Welcome to the newly redesigned web site for the Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ) Program. 

The granting of CPHQ status recognizes professional and academic achievement by individuals in the field of healthcare quality management.  The comprehensive body of knowledge includes quality management, quality improvement, case/care/disease/utilization management, and risk management at all employment levels and in all healthcare settings.   The CPHQ program is fully accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies of the National Organization for Competency Assurance in Washington, D.C.  It is the only international voluntary certification program in the field of healthcare quality management to achieve this accreditation.

Since the first examination was administered by the HQCB in 1984, more than 15,000 professionals from a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds have registered for the CPHQ examination, with more than 11,000 achieving certified status.  There are currently over 7,400 active CPHQs in the United States and worldwide. 

- Message from the Chair-

As Chair of the 2007 Healthcare Quality Certification Board (HQCB), I would like to welcome you to our website. Whether you are beginning to prepare for the CPHQ exam or if you are currently certified, I hope you find the HQCB website beneficial in your search for additional information and that is it is a great resource in continuing your certification as a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ).

For those who are planning on taking the certification exam, you will find the Candidate’s Handbook on our website and all of the information you need to take the CPHQ exam. The CPHQ exam is now being given via computer online at designated testing centers. In addition we are offering the exam at the annual NAHQ conference. This year, the annual conference will be held in Boston. Regardless of where you choose to take the CPHQ exam, you will need to follow the instructions in the candidate handbook for applying for the exam.

For those of you that have the CPHQ certification, we have made it easier to recertify by doing it online. In addition, you can keep track of the continuing education you have completed for re-certification. There is also a copy of the CPHQ newsletter online to help you keep up to date on news pertaining to the CPHQ credential, new CPHQ’s and other helpful information. Please browse the site and let us know if there is any additional information HQCB can provide to you.

The CPHQ designation is the Gold Standard for the healthcare quality professional. It provides the healthcare employer and public with the assurance that certified individuals have demonstrated the necessary skills, knowledge and experience in healthcare quality management to perform competently. Certified Healthcare Quality Professionals are committed to excellence in healthcare quality.

Joan Boldrey, RN, M.Ed, MS,
CPHQ Chair,
Healthcare Quality Certification Board

National Association for Healthcare Quality (NAHQ) is the parent professional association of the HQCB. NAHQ is the nation's leading organization for quality professionals in healthcare. Its vision is Quality Healthcare for Everyone. NAHQ seeks to achieve this vision is through the enhancement of quality professionals working in healthcarethrough education, certification, research and advocacy.

Explore NAHQ and its products and programs