Best software · Careers
9 Best Healthcare Compliance and HIPAA Certifications of 2026
This list is for compliance staff in healthcare: privacy officers, compliance analysts and managers, auditors and the coders and IT staff moving into those roles. We compared nine options from the Compliance Certification Board (with HCCA), AHIMA, AAPC, the IAPP, ecfirst and HIPAATraining.com using what each body publishes: exam format, eligibility, renewal rules and U.S. dollar fees. Scores weigh features (how well the credential fits healthcare compliance and HIPAA work, and how it is recognized) at 40 percent, and ease of access (prerequisites, exam load, testing options) and value at 30 percent each. We compared documented features and published prices. Corporate compliance credentials such as the CCEP are covered in our separate list of compliance certifications.
By the Mojolin research desk · Updated November 11, 2026 · 9 tools compared · Prices checked on vendor pages, latest November 11, 2026
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
Mojolin is self-funded How we score
HCCA's CHPC is our top pick for HIPAA-focused staff: a 120 question, two-hour exam with a $350 member fee and remote testing, open to anyone with a year in compliance and 20 CEUs. The CHC uses the same format and fee and is the better pick for compliance officers who oversee the whole program. AHIMA's CHPS covers privacy and security together for $259 for members but needs more experience. AAPC's CPCO and CPMA suit coders and auditors moving into compliance, with vouchers from $425. The IAPP CIPP/US has no prerequisites and suits privacy staff who handle laws beyond HIPAA. ecfirst's CHP has no experience gate but costs $1,995, and HIPAATraining.com is a $29.99 training certificate for frontline staff, not a professional credential.
Top picks
Best overall
HCCA Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC)
8.7 / 10
HIPAA privacy officers and privacy analysts in hospitals, health plans and physician groups
Read the review →Runner-up
HCCA Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)
8.6 / 10
Compliance officers and managers who run a healthcare compliance program
Read the review →Also great
AHIMA Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
8.1 / 10
Privacy and security officers with a health information management or IT background
Read the review →Comparison table
| # | Tool | Pricing | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HCCA Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC) | HIPAA privacy officers and privacy analysts in hospitals, health plans and physician groups | Exam application $350 for SCCE or HCCA members, $450 for non-members (2026 fees) | 8.7 |
| 2 | HCCA Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) | Compliance officers and managers who run a healthcare compliance program | Exam application $350 for SCCE or HCCA members, $450 for non-members (2026 fees) | 8.6 |
| 3 | AHIMA Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) | Privacy and security officers with a health information management or IT background | $259 for AHIMA members, $329 for non-members; retakes cost the same | 8.1 |
| 4 |  AAPC Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) | Coders, billers and auditors moving into compliance leadership | Exam voucher from $425; prep course from $1,195 | 8.0 |
| 5 |  IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US) | Privacy professionals who handle HIPAA alongside other U.S. federal and state privacy laws | $550 per exam for members and non-members | 7.9 |
| 6 | AAPC Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) | Compliance auditors and revenue integrity staff who review claims and records | Exam voucher from $425; prep course from $1,295 | 7.8 |
| 7 | HCCA Certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC) | Research compliance staff at academic medical centers and research institutions | Exam application $350 for SCCE or HCCA members, $450 for non-members (2026 fees) | 7.7 |
| 8 |  ecfirst Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP) | IT, security and compliance staff who want a HIPAA-only credential with no experience requirement | $1,995 for the online self-study course and exam; $1,795 for ecfirst members | 7.3 |
| 9 |  HIPAATraining.com HIPAA Awareness and Security Training | Frontline staff and new hires who need annual HIPAA training on a budget | $29.99 for one course, $49.99 for awareness plus security | 7.2 |
Scoring weights
Every tool gets three editorial scores out of 10, from vendor documentation, product pages and the published price. The overall score is the weighted average below, the same method on every list. Full method
The full ranking
Rank 1 · Best overall
HCCA Certified in Healthcare Privacy Compliance (CHPC)
The Compliance Certification Board's credential for healthcare privacy compliance, administered with HCCA.
