1. Advancement Information Session
Becoming Board Certified in Healthcare Management as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives
December 8, 2016

2. Agenda Personal and Professional Benefits Core Requirements
Steps in Process
Recent change effective January 1, 2017
Overview of the Board of Governors Exam
Study Resources
During this session you will learn about the requirements and process of becoming board certified in healthcare management as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
We will talk about the personal and professional benefits of attaining Fellow status, the core requirements and the steps in the process. This will also include an overview of the recent changes in the advancement process that goes into effect on January 1, 2017.
We will also cover a detailed overview of the Board of Governors Exam and the study resources available to help you prepare for the Exam.
Our hope is that this session clarifies the advancement process and motivates you to take the next important step for your career by submitting your Fellow application.

3. President and Chief Executive Officer Catholic Health Initiatives
“Being board certified in healthcare management signifies your commitment to excellence and professional development. Fellows are recognized by their healthcare colleagues and employers as competent leaders who strive to make a difference.”
Kevin E. Lofton, FACHE
President and Chief Executive Officer
Catholic Health Initiatives
Denver, CO
Why should you invest the time and effort to earn your FACHE credential? This testimonial from Kevin Lofton, president and chief executive officer of Catholic Health Initiatives and a Fellow of ACHE—says it all. Earning the distinction of board certification in healthcare management demonstrates your commitment to excellence, professional development and competency.
You will be recognized as a healthcare leader who goes above and beyond to advance excellence in healthcare delivery, not only in your everyday role at your organization but also within the larger healthcare community.
Additionally, healthcare executive search firms typically give preference to job candidates who hold the FACHE credential. Now let’s take a closer look at each of these keys benefits.

4. Rigorous AND Inclusive
What does it mean?
The FACHE credential demonstrates professionalism, ethical decision making, competence, leadership skills and commitment to lifelong learning.
The FACHE credential symbolizes a commitment to excellence; it is a rigorous credential based on multi-faceted criteria—including a valid and reliable examination.
Board certification provides the personal satisfaction of achieving a goal and achieving professional recognition.
Rigorous AND Inclusive
First, the credential demonstrates professionalism, ethical decision making, competence, leadership skills, and commitment to lifelong learning as cornerstones of advancing excellence in healthcare delivery. You are recognized by your colleagues and prospective employers as a leader who goes above and beyond to achieve excellence.
Second, the process of achieving your credential adds credibility to you as a healthcare professional, and is a clear demonstration of your commitment to excellence. It involves academic achievement, membership tenure, healthcare management experience, networking, continuing education requirements, and professional and community involvement, and passing the rigorous Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management.
Third, by earning your FACHE, you will be formally recognized by your colleagues and employers for your significant professional achievement, in addition to the personal satisfaction of knowing you have completed this demanding process.
Earning your FACHE demonstrates your competency and commitment to ethical decision making and signifies that you are a lifelong learner.

5. Advancement Requirements
ACHE Tenure
Master’s Degree
Healthcare Management Experience
References
Continuing Education
Healthcare and Community Activities
As you can see, there are a variety of requirements candidates must meet in order to advance to Fellow. (go through each box). We’ll take a moment look at each of these requirements in more detail.
But… before we do that, let’s take a look at the advancement process and see how this will change beginning January 1, 2017.
Pass the Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management

6. Applications Submitted Prior to January 1, 2017
Must complete remaining requirements* by December 31, 2017.
Continuing Education
Healthcare and Community Activities
Pass Board of Governors Exam
Failure to compete requirements will require a new application
*ACHE Tenure and/or HME can remain active until complete
Any candidate with an application in process on December 31, 2016 will need to complete the continuing education and healthcare/community activities requirements and pass the Board of Governors Examination by December 31, 2017.
Candidates who are unable to meet the December 31, 2017 deadline will forfeit their application and will need to re-apply under the new process.
Candidates who will need to meet their three (3) years of ACHE tenure and/or five (5) years of healthcare management experience can remain active until completed.

7. Applications Submitted Beginning January 1, 2017
Must complete all other requirements before submitting an application and gaining approval to sit for the Board of Governors Exam
Change in number and type of references required
Two (2) years to pass Board of Governors Exam
Starting January 1, 2017, candidates who wish to advance to Fellow must meet all of the requirements prior to submitting an application and sitting for the Board of Governors Exam.
Additionally, the number of references required will decrease from three (3) to two (2); one (1) must be a structured interview from a Fellow and the second may be another Fellow OR a senior-level executive in your organization. This person does not have to be a member of ACHE.
Candidates will have two (2) years in which they must successfully pass the Board of Governors Exam.

