NAHAM CERTIFICATIONCOMMISSION

POLICIESANDPROCEDURESMANUAL

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TABLEOF CONTENTS

I. Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………..3

NAHAM MissionStatement……………………………………………………………………3

StatementofPurpose…………………………………………………………………………….3

Credentials………………………………………………………………………………………3

Definitions……………………………………………………………………………………….3

EffectiveDate…………………………………………………………………………………....4

II.The NAHAM Certification Program Overview…………………………………4

TheCHAAandCHAMExam……………………………………………………………….…4

ExaminationFormat…………………………………………………………………………….4

EligibilityRequirements………………………………………………………………………...5

DenialofEligibility……………………………………………………………………………...6

Participation……………………………………………………………………………………...6

Fees………………………………………………………………………………………………6

ApplicationSubmission………………………………………………………………………….7

ProctorSelection…………………………………………………………………………………7

ReschedulinganExamination…………………………………………………………………7

Re-Examination…………………………………………………………………………………..7

CertificationMaintenance………………………………………………………………………..8

RevocationofCertification………………………………………………………………………8

DisciplinaryAction………………………………………………………………………………9

Reinstatement…………………………………………………………………………………….9

III.Examination Administration

TestAdministrationandScoring……………………………………………………………10

TestAccommodations…………………………………………………………………………...10

Candidateswith Disabilities……………………………………………………………………..10

NondiscriminationPolicy………………………………………………………………………..10

IV.Records Maintenanceand Retention……………………………………………11

V. Test Development………………………………………………………………………....11

VI.Professional Practice and Disciplinary Policy……………………………………12

VII. Certification Governance, Structure and Function………………………13

TheCertificationCommission…………………………………………………………………..13

Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………...13

CompositionandTerms………………………………………………………………………….14

Sub-Committees………………………………………………………………………………….14

CommissionResponsibilities…………………………………………………………………….15

CertificationCommissionVacancy……………………………………………………………15

MemberRemoval………………………………………………………………………………...16

Meetings………………………………………………………………………………………….16

VIII. ReviewandModification of Policies……………………………………………16

IX.Votes/Decisions……………………………………………………………………………...16

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I. INTRODUCTION

A. NAHAM MISSION STATEMENT

TheNationalAssociationof HealthcareAccessManagementprovidesqualityeducational programmingandinteractionfor professionalsengagedinthe managementofpatientaccess servicesin healthcaredelivery.

B. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

TheNationalAssociationof HealthcareAccessManagement(NAHAM) hasestablishedthe

NAHAM CertificationProgramforthefollowingpurposes:

-To establish thebody ofknowledgeoffront linestaffand managersfor patient accessservices;

-To assess thelevelofknowledgedemonstratedbythoseworkinginpatientaccessservicesinavalidandreliablemanner;

-To encourage professionalgrowthinthefield;

-To formally recognizeindividualswhomeettherequirementssetby theCertificationCommission;and

-To serve thepublicby encouragingqualityin patientaccessservices.

C. CREDENTIALS

TheNationalAssociationof HealthcareAccessManagement(NAHAM) shalloffer the followingcredentials:

  • TheCertifiedHealthcareAccessManager(CHAM)
  • TheCertifiedHealthcareAccessAssociate(CHAA)

D. DEFINITIONS

Policy: A decisionwhichobligatesactionsorsubsequentdecisionson similarmatters.

Procedure:Stepsrequiredtoachievearesult.

Guidelines:Approved,non-binding statementsusedtodirecttheproceduresandstandards.

Standard: An approved,binding statementusedtojudgequalityofactionor activity.

For Cause:FailuretocomplywiththisPolicy and Procedures Manual, NAHAM’s Standards ofPractice,CodeofEthics,definitionofgood standing,policies,procedures,bylaws,federal andstatelaws.

Good Standing:Certificationstatusiscurrentwithno disciplinaryactionsaffectingthe certificant’sstatus.

Date of Application:Dateon whichanapplicationisreceivedby NAHAM afterpaymenthas beensuccessfullyprocessed.

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E. EFFECTIVE DATE

ThesepoliciesareeffectiveMay25,2011, arethecurrentpoliciesof NAHAM, andsupersede allpreviouspolicies. Periodic updates may be made to these policies on a regular basis.

