CDIP Exam-Day Checklist
Final preparation and score-report guide
Use this checklist to reduce preventable exam-day problems. Your appointment confirmation and the current American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) candidate instructions take precedence over any general checklist.
One Week Before
- Confirm the appointment time, time zone, and testing location or remote-testing rules
- Match your identification to the name on the registration
- Review allowed and prohibited items
- Plan travel, parking, check-in, and accommodations
- Complete a final mixed-domain practice session and prioritize sleep
The Day Before
- Set out required identification and approved materials
- Recheck official check-in instructions
- Avoid an exhausting final cram session
- Prepare food, medication, transportation, and backup plans as applicable
During the Exam
- Read the full stem before evaluating options
- Use a consistent approach to uncertain questions
- Monitor time without rushing every item
- Follow all testing-center and confidentiality rules
Score Reports and Next Steps
Read the official score-report instructions before interpreting a preliminary or final result. If a retake is needed, use the official waiting-period and application rules, then convert the score report into a focused remediation plan.
Credential-Specific Checks
- Check the authorization-to-test period before choosing a Pearson VUE appointment
- For eligible remote testing, use AHIMA’s OnVUE instructions and complete the required equipment and room checks
- Match application details to the identification required by the test provider
- Do not assume CCDS permitted-reference rules apply to CDIP; AHIMA states there are no required exam-day books
- Use official domain feedback for remediation, and do not convert a scaled score to an assumed raw percentage
If the Result Requires More Preparation
Read the official score report before changing your study plan. Use feedback to identify domains for remediation, verify the current retake waiting period and application process, and practice new scenarios rather than memorizing your earlier answers.
Official Sources
- AHIMA: CDIP eligibility, format, fees, scoring, and retakes
- AHIMA: currently linked CDIP content outline
- AHIMA: currently linked certification candidate guide
- ACDIS: CCDS credential and candidate resources
- CMS: official ICD-10 coding resources