Board of Governors Examination in Healthcare Management

Earning the distinction of board certification in healthcare management as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE) signifies your expertise, experience, and commitment to continuing education and professional development. Just as members of the medical staff are board certified, having the FACHE credential by your name indicates a level of achievement in the profession.

Passing the Board of Governors Examination recognizes individuals who have successfully demonstrated the core knowledge, skills, and competencies required to lead healthcare organizations. It is the final step in attaining the FACHE^® credential and is a candidate’s demonstration of knowledge in key areas of executive healthcare management, including:

• Healthcare
• Management and Leadership
• Finance
• Human Resources
• Laws and Regulations
• Quality and Performance Management
• Business
• Healthcare Technology and Information Management
• Professionalism and Ethics
• Governance and Organizational Structure

The Board of Governors Examination is a six-hour, 230-question multiple-choice Exam. Candidates are allowed to retake the Exam as many times as necessary until they achieve a passing score, while adhering to the two-year eligibility period and 60-day waiting period between attempts.

Examination Application Process

To apply to sit for the Board of Governors Examination:

Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements to submit a Fellow application.

Step 2: Submit your advancement application and $250 fee to ACHE. Upon approval, you will have two (2) years in which you must take and pass the Board of Governors Examination.

Step 3: Register for the Exam by paying the $225 Exam fee to ACHE. Once authorized, you will receive an email from ACHE with instructions on how to schedule your appointment with Pearson VUE.

Seats fill quickly and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t delay in securing your seat at your preferred center and on your preferred testing date.

Test Accommodations

ACHE and Pearson VUE are committed to providing access to testing for all individuals under the guidance of the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require a test accommodation, you should contact ACHE at contact@ache.org and describe the type of accommodation you require. You should do this before you schedule an appointment with Pearson VUE as not all centers are equipped to accommodate all needs. ACHE will work with Pearson VUE to assure appropriate accommodations are available.

Admission Policy

Arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This will give you adequate time to complete the necessary sign-in procedures. Be prepared to provide a current, government-issued photo identification with signature (i.e., current driver's license or passport). The name on your identification MUST match the name under which you are registered. If you need to make a name change, please contact ACHE at contact@ache.org.
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you may be refused admission, and your Exam fee is forfeited.
No personal items may be taken into the testing room. This includes all bags, books, notes, phones, pagers, watches, and wallets.

Cancellation, Reschedule and No-Show Policy

If you wish to cancel or reschedule your Exam appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment time. Cancelling or rescheduling an Exam less than 24 hours will result in forfeiture of your Exam fee.

You will receive an email from Pearson VUE confirming any changes to your appointment. Don’t forget to click Confirm Reschedule on the final screen to ensure your changes have been saved and accepted.

If you are marked as a No Show for your scheduled appointment, you will forfeit your Exam fee. A new Exam fee will be required to open a new Exam Authorization.

Preparation Resources

No two candidates have the same combination of knowledge and experience in healthcare management and administration, nor the same preferred learning style. The degree and type of preparation needed will vary and should be based on your individual assessment of needs. ACHE offers these resources to individuals who wish to utilize them. These resources were developed independently from the Exam but align closely with the Exam Content Outline. The purchase of any resource is not required to take the Exam and does not guarantee a passing score.

• Board of Governors Exam Content Outline
• ACHE Healthcare Executive Competencies Assessment Tool
• Develop a plan of courses, reading, and mentoring in areas where you may need further skill, knowledge, or competency.
• Virtual Board of Governors Exam Review Course
• Board of Governors Exam Study Set
• Board of Governors Exam Flashcards (with digital access)
• Board of Governors Exam Study Bundle

Check with your local ACHE Chapter to connect with other individuals interested in earning their FACHE. Several chapters offer Exam study courses and study groups.

While these offerings are designed as options to prepare you for the Exam, they are not designed to teach to the test.

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Contact ACHE

300 S. Riverside Plaza, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60606
Main: (312) 424-9400
Email: contact@ache.org
Web: www.ache.org