II.NAHAM CERTIFICATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW

THE CHAA AND CHAM EXAM

BoththeCHAMandCHAAcertificationexaminationshavebeendesignedtomeettesting industrystandardsfor validityandreliability.TheactivitiesrelatedtotheNAHAMCredential Programareorganizedandoverseenby theCertificationCommissionof NAHAM.

The Certified Healthcare AccessManager (CHAM)

Thecredentialprogramwasdevelopedin1977 and wasoriginallyknownastheAccredited AdmittingManager(AAM) credential.ThenameofthiscertificationwaschangedtoCertified HealthcareAccessManagerinthelate1990stoaligntheexamination’snamewiththenameof theassociationandto morebroadlyreflectthescopeofpracticeofthoseworkingin patient accessservices.

The Certified Healthcare Access Associate (CHAA)

Thecredentialprogramwaslaunchedinthefallof1999 and wasdevelopedtoelevate professionalstandards,enhanceindividualperformance,anddesignateindividualsthat demonstratetheknowledgeessentialinpatientaccessservicesatthefront-linestafflevel.

B. EXAMINATION FORMAT Number of Questions

TheCHAMandCHAAexaminationsareboth 115-questionmultiplechoiceexaminations

designedto testandchallengethecandidate’sknowledgeofandexperienceinthefieldofpatient accessservices.

Duration of Exam

Bothexaminationsaretwo(2) hourslongandareproctored.

Computer-Based Testing (CBT)

ExaminationsareInternet-based,unlessadministeredata NAHAM AnnualConference.

Paper and Pencil Testing

Paper-and-Pencil examinations are only available at the NAHAM Annual Conference.

Exam Composition

Thecompositionofbothexaminationsisguidedby extensiveresearchonthejobtasks performedandknowledgeneededby thoseworkinginpatientaccessservices.Candidatesare requiredto demonstrateproficiencyby answeringquestionsthatevaluateproficiencyinthefollowingareasprovidedinthecontentoutline.Thecontentoutlineand contentsarereviewed everyfive to sevenyearsas partofthejobanalysis:

CHAA Content Outline

-Pre-encounter

-Encounter

-FutureDevelopment

CHAM Content Outline

-Pre-Arrival

-Arrival

Access Management

C. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Eligiblecandidatesmust meetthestanding minimumeligibilityrequirements.Standingminimumeligibilityrequirementswillbepublishedinthe mostcurrenteditionoftheCandidate Guide to Certification.

Consent to Audit

CandidatesmustreadandagreetotheprocessesandparametersoftheNAHAM programas describedinNAHAM’s CandidateGuidetoCertification.

Education/WorkExperience

Todemonstrateeligibility,candidatesmustsubmitanapplicationdocumentingcompliancewith thefollowingformaleducation,workexperience,andprofessionalconductrequirements:

CHAM

  1. Two(2) years managementexperienceinthehealthcareor financeindustry
  1. Highschooldiplomaor GEDequivalentplus90professionaldevelopmentcontacthours earnedwithinthe previous three(3) years;or a four-yeardegreefromanaccreditedinstitutionin healthcare,business,or relatedfield
  1. Signatureofone(1) supervisoror courseinstructor/advisorand one(1) CHAM- certifiedindividual

CHAA

  1. One(1) yearinhealthcareor financeindustry;orsuccessfulcompletionofan accreditedcollegeprograminhealthcare; or, effective March 1, 2014, successful completion of an approved community college program in patient access
  1. Highschooldiplomaor GEDequivalentplus30professionaldevelopmentcontact hours earnedwithintheprevioustwo(2) years;or an Associate’s degreefroman accredited institution

References

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Candidatesmustconfirmreferencesandprovidenameand contactinformationoftheir supervisoror courseinstructor.NAHAMmaycontactthisindividualfor confirmationof eligibility.

Completionof Application & Fee

Candidatesmustsubmitanonlineapplicationandrequiredfeeto fulfilltheNAHAM Certificationeligibilityrequirements.

NAHAM Audit

NAHAM auditsa percentageofallapplicationsreceivedto ensurecandidateshavemetthebasic eligibilityrequirementsandthatifcontactedwillprovidewithinfivebusinessdays documentation confirmingthattheyhave metthebasiceligibilityrequirements.

