demonstrate your knowledge and meet the eligibility requirements. If you meet the eligibility requirements, it is important that you are ready to complete the 2 hour exam where you will be asked to complete 115 multiple-choice questions. Only 100 of these questions will count towards your score.
While the questions change from test to test, the content will all come from a straightforward outline. You must answer questions on: Healthcare Industry Fundamentals, Planning, Design, Construction Process, Facility Safety and Financial Stewardship. You will be expected to be able to recall information, apply knowledge to changing situations and analyze scenarios to come up with solutions. Once you pass the exam, you will be required to renew and complete continuing education courses every 3 years.
It is important that you commit yourself to professional development when you are a part of healthcare facility construction projects. No matter what your role is, getting certified can help to show how knowledgeable you are on the process and procedures of your job. Be sure to review the specific eligibility requirements and then you can determine if you have the educational experience or the professional experience you need. If you are eligible, pay your fee and then apply for a date to take your CHC exam so that you can hold the Certified Healthcare Constructor title.