Can I Use the BHAT® Method on AHIMA Exams?

AHIMA is aware of the BHAT® Method and how it’s used to quickly find information. However, they recently started using Pearson VUE (3rd party testing center) and some testing centers have been ignoring the official rules for noted manuals. Following the BHAT® Method as it’s documented will be ok per as the official rules state the following:

Code books with handwritten notations, or comments are allowed but must be free of any notes containing coding rules and guidelines from other reference materials (for example: Coding Clinic, CPT Assistant, and similar materials). No handmade tabs will be allowed. Post-It® Notes and any loose materials are not allowed (code books are for use on CCA, CCS, and CCS-P exams only). The testing center staff reserves the right to deny codebooks that contain excessive writing and information that may give the candidate an unfair advantage.

See (and print if needed) the AHIMA candidate guide for more information on AHIMA credentials. If the link above does not work, please try searching for “AHIMA Candidate Guide” for their official testing policies.

You can contact AHIMA here about certifications to get more clarification as the AHIMA website has been updated recently. For questions regarding certification, registration, eligibility, and digital badges send an email to [email protected].

Be sure to read the latest Candidate Guide linked at the top of this article. You might need to bring a copy with you to the testing center to clarify the AHIMA rules with Peason VUE staff.