D. DENIAL OF ELIGIBILITY

Eligibilityfor any NAHAM CertificationProgrammaybedeniedwhen:

  • Theapplicationisincomplete.
  • Theapplicationisnotaccompaniedby thecorrectfees.
  • An applicationanditssupportingdocumentationdo notadequatelysubstantiateor properlydemonstratethattheapplicanthasmetthe minimumeligibilitycriteria(asdeterminedduringtheauditprocess)

Whenanapplicationfor NAHAM CertificationProgrameligibilityisdeniedtheapplicantwill benotifiedin writingandtheapplicationfeewillnotbereturned.Deniedapplicationsmaybe resubmitted,with full fees,upon completionofalleligibilitycriteria,or maybeappealed.

E. PARTICIPATION

Participationinthecertificationprogramisvoluntaryandopentoanyonemeetingtheeligibility requirements.Membershipin NAHAM isnotrequired.

F. FEES Certification Exam

CHAM– Theapplicationfeeis$175for NAHAM membersand$350for non-membersfor the first attempt.Thesecondattemptrequirespre-paymentofa$50 retestingfee.

CHAA– Theapplicationfeeis$125for both NAHAMmembersandnon-membersfor thefirst attempt.Thesecondattemptrequirespre-paymentofa$25 retestingfee.

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Candidatesthatchoosetochangetoa futuretestperiodwillbechargedatestchangefeeof

$50.

Certification Maintenance/Renewal

CHAM– Thenon-refundableprocessingfeefor renewalsis$50 for NAHAMmembersand $100 for non-members,due whentheRenewalFormissubmitted.

CHAA– Thenon-refundableprocessingfeefor renewalsis$25for both NAHAMmembersand non-members,due whentheRenewalFormissubmitted.

G.APPLICATION SUBMISSION

Applicationsand fees mustbesubmittedaminimumofone(1)monthpriortothetesting month. Testdateandproctorinformationmustbeincludedon theapplication.NAHAMwillnotifythe candidateandproctorofthecandidate’sexaminationapplicationstatusatleasttwo(2) weeks beforethedesiredtestingdate.

H.PROCTORSELECTION

Itistheresponsibilityofthecandidatetoidentifyandconfirmaqualifiedproctor.TheNAHAM AdministrativeOfficeisnotresponsiblefor selectingand securingproctorsfor examination candidates.A proctormustbeina managementposition, maynotbeyoursupervisoror inyour lineofcommand,andcannotbecurrentlyenrolledtotakeaNAHAM Certificationexam.

I. RESCHEDULING ANEXAMINATION

A candidatecanrescheduleanexaminationwithinthesameexaminationcycle and mustnotifytheir proctorto reschedule.Ifacandidatewishesto registerwithinanotherexaminationcyclethey must contacttheNAHAM AdministrativeOfficeandpaya transferfee.Ifacandidatedoesnot reschedulewithintheseguidelinesand failsto appearfor theexamination,thatcandidatewill forfeittheentireexamregistrationfee.

J. RE-EXAMINATION

Candidateswho areunsuccessfulontheexaminationmayretaketheexaminationduringthe followingtestingwindow.Candidatescannotretaketheexaminthesametestingwindow. Candidatesthatareunsuccessfulwiththeretakeexaminationmustcompleteandresubmitthe initialapplicationand fee.

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K.CERTIFICATION MAINTENANCE

Recertification

Certificationisvalidforaperiodof two(2) years,atwhichtimecertificantsmustcompletethe requirednumberofprofessionaldevelopmentcontacthours,recertificationapplicationand submita feefor theirrespectivecredential.Individualswho do notmeetrecertification requirementswilllosetheircertifiedstatus.

CHAA– Thirty(30) professionaldevelopmentcontacthours mustbecompletedwiththepast twoyears.

CHAM– Sixty(60) professionaldevelopmentcontacthours mustbe completedwiththepasttwoyears. Commencing in June 2015, ten (10) of the 60 professional development contact hours must be NAHAM approved.

Theprocessfor obtainingrecertificationisdescribedin full intheCertificationMaintenance Handbook. Additionally,NAHAM’s website willbekeptcurrentwithallinformation individualsneedtoknow tosuccessfullymaintaintheircertification.