8. Quick Reference http://www. ache
Starting January 1, 2017, candidates who wish to advance to Fellow must meet all of the requirements prior to submitting an application and sitting for the Board of Governors Exam.
Additionally, the number of references required will decrease from three (3) to two (2); one (1) must be a structured interview from a Fellow and the second may be another Fellow OR a senior-level executive in your organization. This person does not have to be a member of ACHE.

9. ACHE Tenure By December 31, 2016 Beginning January 1, 2017
Requirement: Must be Member* to apply and must have three (3) years of tenure to advance to Fellow
Requirement: Must be Member* for three (3) years to apply
Purpose:
Demonstrates interest and commitment to ACHE and helps to familiarize potential candidates with ACHE programs and services.
Now let’s take a look at each of the requirements in more detail.
Current process:
The candidate must be a Member to apply for Fellow and must have three (3) years of tenure as a Member, Faculty Associate or International Associate to complete the Fellow requirement.
New process:
The candidate must have three (3) years of tenure as a Member, Faculty Associate or International Associate to apply and advance to Fellow.
Purpose:
It is the opinion of the ACHE Board of Governors, Membership Committee and Credentialing Task Force that three (3) years as a Member in ACHE demonstrates interest and commitment to the healthcare management profession and to ACHE. It also serves as a way for you to become familiar with and participate in ACHE’s programs and services before committing to the FACHE credential.
*Member; Faculty Associate or International Associate

10. Master’s Degree By December 31, 2016 Beginning January 1, 2017
Requirement: Master’s degree or other post-baccalaureate degree to apply
Requirement:
No change
Purpose:
Establishes a minimum standard of education required to succeed
Current process:
The candidate must hold a Master’s degree or other post-baccalaureate degree.
New process:
New Change
Purpose:
The healthcare environment is complex and becoming increasingly so. It is the opinion of the ACHE Board of Governors, Membership Committee and Credentialing Task Force that a post-baccalaureate degree is the minimum standard to succeed in this environment.

11. Healthcare Management Experience
By December 31, 2016
Beginning January 1, 2017
Requirement: Hold healthcare management position Two (2) years to apply Five (5) years to advance
Requirement: Hold healthcare management position Five (5) years to apply
Current process:
Candidates must currently hold a healthcare management position. This is verified by submission of a job description, organizational chart and resume.) Candidates may apply with two (2) years of executive healthcare management experience, and then meet a total of five (5) years to advance to Fellow.
New process:
Candidates must still currently hold a healthcare management position, which is verified by submission of a job description, organizational chart and resume.) However, candidates may only apply after demonstrating five (5) years of executive healthcare management experience.
Purpose:
A healthcare management position and five (5) years of healthcare management experience provides a minimum standard of practical experience needed to advance to Fellow.
Purpose:
Establishes a minimum standard of practical experience required to advance to Fellow

12. ACHE Definition of Healthcare Management
Employed by a healthcare organization or healthcare influencer
Position must be at department director/department head level
C-suite executives, Vice Presidents and Directors/Department Heads
Additional titles may be accepted if job responsibilities reflect departmental control
Project and/or program level do not qualify
Analyst, Coordinator, Program Manager, Project Manager and Specialist
Administrative Fellowships, Residencies and Internships
Let’s pause here and take a look at how ACHE defines a healthcare management position.
…one in which the candidate is employed by a healthcare organization or by an organization whose purpose is to influence the growth, development or operations of a healthcare organization.
The candidate must be at a department director or department head level; and have control of departmental budgeting, planning, staffing, and performance. Typically this person is accountable to senior management for these areas.
Examples of eligible positions include: C-suite executives, Vice Presidents and Directors or Department Heads.
Positions that DO NOT meet ACHE’s definition of healthcare management include analyst, coordinator, program manager, project manager, or specialist.
Additionally, postgraduate residencies, internships, and administrative fellowships do not count toward the healthcare management experience requirement.

13. HME Decision Matrix
A new tool developed by ACHE and the Credentialing Task Force is the decision matrix highlighted here. It is intended for use by candidates to assist in determining their qualified years of healthcare management experience at various levels of management.
Let’s continue on with the rest of the requirements for advancement.

