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Should I get HCISPP or CHPS Cybersecurity Certification?

Key Information:

  • HCISPP and CHPS are two respected healthcare cybersecurity certifications, with HCISPP focused on global, technical security and CHPS centered on U.S. healthcare privacy and compliance.
  • HCISPP is ideal for IT and cybersecurity professionals seeking roles like Risk Manager or Information Security Consultant, while CHPS suits those in health information management or compliance roles like Privacy Officer.
  • Ransomware attacks on healthcare have surged 300% since 2015, driving demand for certified professionals who can secure sensitive patient data.
  • HCISPP costs more and requires annual membership, but offers broader career reach and higher average salaries ($90K–$130K+), whereas CHPS is more affordable and best for U.S.-based regulatory careers ($75K–$110K).

With everything going digital in healthcare, providers now have a massive job on their hands: keeping all that sensitive patient info safe. The more data floating around, the bigger the target becomes.

Microsoft has found that ransomware attacks on healthcare have increased by a staggering 300% since 2015. Yes, three hundred. So, if it feels like cybersecurity should be a top priority right now, it absolutely should be.

Healthcare systems must enhance their security to stay ahead of malicious actors with smarter, stronger measures.

That’s where certifications like HCISPP and CHPS come in. They’re both prominent names in the healthcare privacy and security world, but they represent distinct certifications.

You may be wondering: Should I get HCISPP or CHPS?

This is one of those questions where the answer isn’t black and white—it really depends on you, on your career path, background, and goals.

We’ll break down everything you need to know to choose between HCISPP vs CHPS certification. It’s a comprehensive guide to what each one covers, who can take them, how much they cost, and the types of jobs they lead to.

Related:

Overview of Each Certification

What is HCISPP?

The HCISPP (Healthcare Information Security and Privacy Practitioner), offered by (ISC)², is a cybersecurity certification that meets the needs of the healthcare industry. It covers everything from risk management to privacy laws.

  1. Who is it for? IT professionals, cybersecurity specialists, risk analysts, and compliance officers are working within the healthcare industry.
  2. Focus: More global, more technical, and more about managing healthcare data securely.
  3. Industry Recognition: The HCISPP certification requirements are easier to meet; still, it’s highly respected on a global scale. This enhances your credibility with employers across the healthcare and cybersecurity sectors.

What is CHPS?

On the other hand, the CHPS (Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security), offered by AHIMA, is a certification focused on privacy and compliance. It’s more about U.S. healthcare laws, such as HIPAA, and managing patient privacy.

  1. Who is it for? CHPS certification for healthcare privacy is for health information managers, compliance officers, professionals in Health Information Management (HIM), and individuals specializing in healthcare privacy and regulations.
  2. Focus: Very U.S.-focused and legal/compliance-heavy.
  3. Industry Recognition: Well-recognized within the United States, particularly among hospitals, healthcare systems, and insurance organizations seeking experts in privacy and compliance.

Lowdown: HCISPP leans more toward the technical side of healthcare cybersecurity with a global reach. CHPS, meanwhile, is all about understanding and applying U.S. healthcare privacy laws and regulations.

Eligibility and Prerequisites

Before you jump in and sign up, keep in mind that healthcare privacy and security certifications have their own set of requirements. Here’s the lowdown:

HCISPP Certification Requirements

  • 2 years of paid work experience in any of the HCISPP domains (like privacy, risk management, etc.).
  • You can waive some of that with a relevant college degree or other certifications.
  • You need to agree to the (ISC)² Code of Ethics and go through an endorsement process once you pass the exam.

CHPS Certification Requirements

  • You need to hold another AHIMA credential (like RHIA or RHIT),

or…

  • Have a bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of work experience in healthcare privacy/security.
  • This is more suitable for individuals already working in the healthcare industry who are familiar with compliance and data governance.

Lowdown: CHPS is a bit stricter with who can take it. HCISPP is a little more flexible if you come from an IT/security background.

Exam Format and Content

Let’s take a quick look at what the exams for HCISPP and CHPS actually involve, from the types of questions to the topics covered, so you know exactly what to expect.

HCISPP vs CHPS certification exam format and content:

HCISPP Exam

  • Number of Questions: 125 multiple-choice
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Content Domains:
    • Privacy and security in healthcare (25%)
    • Risk management and risk assessment (20%)
    • Regulatory and standards environment (15%)
    • Third-party risk management (15%)
    • Healthcare industry (12%)
    • Information technologies in healthcare (8%)
  • Information governance in healthcare (5%)
  • Focus: Broad coverage combining technical cybersecurity skills with privacy and risk management in healthcare.