hcca-info.org8.7
out of 10
Best for: HIPAA privacy officers and privacy analysts in hospitals, health plans and physician groups
The CHPC is the credential to pick when HIPAA privacy is the core of your job. It is run by the Compliance Certification Board, the same body behind HCCA's CHC, and uses the same structure: a 120 question exam with two hours on the clock, of which 100 questions count. You can sit it on paper after an SCCE or HCCA event, at a PSI testing center or through a remote proctored test from home or the office. Before applying you need one year in a full-time compliance role, or 1,500 hours of compliance duties in the past two years, plus 20 CCB-approved CEUs earned in the prior 12 months, with at least 10 from live sessions. The 2026 application fee is $350 for SCCE or HCCA members and $450 for others. The credential lasts two years and renews with 40 CEUs and a renewal fee from $145 for members. CCB does not publish an official study guide, so plan on working from the content outline and HCCA privacy events.
Standout feature
HCCA's CHPC is the best choice for HIPAA privacy staff because its 120 question exam costs $350 for members and can be taken by remote proctor.
Use cases
Hospital privacy analysts
Move into a privacy officer role
Outcome: A healthcare privacy credential from the Compliance Certification Board
Health plan compliance staff
Show HIPAA privacy expertise to auditors and leadership
Outcome: A recognized designation renewed every two years
Key features
- 120 question exam in two hours, with 100 questions scored
- Taken on paper after an SCCE or HCCA event, at a PSI testing center or as a remote proctored test
- Eligibility: one year in a full-time compliance position or 1,500 hours of compliance duties in the past two years
- 20 CCB CEUs earned in the 12 months before the exam, at least 10 from live training
- Two-year credential renewed with 40 CCB CEUs, at least 20 of them live
Pros
- Built for privacy compliance in healthcare, which is where HIPAA work sits
- Same $350 member fee as the CHC, the lowest exam fee among the professional credentials here
- Remote proctored test means no travel
Cons
- You must bank 20 approved CEUs before you can apply
- CCB says no official study guide is available for the exam
- Fees rise to $375 for members and $475 for non-members on January 1, 2027
Rank 2 · Runner-up
HCCA Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC)
The Compliance Certification Board's general credential for healthcare compliance professionals.
hcca-info.org8.6
out of 10
Best for: Compliance officers and managers who run a healthcare compliance program
The CHC is the broad healthcare compliance credential from the Compliance Certification Board, and it is the one most compliance officers in hospitals and physician groups work toward. The exam has 120 questions with a two-hour limit, and 100 of them are scored. Candidates can test on paper at an SCCE or HCCA event, at a PSI center or through remote proctoring. Eligibility needs one year in a full-time compliance position or 1,500 hours of direct compliance duties in the previous two years, with duties that match the detailed content outline, plus 20 CCB CEUs from the past 12 months, half of them live. Students who finish a CCB accredited university compliance certificate meet the experience rule for 24 months. The fee is $350 for SCCE or HCCA members and $450 for non-members in 2026. Renewal comes every two years with 40 CEUs. It ranks just behind the CHPC here only because this list centers on HIPAA questions.
Standout feature
The CHC is the best choice for healthcare compliance officers because it tests the full compliance program for a $350 member fee.
Use cases
New hospital compliance officers
Prove program management knowledge to a board
Outcome: The general healthcare compliance credential from CCB
Graduates of an accredited compliance certificate
Sit a CCB exam without a year of job experience
Outcome: Eligibility for 24 months after program completion
Key features
- 120 question exam in two hours, with 100 questions scored
- Paper exam after an SCCE or HCCA event, PSI testing center or remote proctored test
- Eligibility: one year full time in compliance or 1,500 hours of compliance duties in the past two years
- Graduates of CCB accredited university compliance programs meet the experience rule for 24 months
- Renewal every two years with 40 CCB CEUs, at least 20 from live training
Pros
- Covers the full healthcare compliance program, not one rule
- $350 member fee, tied for the lowest professional exam fee on this list
- Accredited university certificate programs can stand in for work experience
Cons
- 20 CEUs in the past 12 months are required before you apply
- No official study guide, according to the candidate handbook
- Exam is only given in English
Rank 3 · Also great
AHIMA Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS)
AHIMA's credential for people who manage healthcare privacy and security programs.