14. References By December 31, 2016 Beginning January 1, 2017 Requirement:
Three (3) references from current Fellows
> One (1) structured interview
Requirement:
Two (2) references
> One (1) structured interview from current Fellow
> One (1) from Fellow OR senior leader
Current Requirement:
Three references from current Fellows are required for advancement to Fellow. One must be a
structured interview.
New Requirement:
Two (2) references are required. One must be a structured interview with a Fellow. The other is a written reference from either another Fellow OR a senior leader in your organization who can attest to your work experience. It is the belief by the ACHE Board of Governors, Membership Committee and Credentialing Task Force that this second reference will allow for a more thorough assessment of the candidate.
Purpose:
The reference requirement provides candidates the opportunity to network among their Fellow peers and provides attestation that the candidate holds the professional attributes required of Fellow status.
Purpose:
Provides opportunity to network with current Fellows; confirms candidates professional attributes

15. Continuing Education By December 31, 2016 Beginning January 1, 2017
Requirement:
After submitting application:
Complete 36 hours of CE
> Twelve (12) hours must be ACHE Face-to-Face hours
Requirement:
Before submitting application:
Complete 36 hours of CE
> Twelve (12) hours must be ACHE Face-to-Face hours
Current Requirement:
A total of thirty-six (36) hours of continuing education over the previous three years is required. Twelve (12) of these hours must be earned through ACHE Face-to-Face programming. The remaining 24 may be any combination of ACHE Face-to-Face or Qualified Education.
Candidates must now demonstrate all continuing education hours prior to submitting their application.
Purpose:
Participation in continuing education activities provides a rich environment for gaining insight from… and sharing knowledge with… experts and peers.
Purpose:
Provides environment to gain/share knowledge and interact with peers.

16. Healthcare and Community Activities
By December 31, 2016
Beginning January 1, 2017
Requirement:
After submitting application:
Two (2) community/civic activities
Two (2) healthcare activities
Requirement:
Before submitting application:
Two (2) community/civic activities
Two (2) healthcare activities
Current Requirement:
The requirement is two (2) examples of participation in community or civic activities and two (2) examples of participation in healthcare activities over the last three years are required.
Note that these should be unpaid activities As in the last requirement for continuing education, candidates must now demonstrate all volunteer activities prior to submitting their application.
Some examples of community and civic involvement include:
These could be church, community, school-related activities
Sunday school teacher
participating in fundraising events
coaching a softball team
serving as a big brother/big sister
Some examples of healthcare involvement include:
Volunteering at a free clinic
Volunteering or participating in a blood drive
Speaking at a workshop or to a group on healthcare issues
Purpose:
Involvement has been a hallmark of the ACHE credentialing program since its inception. It is believed that healthcare executives should be part of the community in order to grow their leadership positions and understand the needs of the community they serve.
Purpose:
Provides on opportunity to a be a servant-leader in your community, and understand its needs.

17. Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management
By December 31, 2016
Beginning January 1, 2017
Requirement:
After submitting application:
ACHE Member for three (3) years
Master’s degree
Two (2) years of HME
Three (3) references
Requirement:
Before submitting application:
All requirements must be met prior to sitting for the exam
Purpose:
The Exam provides a valid and reliable assessment for candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and professional expertise with the body of knowledge defined by a job analysis survey. The exam is an experience-based exam and not intended for new graduates in the field.
Beginning January 1, 2017, there will be no change to the requirement to pass the Exam, but there is a change to the timing and sequencing of the Exam in the application progress. Starting January 1, all other requirements be met before a candidate may sit for the Exam.
This means candidates will need to:
1. Be a member of ACHE for a minimum of three (3) years
2. Hold a Master’s or other advanced degree
3. Currently hold a healthcare management position (candidates must provide a copy of their current job description, organizational chart and resume)
4. Have a minimum of five (5) years of healthcare management experience
5. Provide two (2) references (one structured interview from a current Fellow and one reference from another Fellow or a senior leader in your organization)
6. Demonstrate 36 hours of continuing education within the three (3) years prior to submitting an application; 12 of which must be ACHE Face-to-Face hours
7. Participate in two (2) community/civic activities and two (2) healthcare activities; within the three (3) years prior to submitting an application
ACHE believes that by changing the placement of the exam, we will help to alleviate any confusion around the advancement process. This also aligns the exam as the last step in the process, making it truly the culminating step in advancing to Fellow.
Phew… that’s a lot of information. And I’m sure you’ll all have questions based on where you may currently be in the process. My colleague, Erika and I, will be available at the end of the presentation to answer some of your specific questions. But for now, let’s move on and talk about the Board of Governors exam in greater detail.
Purpose:
Provides valid and reliable assessment of knowledge and professional expertise

18. The Exam 230 multiple-choice questions
200 scored
30 pilot
Allowed six (6) hours to complete
Ten (10) knowledge areas
The Baord of Governors Exam composed of 230 multiple-choice questions. Your score is based on 200 of these questions. Thirty (30) are
‘pilot’ questions that are interspersed throughout the exam.
Your are allowed six (6) hours in which to complete the Board of Governors Exam
The exam is based on ten (10) knowledge areas, which we will review over the next few slides.