Itisthecertifiedindividual’sresponsibilitytoknow whentheyneedto renewtheircertification as wellasthefees,processes,andpoliciesassociatedwith certificationmaintenance.

Re-Examination

Certificantsthatallowtheircertificationtoexpiremayrecertifyby takingtheexaminationor completingtheretroactivemaintenanceprogram-seebelow.Certificantsthatchoosetoretake theexamand do not pass,forfeittheopportunitytorecertifythrough theRetroactiveMaintenance Program.

RetroactiveMaintenance Program

In June2010 theCertificationCommissionof NAHAM adoptedaRetroactiveCertification MaintenanceProgram.ThisprogramenablesthosewhomissedtheirCHAMor CHAA certificationmaintenancesubmissiondeadlinestoretaintheircredentialiftheyareableto documenttheircontinuingeducationactivitiesforthetimeperiod(s)theyshouldhavereported hadtheyparticipatedin thenormalmaintenanceprogram.

CHAA Retroactive Maintenance is $100 for each cycle missed.

CHAM Retroactive Maintenance for NAHAM members is $150 for each cycle missed.

CHAM Retroactive Maintenance for non-members is $300 for each cycle missed.

L. REVOCATION OF CERTIFICATION

Certificationmayberevokedfor falsificationofanapplicationor applicationmaterials,violation ofexaminationproceduresor security,violationoftheNAHAM’s codeofethics,or failureto meetrecertificationrequirements.Beforeacertificationis revoked,theindividualwillbe informedof thebasisofsuchactionand willbeaffordedanopportunitytoappeal.

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TheNAHAM CertificationCommissionistheonlyentityauthorizedto makesuspensionor revocationdecisionswithrespecttodisciplinaryactions,subjecttoappealsbroughttothe Commissioninaccordancewiththeestablishedcertificationpoliciesand procedures.

M.DISCIPLINARY ACTION

TheCertificationCommissionmaytakedisciplinaryactionagainstanycertificantwho is found guiltyofoneor moreofthefollowing:

  • Obtainingcertificationor arenewingcertificationthroughtheuseof fraudor deceitor assistinganotherpersontodo so;or
  • Misrepresenting one’s self as a current CHAA or CHAM certificant; or
  • Violationofoneor moreoftheprovisionsintheNAHAM CodeofProfessional
  • Conduct;or
  • Unauthorizedpossession,distribution,or useofany NAHAMexamination-relatedmaterialsorassistinganotherpersontodo so

All complaints of alleged violations must be submitted in writing to the NAHAM Headquarters. The written complaint must include the nature of the alleged violation as well as the names of the involved parties. The name of the complainant will be kept confidential by the Certification Commission, however, no complaints may be submitted anonymously. Alleged violations received by the NAHAM Headquarters will be forwarded to the Certification Commission for review.

The Certification Commission will investigate all received ethical complaints. Investigation efforts may include interview with the alleged party in question, interview with other parties involved for the purposes of obtaining information deemed applicable to the specific violation and review of applicable documentation and data. The Certification Commission may elicit assistance from NAHAM Headquarters staff or legal counsel when necessary during the investigation process. All interviews and documentation information shall be held confidential throughout all stages of the investigation process.

IftheCertificationCommissiondeterminesthatgrounds existto takedisciplinaryactionagainst acandidateor acertificant,itmaytakeoneor moreofthefollowingactionsor suchother action(s)as theCertificationCommissionmaydeemappropriate:

  • Denyacandidate’sapplicationfor examinationorcertification,or a certificant’sapplicationfor recertification;
  • Requirea candidatetoretakeone or moreexaminations
  • Invalidatetheexaminationscore(s)ofacandidate;requireacandidatetowaita specifiedperiodoftimebeforereapplyingto taketheexamination(s);and/orrevokea candidate’seligibilitytosit for futureexaminations;
  • Issuetheindividualareprimand;
  • Requiretheindividualtoengageinremedialeducationand/ortraining;
  • Revokeacertificant’scertification

N. REINSTATEMENT

Requestsforreinstatementsofcertificationrevokedon accountofdisciplinaryactionsmustbein writingandwillbereviewedby theCertificationCommissionon thelastFridayofthe month.

