Note from the Instructor: Applauding early CCDS-O examinees

By Laurie L. Prescott, MSN, RN, CCDS, CDIP, CRC

I am terrible at multiple-choice standardized tests. People laugh when I tell them the hardest test I ever took was the CPR exam—yes, that CPR test. It is not that I lack competence in CPR (although it has been a few years since I performed the task). It is because when it comes to standardized testing, I read more into the question than I need to. I look at the question and I remember a similar scenario albeit with patient unique in presentation and find myself running down rabbit trails that make me question what I know and what I don’t. I debate between choosing A or C, A or C, to the point I get confused and choose B. It is not pretty.

That’s just one reason why I am so impressed by those who sit for our Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) and CCDS-Outpatient (CCDS-O) certification exams. Due to the many foci of CDI practice, the body of knowledge tested in these exams is expansive. But the fact these exams are not easy is a good thing! When you place the CCDS or CCDS-O after your name, you can be proud of that accomplishment, and wear your new credential as a banner of your commitment to the wonderful profession of CDI.

The CCDS and CCDS-O exam committees have demonstrated their commitment, too. They debated at length and set strict eligibility requirements to determine who can sit for the exam. They spent countless hours identifying the core competencies and defining exam content outlines. Once the content outlines were determined, these committees began the laborious process of writing and reviewing questions. The goal has always been to develop fair exams that encompass the daily proficiencies that a practicing CDI must have in both the outpatient and inpatient settings.

That commitment to develop the best exam possible is why the CCDS and CCDS-O credentials provide a mark of distinction for those working in the field. Employers look for this credential when screening applicants because they recognize the fact that the individual who bears it met both the prerequisites for sitting for the exam and, in passing the test, exhibits the capabilities to be effective in the role.

It has been very exciting for me to be personally involved in the development of the CCDS-O. It is hard to believe that it took almost two years of effort until we were comfortable with the content and were able to deploy it. As with any new credential, it is scary for individuals wanting to sit for this exam. It’s hard to be among the first. So, I want to recognize those that have taken this challenge on. Especially those who had to patiently wait several weeks as the scores were tallied and passing rates assessed to receive their results.

Now that the results are out, I have enjoyed hearing from students about their successes. I would also like to recognize those who did not pass and want to stress to those individual to look on their experience as an opportunity. This is not a failure. The process of preparation and sitting for the exam, no matter the result, makes you a stronger CDI professional. Don’t give up. Take it again and know that you will soon be able to place CCDS-O in your signature line.

For those wondering how this exam is being received:

• 51 individuals have sat for the CCDS-O
• 34, or 66%, of those individuals passed on the first try
• The passing score is presently an 85 correct out of 120 scored questions
• Roughly 100 individuals are presently preparing to sit for the exam

Many potential CCDS-O holders ask me how they should prepare for the test? First, as CCDS Coordinator Penny Richards so often recommends, review the Exam Candidate Handbook, available under the certifications tab on the ACDIS website. This resource walks through the process of determining eligibility as well as how to prioritize your study plan based on the exam content outline. The content outline is very important because this exam tests all aspects of outpatient CDI, meaning you may be tested on content that is not included in your present role.

The next step is identifying learning opportunities and areas where you might need some assistance. Then, of course, you need to seek out that guidance. That may come from your manager or peers. You may wish to reach out to colleagues through the ACDIS Forum or your local ACDIS chapter. Resource material can be found at many websites including at CMS, at ACDIS, at AHIMA, at AAPC, and so on.

Create a study plan allowing time to review materials. Two documents that are required in preparation are the Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and the 2019 ACIDS/AHIMA query practice brief Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice. ACDIS and the CCDS-O certification committee are also currently working on an Exam Study Guide with an online practice exam that is expected to be released in November. In the meantime, review the inpatient version, read up on general query best practices and hone up those test-taking skills.

And lastly when you do sit for the exam, understand that the conference committee did not write the questions to trick you. Don’t be like me with CPR exam and overthink your responses wondering about “that query when….” Read the questions at face value. Sometimes all the information you need to choose the correct answer is within the question itself.

Here are a few additional suggestions to help you succeed on exam day:

• Read each question in its entirety. Pay attention to every detail in the question.
• Read each question as if you had to answer it without choosing from a list of alternative answers, meaning try to answer the question first without looking at the list of choices.
• If you encounter a confusing question, or don’t know the answer, flag it and return to it later. Sometimes revisiting the question helps to clear the confusion.
• If you’re unsure of the correct answer, use the process of elimination to narrow down choices. Read every answer and eliminate those that are definitely wrong. Unfortunately, there’s no “phone-a-friend” option during the certification exams like there were on the “Who Wants to be a Millionaire” gameshow.
• Be sure to answer each question before ending the examination. There is no penalty for guessing.
• Use your available resources to check your answers as appropriate.
• Be mindful of the passing time and check your pacing. How many minutes do you have left? How many questions do you have left? When you practice, make note of which sections take you more time and adjust your pacing for the live test.

In closing, congratulations again to our CCDS and CCDS-O professionals. You should be proud knowing that these credentials are worn by the best of the best.

To those considering these exams, know that nothing worth being proud of comes easy but that is why the journey is worth it.

Editor’s note:  Prescott is the CDI education director at HCPro in Middleton, Massachusetts. Contact her at lprescott@hcpro.com. For information regarding CDI Boot Camps, click here.