19. Knowledge Areas
In this example, the knowledge area is Governance and Organizational Structure.

20. Knowledge Areas
Each knowledge area is further defined by a list of knowledge statements representative of that area.

21. Knowledge Areas
The number and percentage of exam questions devoted to each knowledge area is also indicated.

22. Knowledge Areas Knowledge Area Percentage # of Questions Healthcare
17% 34
Management & Leadership
15% 30
Financial
11% 22
Human Resources
Quality & Performance Management
10% 20
Business 9% 18
Professionalism & Ethics 8% 16
Laws & Regulations 7% 14
Governance & Organizational Structure 6% 12
Healthcare Technology & Information Management
Total
100%
200
Ten knowledge areas are covered on the Exam and each area carries a specific weight.

23. Knowledge Areas Knowledge Area Percentage # of Questions Healthcare
17% 34
Management & Leadership
15% 30
Financial
11% 22
Human Resources
Quality & Performance Management
10% 20
Business 9% 18
Professionalism & Ethics 8% 16
Laws & Regulations 7% 14
Governance & Organizational Structure 6% 12
Healthcare Technology & Information Management
Total
100%
200
For example, the questions in the Financial area make up 11% percent of the exam, or 22 questions.

24. Knowledge Areas Knowledge Area Percentage # of Questions Healthcare
17% 34
Management & Leadership
15% 30
Financial
11% 22
Human Resources
Quality & Performance Management
10% 20
Business 9% 18
Professionalism & Ethics 8% 16
Laws & Regulations 7% 14
Governance & Organizational Structure 6% 12
Healthcare Technology & Information Management
Total
100%
200
The Laws and Regulations knowledge area makes up 7%, or 14 questions.
These weights are determined by a job analysis survey representing several thousand ACHE members. The final determinations are made with the ACHE Exam Committee.

25. Exam Preparation Allow three (3) to (6) months
Determine your most effective study style
Review the 10 key knowledge areas
Questions are job-related; experience-based
The method of preparation and amount of time spent preparing for the Board of Governors Exam can be driven by your preferred study style, and your level of professional experience and academic background. It is recommend to allow three (3) to six (6) months to prepare for your exam.
Everyone has a preferred method for studying for a test. Whether it be as a group or flying solo, ACHE has a variety of resources to assist you.
We recommend that you begin by familiarizing yourself with the 10 knowledge areas of the Exam. After a thorough review, you will be able to identify and focus on the functions you do not perform regularly or with which you are not familiar.
Remember that all of the questions on the Board of Governors Exam are job-related/experience-based. They test your application and analysis of information, not just the recollection of isolated facts.

26. ACHE offers the Board of Governors Exam Review Course to help you prepare. Participants in this course will also earn 19 ACHE Face-to-Face hours that you can apply toward the Fellow requirements.
The next course will be held April 19–21 in Rosemont IL OR Oct. 25–27 in Atlanta GA.
During this two-&-a-half-day course, you will:
Review the Exam's 10 knowledge areas with guidance from expert faculty;
Apply test-taking strategies to sample test questions;
And Identify areas to focus your additional Exam preparation
Participants who have submitted an application and are approved to take the Board of Governors Exam will receive a $200 exam fee waiver. This waiver must be used within six (6) months of the review course date.

27. Online Tutorial Self-Study format 12-week sessions
December 12, 2016 – March 3, 2017
April 10 – June 30, 2017
Six (6) Qualified Education Hours
Another option is ACHE’s Online Tutorial. The tutorial uses an online self-study format to help refine your knowledge and improve your study skills.
The next 12-week session begins on December 12 and we are still accepting registrations. If you’re unable to join that session, we have another coming up on April 10.
The Online Tutorial is a 12-week self-study course that allows you to complete each week’s assignments when and where it is convenient for you. You will have access to presentation in each of the knowledge areas, reading material and a group discussion board. The course follows the content in the textbook, The Well-Managed Healthcare Organization, by John Griffith and Ken White.
Upon completion of the course, you will earn 6 Qualified Education credits toward your advancement to Fellow.