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III.EXAMINATION ADMINISTRATON

A. TESTADMINISTRATION ANDSCORING

1. Exam Cycle: TheCHAAandCHAMExaminationsareadministeredfour (4)times annuallyforone(1) fullmonth:January,April,July,and October.NAHAM offersthe paper/pencilexaminationattheNAHAM AnnualEducationalConference.

2. Application Deadline:Applications and feesmust be received a minimum of one (1) month priorto thetesting month.Testdateand proctorinformationmustbeincludedon the application.

3. Candidate Notification: NAHAM willnotifythecandidateand proctorofcandidate examinationapplicationstatusatleasttwo(2) weeksbeforethedesiredtestingdate.

4. Exam Results:Candidateswho taketheexaminationwillreceiveresultson thecomputer screenimmediatelyfollowingthecompletionoftheexam.For securityreasons,resultswill notbegivenoverthephoneor sentby faxor e-mail. Results will appear in the certificant’s record in Certification Central.

Paper-Pencil exam results will be sent out via regular mail to certificants and stored in the certificant’s record in Certification Central.

5. Hand-Scoring: Any candidatemayrequestahand-scoreofhisor heranswersheet. Requestsmustbemadein writingtoNAHAM and willbe communicatedtoSMT.A notice ofthehand-scoreresultswillbe sentby certifiedmailtothecandidatewithinthreeweeksof therequest.Theresultsofthehand-scorewillbefinal.

B. TESTING ACCOMMODATIONS

Testingwillbedoneatasuitablelocation,dateandtimeagreedupon by thecandidateandtheir proctor.

C. CANDIDATES WITHDISABILITIES

A candidatewithadocumentedvisual,physical,hearing,or learningdisabilitythatwould preventthecandidatefromtakingtheCHAAorCHAMexaminationsunderstandardconditions mayrequestspecialtestingaccommodationsandarrangementsas requiredby law.Candidates mustcompletetheAmericanwith DisabilitiesAct(ADA) Notificationformandreturnit with the requireddocumentationalongwiththeexaminationapplication.Disabilityaccommodation requestswillbehandledon acase-by-casebasis.

D. NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY

NAHAM doesnotdiscriminateagainstanypersonon thebasisofrace,color,gender,age,sexual orientation,ethnicity,nationalorigin,religion,disability,creed, maritalstatus,or any other protected class asdefinedand prohibitedby law.

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IV.RECORDSMAINTENANCE AND RETENTION

Confidential Information

Thenature,format,contentand resultsofexaminationsadministeredby theNAHAM Certificationandallapplicationmaterialsareconsideredconfidentialinformationand willbe treatedassuchinaccordancewithpoliciesand proceduresadoptedby theCertification Commission,unlessappropriatepermissionisobtainedor whereotherwiserequiredby law.

Record Maintenance and Retention

Further,theNAHAM CertificationProgramandits testingagencystores,processes,anduses datacollectedfromapplicationformsandtestscorereports. Dataisstoredonlytotheextent necessaryfor processingandvalidatingapplications/examinationscoresandincompliancewith relatedrecordretentionregulations.Underno circumstanceswillindividualdataor testscores besharedwithanyentityoutsideof theNAHAMCertificationProgramandits testingagency, unlesspermissionisobtainedfromthecandidateor certificantor unlessotherwiserequiredby law.Candidatetestscoresarenotreleasedbytelephoneor electronically,butonlyinwritten formasanofficialNAHAM Certificationdocument.TheNAHAMCertificationProgrammay developandpublish statisticaldataregardingtheexamsprovidedthattheidentitiesofthe candidatesarenot divulged.

V. TESTDEVELOPMENT

Job Analysis

A jobanalysisstudyof thepatientaccessserviceswillbe performedno lessthaneveryfive years. Thepurposeof thestudy willbetoidentifytheday-to-dayresponsibilitiesperformedby patientaccessprofessionalsandtheknowledgerequiredto performtheseresponsibilities.The study findings willserveasthefoundationfor developingtheexaminationspecifications.These specificationswillidentifythelinkagesbetweentheresponsibilityandknowledgeareasand will outlinethe following:(a)thetopicstobecoveredon theexamination,(b) thenumberof questionspertopicareatobeincludedon eachexamination,and(c)thecognitivelevelatwhich questionsfor eachtopicareashouldbe written.Theexaminationspecificationscanbereviewed andadjustedby theCertificationCommission,asnecessary,toreflectcurrentprofessional practice,governmentregulations,etc. Allexaminationforms willbe assembledinaccordance withtheexaminationspecifications.