CHPS Exam

  • Number of Questions: 150 multiple-choice
  • Duration: 3.5 hours
  • Content Areas:
    • Security and risk management (15%)
    • Security architecture and engineering (13%)
    • Communication and network security (13%)
    • Identity and access management (13%)
    • Security operations (13%)
    • Security assessment and testing (12%)
    • Software development security (11%)
    • Asset security (10%)
  • Focus: Heavy emphasis on U.S. healthcare laws, privacy regulations, and compliance management.

Understanding the exam differences of these cybersecurity credentials for healthcare professionals can help you prepare more effectively based on the certification you choose.

Cost Comparison and Recertification

Both certifications are cheap. But there’s a difference in the investment:

HCISPP Costs

  • $599 exam fee
  • Annual membership fee to (ISC)² (about $125)
  • You’ll need to earn 60 CPE credits every 3 years to keep it active

CHPS Costs

  • $299 if you’re an AHIMA member
  • $399 for non-members
  • Requires continuing education credits (CEUs) every 2 years

Which is better, HCISPP or CHPS? CHPS is cheaper upfront, but HCISPP has more global value, so that the extra cost might be worth it, depending on your career path.

To help you decide better, we’re going to discuss CHPS vs HCISPP salary.

Career Paths and Salary Potential

Both HCISPP and CHPS certifications open doors to rewarding roles in healthcare privacy and security, but they tend to lead to different career paths and salary averages.

HCISPP Career Tracks:

  • Healthcare Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Compliance Officer
  • Information Security Consultant
  • Risk Manager
  • Salary Range: $90,000–$130,000+ (depending on location, experience, etc.)

CHPS Career Tracks:

  • Privacy Officer
  • Compliance Director
  • Health Info Manager
  • Regulatory Affairs Specialist
  • Salary Range: $75,000–$110,000

Quick comparison: CHPS vs HCISPP salary and career paths

  • If you’re leaning toward tech/cyber, HCISPP will likely open more doors. Plus, HCISPP generally pays a bit more because it’s often tied to higher-level IT/security roles.
  • If you’re more concerned about healthcare compliance and regulatory roles, CHPS is your best bet.

If you don’t think that any of these is the best fit for you, here are some of the best healthcare cybersecurity certification programs you can explore:

  1. CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
  2. CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor)
  3. CompTIA Security+
  4. RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
  5. CHC (Certified in Healthcare Compliance)

Pros and Cons of Each Certification

When deciding between HCISPP and CHPS, it’s helpful to weigh the strengths and limitations of each certification. Here’s a quick comparison of certified in healthcare privacy and security (CHPS) vs HCISPP pros and cons.

HCISPP Pros:

  • Globally recognized
  • Strong cybersecurity and risk component
  • Aligns with broader IT security roles

HCISPP Cons:

  • Costs more upfront and requires annual membership fees.
  • More technical, not ideal for pure compliance roles

CHPS Pros:

  • Specialized for U.S. healthcare privacy
  • Ideal for AHIMA members and HIM professionals
  • Lower cost

CHPS Cons:

  • Lesser-known outside the U.S.
  • Limited to healthcare/legal compliance

Lowdown: All healthcare cybersecurity certifications have their own unique strengths, and neither HCISPP nor CHPS is inherently “better.” Before making your choice, consider the following:

  1. Where you want to work (U.S. vs global)
  2. The kind of roles you’re targeting (technical security vs privacy/compliance)
  3. Your current experience and credentials

Which Certification Is Right for You?

When asking yourself, “Should I get HCISPP or CHPS?” it’s important to consider your current role, career ambitions, and the healthcare environment you work in or plan to work in.

Here’s a simpler guide:

Choose HCISPP if:

  • You have a background in IT, cybersecurity, or risk management.
  • You’re aiming for technical or leadership roles that combine security and privacy.
  • You want a certification with international recognition and career paths toward senior positions like CISO.

Choose CHPS if:

  • You work in compliance, health information management (HIM), or healthcare data governance.
  • You already hold AHIMA credentials or have significant healthcare privacy experience.
  • Your primary focus is on U.S. healthcare laws, including HIPAA and related privacy regulations.

Ultimately, your choice depends on whether your career path is more technical and global (HCISPP) or compliance-focused and U.S.-centric (CHPS). Again, both cybersecurity credentials for healthcare professionals are valuable and respected in the industry, so you can’t go wrong with either.

Conclusion

Both HCISPP and CHPS are excellent certifications. They each serve different types of professionals in the healthcare security space. One isn’t better than the other—it’s all about fit.

  • HCISPP is like the security-focused bodyguard who also knows HIPAA.
  • CHPS is more like the compliance lawyer who keeps things clean behind the scenes

Whichever one you choose, you’re making a smart move toward a growing field with serious career potential. Take a minute to think about where you’re heading—what type of work excites you, what kind of problems you like solving, and whether you like tech, law, or a mix.