ahima.org8.1
out of 10
Best for: Privacy and security officers with a health information management or IT background
The CHPS is the strongest pick when your role spans both HIPAA privacy and information security. AHIMA's exam has 150 questions, 125 scored and 25 unscored pretest items, and you can take it at a Pearson VUE center or at home through OnVue remote proctoring. The passing score is 300. Eligibility depends on education: six years of healthcare privacy or security experience with a high school diploma, four with an associate degree or an RHIT, CCA, CCS or CCS-P, two with a relevant bachelor's degree or an RHIA, and one with a relevant master's degree or higher. The exam costs $259 for AHIMA members and $329 for non-members, and a retake costs the same. AHIMA reports a 68% first-time pass rate in 2025 and 715 certified holders at the end of that year. That small base makes the credential distinctive, but some recruiters will know the HCCA credentials better.
Standout feature
AHIMA's CHPS is the best choice for combined privacy and security roles because one $259 member exam covers both.
Use cases
HIM directors with an RHIA
Add privacy and security leadership
Outcome: Eligibility after two years of privacy or security work
Health IT security staff
Take on HIPAA privacy duties too
Outcome: One credential spanning privacy and security
Key features
- 150 questions, 125 scored and 25 pretest items
- Pearson VUE testing center or OnVue remote proctoring at home
- Passing score of 300
- Experience ladder from one year with a relevant master's degree to six years with a high school diploma
- Covers both privacy and security, not privacy alone
Pros
- Lowest member exam fee among the professional credentials here at $259
- Covers privacy and security together, useful for combined privacy and security roles
- AHIMA publishes pass rates: 68% for first-time testers in 2025
Cons
- Needs one to six years of healthcare privacy or security experience depending on education
- Small holder base: 715 certified as of December 31, 2025
- Retakes cost the full exam fee
Rank 4
AAPC Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)
AAPC's credential for running healthcare compliance programs, from fraud and abuse laws to internal audits.
aapc.com8.0
out of 10
Best for: Coders, billers and auditors moving into compliance leadership
The CPCO is aimed at revenue cycle staff who are taking on compliance work. AAPC designed it for coders, billers, auditors and administrators who want to move into compliance leadership, and the outline covers the elements of an effective compliance program, federal enforcement agencies, fraud and abuse laws, risk assessment, internal audits and investigations, corrective action plans, HIPAA privacy and security rules and staff training. Unlike the HCCA credentials, there is no formal CEU or work-hour gate: AAPC says candidates should undertake training or have two years of experience with compliance programs, and warns that the exam is a challenging, high-level test. Exam vouchers start at $425, with an at-home live remote proctor option, and the self-paced prep course starts at $1,195. Holders keep the credential with annual AAPC membership and 36 CEUs every two years. It is a strong fit for coders who already belong to AAPC.
Standout feature
AAPC's CPCO is the best choice for coders moving into compliance because there is no CEU prerequisite and vouchers start at $425.
Use cases
Certified coders
Move into a compliance analyst role
Outcome: A compliance credential from the body that issued their coding credential
Practice billing managers
Take on the compliance officer role
Outcome: Documented knowledge of fraud and abuse laws and audit practice
Key features
- Covers elements of an effective compliance program and federal enforcement agencies
- Covers HIPAA, the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law
- Covers risk assessment, internal audits and corrective action plans
- Online exam with a live remote proctor or at a testing center
- Optional self-paced prep course from $1,195
Pros
- No hard experience gate: AAPC suggests training or two years with compliance programs
- At-home exam with a live remote proctor
- Fits staff who already hold an AAPC coding credential
Cons
- AAPC calls it a challenging, high-level exam not meant for people without compliance experience or training
- Keeping it requires annual AAPC membership and 36 CEUs every two years
- Exam voucher costs more than the HCCA member fee
Rank 5
IAPP Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US)
The IAPP's ANAB-accredited certification on U.S. privacy laws and regulations.
