About the Exam
The ACHA Certification examination is based on a content outline developed from a national survey of healthcare architects which identified tasks significant to practice. Examination questions are written by committee members and other practitioners to assess the knowledge and skills required to perform the identified tasks. No two exams are identical, although the content outline is constant (updated in 2019).
The objective examination consists of 120 multiple choice questions (100 scored and 20 non-scored pretest questions). Applicants are presented with a question and are asked to choose the correct answer from multiple options. Pretesting questions allows examination committees to collect meaningful statistics about new questions that may appear as scored questions on future examinations. These questions are not scored as part of the individual’s pass/fail status. The pretest questions are scattered throughout the examination so applicants will answer them with the same care they would questions to be scored as part of the national examination. With pretesting methodology, applicants are ensured their scores are the result of sound measurement practices and that scored questions are reflective of current practice.
The passing score is identified based on analysis, once the examination window is complete. The score is based on the performance of the entire examination, not just individual content sections.
Exam Preparation
The following are provided as a guide to the nature of the material covered by the examination. References are not mandatory reading nor intended to be inclusive of all materials that may be useful to you in preparing for the examination. Additionally, these references do not necessarily include answers to all questions on the examination.
- National Fire Protection Association – Specific codes and standards include NFPA 101: Life Safety Code current edition. Complete list of codes and standards available online at www.nfpa.org.
- The Joint Commission Accreditation Manuals
- 2022 FGI Guidelines
Results/Notification
Exam results are mailed by PSI approximately 30 days following the close of the examination window, followed by a letter from ACHA, verifying next steps or acceptance into the College. If your exam attempt is unsuccessful, you will be assigned the Re-Examination workflow in Certemy. To sit for the examination again in the future, you will need to accept and complete the workflow, including payment of the fee.
PSI will not email or provide results/scores over the phone.
AIA Learning Units
Applicants who take and pass the examination will receive 20 AIA HSW Learning Units from ACHA.
Testing Centers
The computer-based exam is given at over 500 PSI Testing Centers across the globe. This ensures that all qualified candidates can easily access a testing site at a location and time that is convenient to them.