2010 AAHIVM HIV SPECIALIST / HIV EXPERT CERTIFICATION

**  INFORMATION AT-A-GLANCE  **

Scroll down for information on these topics:

• WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HIV SPECIALIST OR HIV EXPERT CERTIFICATION
• 2010 PHARMACIST PILOT TESTING
• EXAM FEE (2010):  US $290 (plus $25 after June 30)
• HOW TO APPLY
• 2010 APPLICATION DATES – May 17 - June 30 (late applications accepted through July 31 with $25 fee)
  
• 2010 TEST DATES – August 16 – September 30
• EXAM DESCRIPTION
• EXAM FORMATS
• Exam Prep and Resources
• RETESTING
• CREDENTIAL DURATION

Additional detailed information on each topic here can be seen from the links on the General Information Page.

_________________________________________________________________________

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR HIV SPECIALIST OR HIV EXPERT CERTIFICATION

MD, DO, PA, or NP level HIV care providers who have at least 20 HIV patients under their care and are actively attaining HIV-related continuing education (30 educational credits or equivalent over past 24 months required).  MD, DO, PA, or NP level HIV care providers with fewer than 20 patients may still apply, and will be paired with a clinical consultant of similar licensure at no charge; complete "lower volume" provider consultant program information here.  Non-US providers with equivalent licensure who meet all other requirements are eligible.  AAHIVM membership is NOT required to be certified with AAHIVM.  The Academy does not currently offer a certification mechanism for professions other than MD, DO, PA, and NP providers. Additional eligibility information here.

2010 PHARMACIST PILOT TESTING

Pharmacists may apply in 2010 to the final year of a three-year pilot certification offering (a permanent program is in development and will be launched after this year's testing cycle).  Pharmacist application procedures are the same as for other providers; patient care requirements will be relaxed and evaluated on a case by case basis to accommodate various practice environments. Pharmacist CEU’s are counted at 10 times the rate of CME credits (i.e.,  .1 CEU credit = 1 CME credit).  Additional pharmacist credentialing information here.  Complete information and a pre-printed application have been automatically furnished to all recertifying pharmacists (who originally tested in 2008).  All current and renewing certified pharmacists will be automatically transferred into the new permanent pharmacist certifcation program when it is launched (after the 2010 testing cycle).

EXAM FEE (2010):  US $290 (online or written exam, add $25 after June 30)

Fees are for new, recertifying and expired applicants, and are payable at the time of application.  Fees apply to both AAHIVM members and non-members.  The fee is refundable if an applicant is determined to be ineligible for the exam.  The fee is not refundable if an applicant is approved to take the exam but does not pass on one or two attempts, or fails to "submit" an exam once exam access is provided.  A $25 surcharge applies for late applications (received between July 1 and July 31).  The Academy accepts Visa, MasterCard, Amex, money orders, or checks.  Credit card payments are automatically processed within the online application.  An emailed payment receipt will be provided for online credit card payments.  If a credit card cannot be used for payment, the online application form can still be used by checking the appropriate "mailing payment" box on the online application, and then mailing a check to the AAHIVM national office (the address is clearly posted on the application).  Applicants using a paper application form may use any payment method.

HOW TO APPLY

Providers can access the online or downloadable paper application here on the AAHIVM website via the menu options above.  Complete information and a pre-printed application have been automatically furnished to all AAHIVM-affiliated providers (members, recertifying providers, recently expired providers). 

2010 APPLICATION DATES – May 17 - June 30 (late applications accepted through July 31 with $25 fee)

Applications received from July 1 through July 31 will be subject to a $25 surcharge.  No applications will be accepted after July 31.

2010 TEST DATES – August 16 – September 30

Approved online exam candidates will receive an email with exam access instructions on the exam opening date; approved written (paper and pencil) candidates will receive a hard copy exam package by US Mail on or about the exam opening date.  Online "submission" of completed work is required by 11:59 PM on the completion deadline date; written candidates must show postmark or shipment date evidence no later than the completion deadline date.

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The testing instrument itself consists of 125 case-based, 5-option multiple choice items, assembled to an established exam blueprint, from an extensive item bank.  The item bank is rigorously analyzed every year by teams of volunteer subject matter experts.  The bank is augmented with new material reflecting advances in the science, and reviewed for irrelevant or outdated material.  Content in the item bank is accurately referenced to a wide variety of known sources of information on the science and current research in the profession.  Additional exam development information can be seen here.

EXAM FORMATS

The exam is offered in an online or written format.  Applicants may choose the preferred format when applying.  Online testing requires an active email address.  The online testing system is simple to use, and you may log in and out as often as you wish during the exam window to complete your exam at your own pace, saving your work as you go.  The online testing system is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with the exception of brief periods of typical website maintenance.  The Academy strongly suggests the online version of the exam for security purposes.  

Exam Prep and Resources

AAHIVM certification exams are “open book”, and are not keyed directly to any AAHIVM publication, nor to any other particular information source.  Examinees may use any resource they would turn to in the everyday care of patients when preparing for and completing the exam.  Additional information on testing resources can be seen here.

RETESTING

Examinees who do not pass the exam on their first attempt will have one re-test opportunity in November.  Complete instructions are provided to non-passing candidates.  Additional information here.

CREDENTIAL DURATION

Two years, starting January 1 following the year of testing, re-certifiable every two years. (Providers must retest every two years to retain the designation and remain current, and must meet all eligibility requirements at each recertification.)  The short renewal cycle helps to ensure that certified providers are maintaining up-to-date knowledge in the rapidly evolving field of HIV medicine.   Expired providers who are recertifying are not subject to any additional requirements than those certifying for the first time.

Updated 7-9-10