The CPE system ensures professionals are

takes a group of the professionals and

engaged in lifelong learning. CPE stands

allows them, through books or again the

for Continuing Professional Education

internet, to collaborate to gain their

which are learning activities generally

credits. The CHIMA CPE system requires

characterized by the issuance of a

professionals with the CHIM designation

certificate for the purpose of

must earn at least 36 CPE credits over a

documenting attendance at a designated

three year period and it is expected that

seminar or course of instruction. They are

the activities help further and support the

intended to

HIM

encourage

professional.

professionals

To ensure

to expand

that the

their foundations of knowledge and stay

credits are in fact HIM related, CHIMA has

up-to-date on new developments. Most

set a minimum that 29 credits of the 36

often the credits are given for each hour

be HIM-related. There are some activities

of contact, so one credit each 60 minute

that some may think qualify for CPEs but

period. The method of delivery can vary

CHIMA provides an illustrative document

between traditional classrooms and labs

to inform professionals of what does not

to distance learning requiring

qualify. In general if the CPE falls within

independent study through readings or

the normal parameters of an individual

online courses. In contrast to

job description, it probably does not

independent studies there is also the use

qualify. Continuing professional

of conference type group study which

education is important as it delivers

benefits to the individual, their profession

keep track of my CPEs in order to meet

and the public. CPEs ensure your

the requirements every 3 year cycle. Since

capabilities keep pace with changing

it is 36 credits per year, it would be best

standards, as well that your knowledge

to break each year up, to try and obtain

base stay relevant ensuring you know

12 credits per year. This may seem easy

where and how your profession will

on paper but being employed, full-time,

develop in the future and how you will

and acquiring these credits could be

develop with it. CPEs have great benefits

difficult, which is why I plant to break

to help one gain a deeper and more

them up. I plan to attend the annual

meaningful understanding of what it

CHIMA conference where I could obtain a

means to be a professional but also helps

credit for every clocked hour at the

keep the professional interested in the

conference. I even plan to attend CIHI

field as well as open them up to new

and COACH workshops and webinars as

possibilities and skill sets.

well as complete other formal HIM

Not to mention,

related

it is
important to
keep on top of
the credits as to ensure a membership
with CHIMA. They state that all active
CHIMA members are required to
participate in the Continuing Professional
Education (CPE) program, as defined by
the governing regulations, in order to
maintain certification. (CHIMA, 2015)After
successfully challenging the CCHIM exam,
I plan to use a strategy to stay on top and

education
programs of study. There are also fun and
intriguing ways to gain CPE credits like
participation in HI&T week where you
would earn credits for preparing a booth,
poster, table, and manning it to give
information about and promote HIM.