The two flagship credentials from AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) are the RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) and the RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator). Both certify competency in health information management — but they differ in education requirements, scope of practice, exam content, and salary potential. The RHIT requires an associate degree and is entry-to-mid-level; the RHIA requires a bachelor's degree and targets management and administrative roles. This guide compares RHIT vs RHIA across every major dimension so you can choose the right credential for your career path.
The most fundamental difference between RHIT and RHIA is the educational credential required before you can sit for either exam. Practice with the free American Health Information Management Association practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (11 questions with answer explanations).
RHIT education path:
RHIA education path:
International applicants: Non-US degrees require a foreign credential evaluation. AHIMA accepts qualifying international education — contact AHIMA's certification team for specific country-by-country guidance.
The RHIT and RHIA exams test different knowledge domains and at different levels of complexity, reflecting the different roles each credential prepares you for.
RHIT exam:
RHIA exam:
Pass rates: AHIMA publishes annual pass rates. The RHIT first-time pass rate typically runs 60–75%; RHIA first-time pass rates are similar (roughly 60–70%) despite the additional complexity, largely because RHIA candidates have more education and usually more work experience.
Interactive American Health Information Management Association resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
The salary gap between RHIT and RHIA credentials reflects the difference in education level and the management responsibilities that come with RHIA certification.
RHIT salary ranges (2026):
RHIA salary ranges (2026):
The average salary premium for RHIA over RHIT is approximately $15,000–$25,000/year at comparable experience levels. Over a 10-year career, an RHIA who moves into management can earn $300,000–$500,000 more cumulatively than an RHIT in a technical role — but the RHIA requires 2 more years of education and higher exam prep investment upfront.
Try these questions from our free American Health Information Management Association practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
Which body is responsible for overseeing AHIMA credentialing examinations such as the RHIA, RHIT, and CCS?
Answer: B. CCHIIM
The Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) oversees AHIMA's credentialing examinations.
The AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential is primarily designed for professionals coding in which healthcare setting?
Answer: C. Hospital and facility-based settings
The CCS credential focuses on hospital and facility-based inpatient and outpatient coding using ICD-10 and CPT codes.
Which AHIMA specialty credential is most relevant for a professional focused on patient privacy and information security compliance?
Answer: B. CHPS
The Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) credential targets professionals responsible for privacy and security program management.
Which AHIMA credential is best suited for a professional whose primary role involves health data analysis and population health reporting?
Answer: D. CHDA
The Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) credential is designed for professionals working in health data management, analytics, and reporting.
Take the full American Health Information Management Association practice test