Exam Development

NAHAM hascontractedwithSchroederMeasurementTechnologies(SMT)todevelop,score, andadministertheCHAMandCHAAexaminations.SMTisanestablished,full-service internationaltestingcompanyservingtheneedsoflicensingboardsand credentialingagencies witha widerangeoftestdevelopmentandcomputer-basedadministrationservices.

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Questionson theexamarewrittenbycurrentcertificantswho havebeentrainedinwritingmultiple-choiceitemsby SMT.Everytwoyears, four (4) to eight(8) subjectmatterexpertsareselectedto writeitemsfor theexamination.Item writers are reviewed and selected by the Certification Commission based on the strength of their NAHAM Certification Commission Item Writer Application. Itemswrittenareassessedforcontent,levelofdifficulty, accuracy,andcorrectness.Onceapproved,SMT works withpsychometricexpertstoensure consistencyofquestionformatandtobeincludedinthebankofexaminationquestions.

Fromthatbank,SMTpreparesa draftexaminationbasedon theexamspecifications.Theitem writersthen meetandreviewthedraftexam,substitutingquestionsasneededto further balanceand matchthecontentoftheexaminationtothetestblueprintandreleasinga newexam form.

The CBT and paper-and-pencil exams are the same examinations; the only difference is the format. Paper-and-pencil is only available at the NAHAM Annual Conference.

Pretesting of Items

Toenabletheadditionofnewitemswithprovensound statisticalattributestotheactiveitem bank,up to15 newitemswillbe pre-testedon eachexaminationform.Pre-testitemswillnot be scored.Pre-testitemswillbeintermingledamongtheactiveitemsandcandidateswillnotknow whichitemsarebeingthepre-tested.Candidateswillbeinformedthat15 ofthetestitemsare pre-testitems.

Passing Standards andEquating

Thepassingstandardshallbe setusingacriterion-referencedmethodology. A panel of Subject Matter Experts will be convened to determine the passing standard. This panel of experts in conjunction with the testing experts at SMT) will then submit a recommend passing standard to the Certification Commission who will then vote to accept the passing standard or have the capability to adjust the standard within the range of acceptable scores (as prescribed by SMT).

Wheneverexamineevolumespermit,equatingwillbeused to maintainthepassingstandard acrossdifferentexaminationformsandtostatisticallyadjustscores,asnecessary,to compensate for differencesindifficultyacrossexaminationforms.

VI.PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND DISCIPLINARY POLICY

Examination Irregularities

Any problems,suspectedinstancesofcheating,allegedinappropriateexamination administration, environmentaltestingconditionssevereenoughtocausedisruptionofthe process, or otherirregularitiesrelatedtotestadministrationshouldbeaddressedtotheonsite proctoror tostaff.Allsuchmatterswillbereported,investigated,andsubjectto furtheraction baseduponpoliciesandproceduresadoptedby theCertificationCommission.Cheatingor other violationsoftheCodeofEthicsor mattersthatmayconstitutegrounds for disciplinaryaction will behandledunderthe“DisciplinaryProcedures” sectionadoptedbytheCertificationCommissionbut otherissuesinthenatureofexaminationirregularitiesarenotsubjecttoappeal.

Violating Testing Center Rules

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Ifacandidateiscaughtviolatingtestingrules,whichareexplainedto allexamcandidates,the candidateispermanentlyineligiblefor any NAHAM certification.Testingcenterproctorsare authorizedtotakeimmediate,appropriatemeasuresagainstcandidateswho arecaughtviolating testingrules.

Misconductat the Examination

Itisimproperfor examinationcandidatestoengageinanyofthefollowingactivities:

  • Failuretoobserveanyrulesofconductasoutlinedby theproctororsitecoordinator
  • Tocopyinwritingor otherwiserecordor transmitto othersanyexamination questionsand/oranswersor otheraspectsofthenatureor contentoftheexamination.
  • Tobringanyunauthorizedansweringagentof anynature(e.g.,books, notes)to theexaminationsite.
  • Toofferor assist,or to solicitassistancefromothercandidates,examiners,or thoseresponsiblefor theadministrationoftheexamination.
  • Toengageinanyotherconductor inappropriatebehaviorwhichisinjuriousto theintegrityof theexaminationor toanyofitsparticipants.