28. 3-Book Study Set www.ache.org/publications
This special set is offered at 30% below the individual cover prices. The Study Set has been assembled to help you prepare for the Board of Governors Exam. These books can be used to supplement the Online Tutorial or Face-to-Face Review Course.
The books in the set include:
Introduction to the Financial Management of Healthcare Organizations, by Michael Nowicki
The Well-Managed Healthcare Organization, by Ken White and John Griffith
and
Human Resources in Healthcare: Managing for Success, by Bruce Fried and Myron Fottler
The set can be order from the HAP Website. And many of the book authors also provide content for the online tutorial and face-to-face review course.
ACHE recommends that study for the exam should focus on references and programs that cover the Board of Governors Exam Knowledge Areas. It should not be inferred that questions on the exam are selected from any single reference or set of references, or that study from these specific references will guarantee a passing score on the exam.

29. Exam Administration Computer Administration at Prometric Test Centers
Meet requirements
Submit application and $200 exam fee or waiver
Gain approval from ACHE
Test within 90 days of approval
The Board of Governors Exam is administered in two (2) ways:
The primary mode of delivery is by computer at Prometric Test Centers located throughout the world. Test Center locations are available at Prometric’s web site. Candidates who meet the requirements, submit an application and are approved by ACHE to take the exam MUST make an appointment for testing and take the exam within ninety (90) days from confirmation of eligibility from ACHE.
The exam is administered by appointment only Monday through Friday, with the exception of holidays. Candidates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.

30. Exam Administration Paper/Pencil Congress on Healthcare Leadership
Tuesday, March 28 | 7:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The other option for testing is during a special administration at ACHE’s Congress on Healthcare Leadership. Any candidate who meets the eligibility requirements, submits an application and is authorized by ACHE is allowed to test.

31. Pass? Or Fail? Pass = FACHE Fail = Try Again
A candidate who passes the Board of Governors Exam is awarded the FACHE or Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Approximately eight (8) weeks after you pass the examination, ACHE mails a certificate of recognition.
If, however, you do not pass the exam don’t be discouraged. Review your score report and consider the areas that you may not have performed as well as you might like. When you feel ready, schedule your next exam appointment. There is no limit to the number of times you may take the Board of Governors exam, however, you must wait 60 days before you schedule your next appointment. Additionally, every retake requires registering with ACHE and the full exam fee.

32. Renewal of Your FACHE Valid for three (3) years Option One:
Renew through Continuing Education and Volunteer Activities
Completion of 36 hours of continuing education within the prior three (3) years; 12 of which are ACHE Face-to-Face hours
AND
Participation in two (2) community/civic activities and two (2) healthcare activities within the prior three (3) years
Achieving board certification in healthcare management is an indication of mastery of a defined body of knowledge at a point in time. Therefore, periodic renewal of the your FACHE is required to maintain board-certified status and to demonstrate ongoing commitment to remain current in the field.
Initial certification or renewal of certification is valid for three (3) years. You may renew your FACHE through one (1) of the following ways:
Completion of continuing education hours and volunteer activities.
Thirty-six (36) hours of continuing education over the three (3)-year renewal period and participation in volunteer activities is required to renew your FACHE. OR
Successful re-examination. To renew this way, successfully pass the Board of Governors Exam prior to your renewal date. You are subject to usual fees and provisions for testing.
If you fail to renew, you are no longer considered a Fellow and may not use the FACHE credential in professional communications. To regain certification, you must demonstrate completion of continuing education and volunteer activities OR retake the Board of Governors Exam.

33. Renewal of Your FACHE Option Two:
Renew through Retaking and Passing the Board of Governors Exam in Healthcare Management
Subject to usual fees and provisions
Successful re-examination. To renew this way, successfully pass the Board of Governors Exam prior to your renewal date. You are subject to usual fees and provisions for testing.
If you fail to renew, you are no longer considered a Fellow and may not use the FACHE credential in professional communications. To regain certification, you must demonstrate completion of continuing education and volunteer activities OR retake the Board of Governors Exam.

34. Board of Governors Exam Fee Waiver Offer Apply and Save $200
March 1 – June 30, 2017
There is added incentive for you to submit your Fellow application between March 1 and June 30, during our Board of Governors Exam fee waiver promotion. You have the opportunity to save $200 on the Exam fee when you submit your completed application and fee between March 1 and June 30. If your application is approved, ACHE will waive the $200 Exam fee. The waiver is valid for up to six (6) months after approval of your application.

35. ACHE Credentialing website: ache.org/FACHE
Questions?
ACHE Customer Service Center Julianna Kazragys, CAE
(312) Credentialing Manager
Online Resources
ACHE Credentialing website: ache.org/FACHE
Thank you for attending today’s presentation. Additional information can be found on the ACHE website and I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the resources that are available.
You may also call or ACHE’s Customer Service Center for assistance in the application process. And, I am available to assist you as needed. This brings us to the conclusion of the presentation.
Erika and I will stay connected if you have any questions that have not been addressed. Please use the chat box to ask a question.