Certified Compliance Technician (CCT)
This exam is intended for all revenue cycle staff who must meet employers’ annual compliance training requirements. In today’s healthcare environment, compliance is of the utmost importance. Regardless of what role you have in the revenue cycle, understanding compliance is a necessity. The compliance exam covers such topics as Fraud and Abuse, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, HIPAA, Administrative Sanctions, and RACs. You can use your CCT Certification towards satisfying Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), The Joint Commission (TJC) and Det Norske Veritas (DNV) Requirements.
Exam Overview
The CCT is a ninety (90) minute online proctored exam that measures basic competencies in healthcare compliance.
CCT Exam Focus Areas
- The seven elements of a healthcare compliance plan
- Agencies that oversee healthcare compliance
- Knowledge of the Office of Inspector General compliance recommendations
- Non-compliance penalties
Exam Format
Examinees sit the online exam that covers all four (4) focus areas. Grading is immediate upon completion of the exam. All areas of the CCT exam are graded together and the exam must be passed with a score of 70% or greater in order to earn the designation. If the score is less than 70%, a retake of the full exam is required.
Exam Retakes
If the exam is not passed, the full exam must be registered for in order to retake the exam.
Exam Refunds and Postponements
CCT application fees are non-refundable and are non-transferable. A one-time postponement is allowed if extenuating circumstances prevent an individual from sitting for a scheduled exam, but it must be approved by the Executive Committee. To request a postponement, the examinee must provide written notice to the AAHAM National Office ([email protected]) at least three (3) days prior to the scheduled exam in order to avoid incurring any additional rescheduling fees. Postponements are only allowed once and can only be transferred to the following month.
Eligibility
The CCT exam is available to anyone involved in the management of patient accounts which involve government payers and compliance. AAHAM membership is not required, although it is encouraged, one year of compliance experience is recommended.
Exam Scheduling
The exams are offered throughout the year and can be scheduled on-demand. Applications to take an exam are due in to the AAHAM office 30 days prior to the scheduled exam date.
On-demand exam scheduling details
- The CCT exams are offered on weekdays throughout the year, and on the second Saturday of each month.
- Technical Support will be available from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern time on exam testing dates. Arrangements can be made to provide support outside of the standard support windows as well by contacting [email protected].
Exam Preparation
AAHAM certification examinations require hands on working knowledge of patient account management as it relates to national governmental regulations and policies that govern revenue cycle registration, billing and collection procedures. Working experience is not sufficient; candidates will need to enhance and refresh their knowledge through independent and group study programs. Participation in study opportunities provided by your local chapter and/or the national organization is highly recommended.
Study opportunities include:
- A downloadable CCT study outline included in the CCT exam fee.
- A comprehensive CCT Exam Study Manual is available for purchase. The manual is designed to assist you in studying for the CCT certification as chapters correspond to each section of the exams, with material targeted and geared toward exam questions. It features knowledge checks (practice questions) to help gauge your progress.
- Training and coaching opportunities are offered by local AAHAM chapters. For more information see the link above to locate the contact information for the Chapter Certification Chair in your local area.
Re-Certification
To retain the CCT certification designation, two (2)options are available:
- Option One - Retake and pass the entire exam every three years.
- Option Two - Join as a national member prior to your certification expiration date and earn continuing education units (CEUs). Please note that your CEUs begin to accumulate starting the date you join as a National member, therefore any CEUs earned before joining AAHAM as a member aren’t eligible. Members must earn and report twenty hours of prior to their certification expiration date. Ten of the CEUs must be obtained from attendance at AAHAM related educational programs. If membership and CEUs are not maintained, the designation will be revoked and can no longer be used.
If you are certified; CCT and CRCE/CRCP/CRCS; The CEUs you submit for those certifications may also be used toward your CCT CEUs.
Professional Study Sessions will be conducted by Leanna Marshall (434/293-8891 or 434/962 8508), Virginia Chapter Certification Chair.