iapp.org7.9
out of 10
Best for: Privacy professionals who handle HIPAA alongside other U.S. federal and state privacy laws
The CIPP/US is the IAPP's credential on U.S. privacy law, and it suits healthcare privacy staff whose work reaches beyond HIPAA, for example into state consumer privacy laws or marketing rules. The IAPP describes it as ANAB-accredited and positions its U.S. Private-Sector Privacy training as the main prep course, covering the federal and state laws that govern U.S. data privacy. Free resources include the Body of Knowledge, an exam blueprint and a downloadable study guide with sample questions. The exam costs $550 for both members and non-members, and there is no experience or CEU requirement to buy it, which makes it easier to start than the CHPC or CHPS. The trade-off is focus: HIPAA is only one part of the syllabus, and the credential says less about running a healthcare compliance program. Many healthcare privacy officers pair it with the CHPC.
Standout feature
The IAPP CIPP/US is the best choice for privacy staff without compliance hours yet because anyone can buy the $550 exam.
Use cases
Privacy counsel at a health tech company
Cover HIPAA and state consumer privacy laws
Outcome: A U.S. privacy credential recognized across sectors
Early-career privacy analysts
Earn a credential without prior compliance hours
Outcome: No experience or CEU gate before the exam
Key features
- ANAB-accredited certification
- Covers U.S. federal and state privacy laws
- Free Body of Knowledge, exam blueprint and downloadable study guide
- Official U.S. Private-Sector Privacy training as the main prep course
- Candidate handbook published for testing policies
Pros
- No experience or CEU prerequisite to buy the exam
- Recognized outside healthcare, which helps if you may change sectors
- Free study guide with sample questions
Cons
- Not healthcare specific, so HIPAA is one topic among many U.S. laws
- $550 exam fee with no member discount
- Less focused on compliance program work than the HCCA credentials
Rank 6
AAPC Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)
AAPC's credential for medical record, coding and documentation auditing.
aapc.com7.8
out of 10
Best for: Compliance auditors and revenue integrity staff who review claims and records
The CPMA is the auditing credential for compliance teams that review medical records and claims. AAPC built it for coders, billers, auditors and compliance professionals, and the outline runs from the audit life cycle and audit types (prospective, retrospective, random and focused) to applying OIG, CMS and payer guidelines, checking ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II code assignment and spotting undercoding, overcoding and unbundling. It also covers HIPAA, the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law, payer contracts and NCCI edits, and writing audit reports with corrective action plans. Exam vouchers start at $425, with an at-home remote proctor option, and prep starts at $1,295. AAPC warns that the exam is high level and expects training or experience auditing physician services, including evaluation and management. It sits below the CPCO here because it is about audits rather than HIPAA program management.
Standout feature
AAPC's CPMA is the best choice for compliance auditors because it covers audit planning, coding accuracy and fraud laws in one $425 exam.
Use cases
Compliance department auditors
Run internal claim and documentation audits
Outcome: A credential matched to audit work
Revenue integrity specialists
Monitor claim accuracy and payer compliance
Outcome: Formal validation of auditing skills
Key features
- Covers the audit life cycle and prospective, retrospective, random and focused audits
- Applies OIG, CMS and payer guidelines to audits
- Reviews ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II code assignment
- Covers HIPAA, the False Claims Act, the Anti-Kickback Statute and Stark Law
- Online exam with a live remote proctor or at a testing center
Pros
- Directly tied to the audit work most compliance departments run
- At-home exam option
- Prep available as self-paced or virtual instructor-led courses
Cons
- AAPC says the exam is not intended for people lacking training or auditing experience
- Assumes coding knowledge, including evaluation and management audits
- Prep course starts at $1,295
Rank 7
HCCA Certified in Healthcare Research Compliance (CHRC)
The Compliance Certification Board's credential for compliance in healthcare research.