Dismissal

Any candidatewho isobservedengaginginany misconductwillbesubjectto dismissalfromthe examination,maybebarredfromfutureexaminationsfor a periodrangingfromone yearto permanentdismissal,and mayberequiredto forfeithis/hercurrentexaminationfeeand/or periodofeligibility.Thecandidateisentitledtoappealthedismissaldetermination.

VII. CERTIFICATION GOVERANCE, STRUCTUREAND FUNCTION

A. THE NAHAM CERTIFICATIONCOMMISSION

TheNAHAM CertificationCommissionisanautonomousgroup independent of theNAHAM Boardof Directors.Essentialcertificationdecisions madeby theCertificationCommissionfor theNAHAMCredentialProgramare made independentlyoftheNAHAM Board,notwithstandingthattheChairpersonoftheCertification CommissionservesasliaisontotheBoardandattends board meetings to contribute input regarding NAHAM’sCertification program.

B. PURPOSE

TheCertificationCommissionshalldevelopandimplementacomprehensiveandvalid professionalcertificationprogram.Itprovidesallthenecessarycomponentsofanoverall, voluntarycertificationprogramtoincludemechanismstoevaluateindividuals’competencein theprofession,whichareobjective,fairandbasedon theknowledgeandskillsnecessaryto performtherolesof NAHAM certificants.Itcontinuallyassessesanddevelopsamethodology

toensurecurrentrelevanceandreliabilityoftheevaluationmechanismsusedtoassureindividual competenceandon-goingcompetence.

TheCertificationCommissionpublishesallpertinent informationrelativetothecertificationprogram,itsprocessesandrequirements,anditsupports the marketingeffortsof boththecertificationprogramandNAHAM. TheCertification Commissionnegotiatescontractualagreements,asnecessaryandinconsultationwiththe NAHAM Board,toensureappropriateness/validityofthecertificationexaminationsand adequatemanagementresourcesofthecertificationprogram(i.e.,administrativestaff, professionaltestingcompany,etc.).

C. COMPOSITION ANDTERMS

The Commissionrequiresaminimumofthreeandnomaximumnumberof members, one of which must be a public member.Thegeneralguideline isthatthetotalnumberof commission membersnotexceed15 totalunless the chairpersondeterminesaneedformore than fifteenmembers.

NAHAM will distribute a Call for Volunteers between June 1 and June 15 of any given year. Nominations are accepted between the distribution of the e-mail and a date in mid to late June, determined based on the e-mail distribution date.

The slate of applications is reviewed by the Commission Chair for approval by July 15. The committee chair notifies new members of their acceptance and includes them on all committee correspondence moving forward by July 30. NAHAM staff notifies those who were not accepted. NAHAM staff also updates the website to reflect the new committee members.

Thetermof servicefor regularmembersoftheCertificationCommissionof NAHAMshallbetwoyears,commencing on August 1st Theconclusionofeachtwo-yeartermshall beJuly 30th oftheapplicableyear.Thetermfor the chairpersonof the commission is two years per term with a maximum of two terms. Termsofofficefor chairsconcludeattheendof theannualnational conferenceor by May 31 iftheannualconferencedoesnottakeplaceinMay. These terms of service are effective as of September 25th, 2015.

CommissionMember

TheChairoftheCertificationCommissionisvotedupon by theCertificationCommissionat the same time as the general NAHAM election (February of open years) and shallserveatermoftwo yearsbeginninginMayofthecalendaryear, with a maximum of two terms.

TheCertification Commission mustincludeindividualsfromthecertifiedpopulation (both CHAM and CHAA),aswellasvoting representationfromatleastoneconsumeror public member.Each year, a call for volunteers is distributed to the NAHAM membershipandis distributed to the NAHAM membership via e-mail.

Individuals have until mid to late June (based upon date of distribution) to submit a completed Certification Commission application. The Certification Commission will determine how many eligible commission positions are open, review applications, and vote on which individuals will be placed in those vacancies.

The public member is a non-industry insider who can advocate for the views of the population served by the certificantsand the general public while also adding new perspectives to discussions.

