CDIP Complete Exam Guide
Eligibility, registration, format, and current policies
The CDIP exam is administered by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Use this guide as an orientation, then confirm every time-sensitive requirement in the official candidate materials linked below.
Key Facts
| Credential | Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner (CDIP) |
|---|---|
| Format | 140 questions: 106 scored items and 34 unscored pretest items |
| Time Limit | Three hours |
| Eligibility | Associate degree or higher, an eligible CAHIIM-approved post-baccalaureate HIM certificate program, or CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, or RHIA credential; check current AHIMA rules |
| Experience | Two years of CDI experience is recommended on AHIMA’s current page, not listed as a mandatory eligibility condition |
| Testing | Pearson VUE test center or eligible U.S. OnVUE remote-proctored appointment |
| Exam Fee | AHIMA currently lists $259 for members and $329 for nonmembers; verify at application |
| Passing Score | 300 on AHIMA’s scaled-score system; this is not a raw percentage |
| Retake | New application and fee, with a 90-day waiting period before retake approval and scheduling |
| Renewal | Two-year recertification cycle with applicable CEUs and renewal fee |
Eligibility and Application
AHIMA lists education or existing-credential routes to eligibility. It recommends CDI experience but does not make its recommended two years a mandatory rule on the current CDIP page. Review the current criteria and submit accurate evidence through AHIMA before scheduling.
Registration, Testing, and Cost
Use the official registration portal for the current application process, fees, testing windows, scheduling rules, accommodations, and identification requirements. These details can change, so the official source controls.
Scoring, Retakes, and Renewal
Consult the current candidate handbook for score reporting, passing standards, retake waiting periods, renewal cycles, and continuing-education requirements. Do not rely on an older third-party summary for a current policy decision.
An Application Checklist
- Confirm one of AHIMA’s current education or existing-credential eligibility routes
- Read the current candidate guide and submit the required evidence accurately
- Wait for authorization before choosing a Pearson VUE or eligible OnVUE appointment
- Confirm your authorization dates, identification, accommodations, and applicable exam rules
- Retain the official score report and use the current retake or renewal process as applicable
Interpret Scores Using the Sponsor’s Rules
AHIMA lists a scaled passing score of 300. This is not 300 correct responses and cannot be converted to a raw percentage from a short practice quiz. Use the official result and domain feedback, then focus remediation on missed concepts.
Renewal and Ongoing Requirements
AHIMA describes a two-year renewal cycle with the required CEUs and fee. Use its CDIP page and linked recertification resources for the requirements that apply to your situation.
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