The American Board of Imaging Informatics (ABII) is a nonprofit credentialing organization that sets professional certification standards for excellence in a growing field of high-tech healthcare pioneers. It recognizes well-trained professionals who can use technology to maximize efficiency and increase radiologist satisfaction and productivity, while realizing strategic goals and improving patient care. This is a tall order, indeed. That's why ABII uses a highly respected certification process to help achieve its mission.

Across the world, the convergence of patient data, computer science applications and the expertise of health professionals has created a movement geared toward providing higher quality patient care through better management and availability of information. This is the world of health informatics — the intersection of information science, computer science and healthcare. It manages the acquisition, storage, retrieval and use of information in healthcare efficiently and effectively to improve access and quality. In other words, it's working faster and smarter. This is an emerging field that is the product of the information economy.

The healthcare professional who orchestrates a complex set of functions to achieve successful imaging informatics is often called a "picture archiving and communications system" or "PACS" administrator. These individuals have a foot in two worlds: clinical healthcare and corporate information technology. For this reason, the most successful PACS administrators communicate clearly with highly technical network personnel, while understanding the diagnostic process of the radiologist. Their role often expands to system architect, workflow engineer and business analyst.

ABII was founded in 2007 — the result of a collaborative effort between the Society for Imaging Informatics in Medicine (SIIM) and the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT). Its purpose is to provide recognition to qualified Imaging Information Professionals (IIPs) in the successful implementation and management of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS). ABII began administering the IIP test in 2007.

Representing varied and valuable backgrounds, the members of ABII's Board of Trustees work together to effectively advance the organization's mission, establish policy, monitor and strengthen programs and more.

As volunteers, the Trustees share their passion for the profession, as well as their time and commitment to set high standards for patient care and evolve the informatics industry in healthcare. If you share their passion in this field, please consider offering your expertise as a volunteer.

Current Board members are:

• Nikki Fennell, CIIP, Chair
• Charles Socia, R.T.(R)(CT)(QM)(ARRT), CIIP, Vice-Chair
• Seetharam (Ram) Chadalavada, MD, MS, CIIP, Secretary/Treasurer
• Rex Christensen, MHA, R.T.(R)(MR)(CT)(ARRT), CIIP, MRSO(MRSC)
• Tonya D. Edge, R.T.(R)(ARRT), CIIP
• Maureen Blazowski, J.D., R.T.(R)(CT)(ARRT), CIIP
• Janet McEwen, M.A., CAE, Public Member

The Board is supported by Liana Watson, DM, R.T.(R)(M)(S)(BS)(ARRT), RDMS, RVT, FASRT, PMP, CAE, as executive director.

Imaging Informatic Professional (IIP) certification is a mark of excellence. It has been developed to be consistent with the standards of the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Achieving the Certified Imaging Informatics Professional (CIIP) status declares to patients, employers and peers that the individual is:

• An innovator at the front end of defining a profession
• An achiever who seeks personal and professional growth
• A professional invested in quality improvement and increased value

Both certified individuals and industry partners attest to the value of ABII certification. Click here to read their testimonials.

The qualification system for IIP certification is flexible enough to address the various backgrounds of imaging informatics professionals, yet comprehensive enough to ensure that candidates are well rounded.

An applicant's eligibility is based on a seven-point system that encompasses the categories of experience, formal education and credentials/continuing education. Click here for details on calculating your eligibility.

Applicants must earn at least two and no more than five points in each of the three areas of eligibility, adding up to a total of at least seven points.

• Experience points are awarded one point for each 12 months of work experience in a healthcare imaging or imaging informatics field.
• Education points are awarded based on highest level of education, ranging from 1 point for individuals without a degree but reporting at least 30 credit hours up to 5 points for a graduate degree.
• Credential/CE points are awarded for IT or clinical credentials held and for CE completed within 18 months of the date of application.

Click here for more detailed information on calculating points.

It's easy: you can do it online right here.

The test fee is $500. Those who don't pass the first time can try twice more for a $250 fee each time.

The test's 160 questions are classified into 10 content areas that were identified by imaging informatics professionals as being critical to competent performance in the field. In descending order of their relative weighting, those areas are:

• Image Management (20%)
• Information Technology (15%)
• Operations (10%)
• Communications (10%)
• Systems Management (10%)
• Clinical Engineering (10%)
• Medical Informatics (10%)
• Procurement (5%)
• Project Management (5%)
• Training and Education (5%)

Click here for some sample test questions that demonstrate the format of the questions. For more information, check out the detailed Test Content Outline.

The Test Content Outline is your best study guide. ABII neither provides nor is involved in developing educational courses or materials to prepare for the test. Test preparation is offered by third parties, and ABII does not endorse any course, vendor or printed materials.

Beginning March 5, 2014, on-demand testing will begin, meaning applicants will be able to schedule on a day and at a time convenient for them at one of Pearson VUE's 200 test centers. Note that Pearson VUE administers tests for many other national certifications, and that some days and weeks tend to be busy – meaning at peak times, you may experience a few weeks before the next appointment is available.