D. SUB-COMMITTEES

Exam Review/ Appeals Sub-committee

Itistheresponsibilityoftheexamreview/appealssub-committeetoreviewexamquestionsthat havebeenbrought forthby candidatesfor furtherreview.Thereviewprocesswillinvolvea conferencecallbetweenall membersofthecommissionanda finaldecisionoftheresultswill beprovidedtothecandidatein writingwithinfour weeksoftherequesttoreview.

The commission will appoint ad-hoc special sub-committees as required.

E. COMMISSIONRESPONSIBILITIES Certification Commission Chair

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TheCertificationCommissionChairshallpresideatall meetingsoftheCertification CommissionandseethatordersandresolutionsoftheCommissionarecarriedout,shallrepresent theCertificationCommissionandhaveprimaryresponsibilityfor carryingoutthefunctionsof theCommission.

CertificationCommission

  1. Maintain certification
  2. Attend and participate in all meetings with regard to discussion and decision-making.
  3. Establish/administerpoliciesand proceduresto assuretheeffectivefunctioningofthecertificationprogram.
  4. Developandadministervalidandreliablecertificationexaminations,throughacomprehensivetestdevelopmentprocessinconsultationwith thecontractedtesting company,to includesettingofcutscores.
  5. Determineoveralleligibilityrequirementsofcandidatesfor certificationin accordancewiththegoalsNAHAM.
  6. Developandpublishacomprehensivehandbookandrelatedmaterialstoadequately conveyallaspectsofthecertificationprogramtocandidates,certificantsandthepublic
  7. Establishfeesfor certificationexaminationsandfor allrelated certificationprocesses/materials.
  8. Establishrequirementsandadministerthe mechanismby whichcertificantsmaintaincertificationstatus(certificationrenewalprocess).
  9. Establishandadministeragrievanceprocessfor candidatesandcertificants.
  10. Establishandadministeracodeofethicsfor certificantsandadisciplinarypolicy.
  11. Conductaneffectivecommunicationsystemtosupporttheprogram.
  12. Establishandadministeranappropriateprocess for revocationofcertifications,whennecessary.
  13. Communicateallpertinentdecisions,goalsand strategiesto theNAHAMBoard inatimelymanner.
  14. Complywithallapplicablelawsandregulations,includingnondiscrimination, disabilities,andotherissueswhichmayaffectfairnesstocandidatesandcertificants,or protectionfor consumers

F. CERTIFICATION COMMISSION VACANCY

Ifthechairvacateshis/herposition,anewchairwillbeelectedby theCertificationCommissionto completetheremainderofthevacatedposition’sterm.

Ifa memberoftheCertificationCommissionvacateshis/herposition,thechairpersonwill identify a new membertocompletetheremainderofthevacatedposition’sterm and the remaining members will vote on this selection.

G.MEMBERREMOVAL

Amemberof theCertificationCommissionmayberemovedfor anyactionthatis determinedby theCertificationCommissiontobedetrimentaltothebestinterestsofthe NAHAM CredentialProgram.A member may also be removed for not fulfilling his/her commission responsibilities.Removalofany memberwillbeby recommendationofthechairpersonandapprovalby voteof theCertificationCommission,providedthe memberwasgivennoticeandofferedanopportunitytoappealthetermination

H.MEETINGS

TheCertificationCommissionshalldeterminethenumberof meetingsperyear.Meetingsofthe CertificationCommissionanditscommitteesareopentothepublicexceptwhenactivitiesor discussionspertaintotestcontentoritemdevelopment.

VIII. REVIEWAND MODIFICATION OF POLICIES

Reviewofthepolicieswillbeconductedannually.TheCertificationCommissionreservesthe righttomakechangesinits fees,policies,and proceduresatanytimeand will makeeveryeffort togiveadvancenoticewhensuchchangesaremade.Changestothepoliciesmustbeapprovedby avoteoftheCertificationCommissioneitherin-person,by mail,or bye-mailor otherelectronic votingsystem.

IX.VOTES/DECISIONS

Votesby Commissionorsubcommitteeson recommendationstotheCertificationCommission maybeadoptedor amendedupon a simplemajorityvoteofthe membersofthecommissionorsub-committee withaquorumpresentinperson, by email, or by telephone.

Last Amended: 9/25/15

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