hcca-info.org7.7
out of 10
Best for: Research compliance staff at academic medical centers and research institutions
The CHRC is the Compliance Certification Board's option for compliance professionals who work in healthcare research, such as staff at academic medical centers who support clinical trials and research billing. It shares its mechanics with the CHC and CHPC: a 120 question exam in two hours with 100 scored items, offered on paper after SCCE or HCCA events, at PSI testing centers or by remote proctor. Candidates need one year in a full-time compliance position or 1,500 hours of compliance duties in the past two years, and 20 CCB CEUs from the previous 12 months, at least 10 of them live. The 2026 fee is $350 for SCCE or HCCA members and $450 for non-members, and the credential renews every two years with 40 CEUs. CCB says no official study guide exists, so preparation means working from the content outline. It ranks lower on this list only because few HIPAA or hospital compliance roles need research compliance.
Standout feature
HCCA's CHRC is the best choice for research compliance staff because it is the only research-specific credential on this list.
Use cases
Clinical research compliance analysts
Formalize their research compliance expertise
Outcome: A CCB credential specific to research
CHC holders at academic medical centers
Add a research specialty
Outcome: A second CCB credential with the same exam format
Key features
- 120 question exam in two hours, with 100 questions scored
- Paper exam after an SCCE or HCCA event, PSI testing center or remote proctored test
- Same eligibility as the CHC: one year in compliance or 1,500 hours in two years
- 20 CCB CEUs in the prior 12 months, at least 10 live
- Two-year credential renewed with 40 CEUs
Pros
- Only credential here focused on research compliance
- $350 member fee
- Remote test option
Cons
- Narrow fit outside research settings
- Same 20 CEU prerequisite as the other CCB exams
- No official study guide is available
Rank 8
ecfirst Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP)
ecfirst's HIPAA certification, sold as a self-study or instructor-led course with an online exam.
ecfirst.com7.3
out of 10
Best for: IT, security and compliance staff who want a HIPAA-only credential with no experience requirement
The CHP from ecfirst is a HIPAA-only certification bundled with training. The online self-study package costs $1,995, or $1,795 for ecfirst members, and includes a study manual, quick reference cards and the exam. The exam has 60 questions in 60 minutes, needs 75% to pass and is taken online at any hour. ecfirst publishes the domain weights: HIPAA, HITECH and the Final Rule at 22%, enforcement at 10%, privacy at 28%, transactions and code sets at 10%, security at 25% and other security requirements at 5%. There is also a two-day virtual instructor-led class at the same $1,995 price. A retake costs $395 and renewal costs $795. The CHP is easier to start than the HCCA or AHIMA credentials because it has no experience gate, but it costs several times more, and it comes from a training company rather than a professional association.
Standout feature
ecfirst's CHP is the best choice for people without compliance hours because its course and 60 question online exam have no experience requirement.
Use cases
Health IT managers
Document HIPAA knowledge for a security role
Outcome: A HIPAA credential earned through a self-paced course
Business associate compliance staff
Learn HIPAA transactions, privacy and security rules
Outcome: Training and an exam in one purchase
Key features
- 60 question exam in 60 minutes with a 75% passing score
- Exam taken online, available 24 hours a day
- Six exam areas, with HIPAA Privacy at 28% and HIPAA Security at 25%
- Online self-study or two-day virtual instructor-led class
- Retake exam sold separately for $395
Pros
- No experience or CEU prerequisite listed
- Short exam that can be taken any time online
- Covers HIPAA transactions and code sets, which the other credentials barely touch
Cons
- $1,995 entry price, the highest on this list
- Run by a training vendor rather than a professional association
- Renewal costs $795
Rank 9
HIPAATraining.com HIPAA Awareness and Security Training
Online HIPAA awareness and security courses that end with a two-year certificate.