Click here for a list of available test centers.

ABII complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides reasonable testing accommodations to candidates who demonstrate that they have an ADA-qualifying disability. Testing accommodations will not be approved unless the candidate submits the necessary documentation. If a request for accommodations has been submitted, the candidate will receive a testing window after the request has been reviewed and approved. All requests for accommodations must be approved prior to scheduling the examination. Detailed ADA Testing Accommodations information and application are available after registering for an ABII online account.

Once eligibility is established and the application and fee received by ABII, candidates will receive notification and instructions (usually within 24 hours) that Pearson VUE is prepared to schedule their test appointment. Candidates schedule directly with Pearson VUE at a test center location of their choice and on a day and at a time convenient to them.

You may postpone up to three times without penalty as long as your postponement is received by ABII at least seven days out. Postponements after the seven-day deadline are granted only for compelling reasons and must be requested in writing within 30 days after the scheduled test date.

You'll find detailed cancellation procedures in the Certification Guide.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled appointment to allow for check-in procedures. You will be required to show two forms of identification, both of which show your pre-printed name and signature. One of the IDs must be a current official government-issued photo ID. Candidates aren't admitted without the required ID.

You'll be asked to provide a digital signature, be photographed and have your palm vein electronically scanned (similar to fingerprinting).

Click here for more details on checking in at the test center.

Test-center staff will show you to a work station and make sure the computer is ready to deliver your test. A detailed Computer-Based Testing Overview provides detail on pre- and post-test requirements and options, the test session itself, item review and sign-off — and presents sample screens.

The test experience is designed to ensure that results of all candidates are earned under comparable conditions and represent fair and accurate measurement. All candidates are therefore held to a set of restrictions involving what may be brought into the test center and testing room, how candidates may leave the testing room and general behavior.

Candidates are observed at all times while taking the test — through direct observation by staff and/or video and audio recording.

Click here for details.

The maximum time allowed to complete the test is 2.67 hours. Ten additional minutes is allotted for an 8-minute tutorial and 2-minute NDA agreement before the test and 10 minutes for a survey at the end of the test.

You will receive notification of your success via email indicating your test results are available. Then login to your ABII account and click on "Results" to view your report.

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving. Changes in patient care, technology and quality requirements make keeping abreast with continuing education important to remaining qualified as a CIIP.

Because continual learning is important, ABII has a continuing education (CE) requirement for diplomates. The requirement is the successful completion and reporting of 24 credits every two years on or before December 31. This biennial CE requirement must be completed or certification is dropped.

Educational activities that can be tied back to the ABII Test Content Outline are acceptable for CE credit. Examples include, but are not limited to: seminars given at SIIM or HIMMS, medical imaging continuing education activities accepted by The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT), and IT courses and project management courses.

CE activity content or topics must align with the most current ABII Test Content Outline at the beginning of your biennium which can be found at abii.org.

CE reporting is completed on a diplomate’s online account located at www.abii.org.

You must complete 24 CE credits every two years, starting January 1 of the year immediately following your certification year. You can start completing CE activities at any point. It is recommended to not wait until your final year or two but, rather, to maintain ongoing education to maximize your opportunities and experiences.

For example, and individual having passed the exam in April 2016 will begin their two-year cycle on January 1, 2017 and report CE on or before December 31, 2018.

Annual renewal fees of $70.00 are due by December 31 of each year. Renewal payments received after the deadline incur include late fees.

During years in which a diplomate is required to report CE, both the CE and annual renewal fee must be completed during the same transaction on the diplomate’s online account located at www.abii.org. (For example, a diplomate cannot pay the annual renewal fee on one day and then report CE later the same week.)

If CE is not reported and/or annual renewal payment not received before March 31, certification will be discontinued. To regain certification, all initial certification requirements must be satisfied – including the test.

While ARRT-approved CE activities that align with the ABII Test Content Outline also qualify for ABII CIIP CE requirements, you will need to enter the activities manually on your profile pages on the ABII website in order for ABII staff to keep your CE progress updated and to validate compliance or non-compliance.

Because ABII is a certification organization, it cannot endorse specific CE providers. You can find a large number of activities that meet criteria by contacting SIIM, the American Society of Radiologic Technologists (ASRT), and Healthcare Information Management Systems Society (HIMSS). These professional societies have resources that support education for members and non-members. You also may consider networking with other CIIPs, too.

Because of accelerating advancements in technology and growing capabilities in the healthcare field, the idea of “Once certified, forever qualified” no longer meets the expectations of patients or the profession. Today, this is more accurately described as “Once certified, forever learning, evolving and developing as a qualified professional.” Continuous quality improvement is an expectation across all healthcare facilities, systems and professions.

After successful completion of the exam, individuals are certified for ten years. At the end of ten years, diplomates must submit documentation of completing additional requirements in order for their certification to remain active. Learn more about the 10-Year Requirements.