hipaatraining.com7.2
out of 10
Best for: Frontline staff and new hires who need annual HIPAA training on a budget
HIPAATraining.com sells online HIPAA courses rather than a professional credential, and it belongs on this list as the budget option for staff who need proof of HIPAA training. The awareness course costs $29.99, and a bundle with the security course costs $49.99, which the vendor recommends for people involved in HIPAA compliance or IT. Training is self-paced and available 24 hours a day, buyers get up to 90 days to finish and review it, final exam retakes are free and a certificate valid for two years arrives as soon as you pass. A Spanish version is included. Organizations get volume pricing, with awareness seats at $19.99 for 100 to 199 seats, and an administrator receives the certificates and training log. Compliance officers can use it to train a workforce, but it is no substitute for the CHC, CHPC or CHPS when you want to show professional expertise.
Standout feature
HIPAATraining.com is the best choice for budget HIPAA training because a two-year certificate costs $29.99 with free retakes.
Use cases
Compliance officers at small practices
Train every employee on HIPAA each year
Outcome: Two-year certificates and a training log for audits
New medical office hires
Complete required HIPAA training
Outcome: A certificate the same day for $29.99
Key features
- Online, self-paced, available 24 hours a day
- Two-year certificate issued on passing the final exam
- Free retakes of the final exam
- Up to 90 days to take and review the training
- Spanish version included
Pros
- Cheapest option on the list at $29.99
- Certificate arrives immediately after the final exam
- Volume pricing for organizations, down to $19.99 per awareness seat at 100 to 199 seats
Cons
- A training certificate, not a professional credential with eligibility rules
- Will not carry the weight of the CHC or CHPC in compliance hiring
- Covers awareness and security basics, not compliance program management
Frequently asked questions
+Which HIPAA certification is best?
HCCA's CHPC is the best HIPAA certification for compliance professionals. It is a healthcare privacy compliance credential from the Compliance Certification Board with a 120 question exam that costs $350 for SCCE or HCCA members in 2026. AHIMA's CHPS is the alternative if your role covers both privacy and security.
+What is the best healthcare compliance certification?
HCCA's Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) is the best general healthcare compliance certification. It tests the full compliance program, requires one year in compliance or 1,500 hours of compliance duties plus 20 CEUs, and costs $350 for members or $450 for non-members in 2026.
+Can I get a HIPAA certification without compliance experience?
Yes. The IAPP CIPP/US has no prerequisite to buy the $550 exam, and ecfirst's CHP has no experience gate, though its course and exam cost $1,995. The CHC, CHPC and CHPS all require documented compliance, privacy or security experience.
+How much does a HIPAA certification cost?
From $29.99 to $1,995. A HIPAATraining.com awareness certificate costs $29.99, AHIMA's CHPS exam costs $259 for members and $329 for non-members, HCCA's CHPC is $350 for members, the CIPP/US is $550 and the ecfirst CHP package is $1,995.
+Is the CHC or the CPCO better for healthcare compliance?
The CHC is better for experienced compliance officers. The CPCO suits coders, billers and auditors moving into compliance, since AAPC sets no formal CEU gate and vouchers start at $425, while the CHC requires 20 CEUs and a year of compliance work.
+Can I take healthcare compliance exams from home?
Yes, most of them. CCB offers a remote proctored test for the CHC, CHPC and CHRC, AHIMA offers OnVue remote proctoring for the CHPS, AAPC offers a live remote proctor for the CPCO and CPMA, and the ecfirst CHP exam is online 24 hours a day.
+Is a HIPAA training certificate the same as a HIPAA certification?
No. A training certificate such as HIPAATraining.com's two-year certificate shows that you completed a course, while credentials like the CHPC or CHPS require eligibility checks and a proctored exam. There is no government-issued HIPAA certification.
About this list
Updated November 11, 2026 by the Mojolin research desk. Mojolin is self-funded
Questions or corrections: editorial@mojolin.com
More best software lists