Certified Health Care Constructor Resources

The Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) exam features questions organized into four broad domains: health care industry fundamentals; the planning, design, and construction process; health care facility safety additions and renovations; and financial stewardship.

Why should you become a CHC?

Be prepared to work on construction sites in the health care physical environment

a man looking at a construction plan on a tablet

Verify your understanding of the field to potential project leaders

a man and woman discussing a construction project

Build on existing compliance knowledge and patient safety concepts

Not sure where to start?

The following resources may be helpful in preparing for the CHC exam, though this is not a complete list and this reading material does not cover exam questions directly. ASHE does not have access to the questions on the exam, which is offered through the AHA Certification Center. This list is intended to be a starting point for those interested in studying for the CHC exam, as well as a list of general reading for all health care construction professionals.

If you are not sure which materials you should focus on, consider starting by reading the detailed domains in the CHC Candidate Handbook and Application or by taking the CHC Self-Assessment Exam to find your strengths and weaknesses.

ASHE recommends taking the Working in Health Care: Certified Health Care Physical Environment Worker Education & Exam Review course followed by the Health Care Construction Workshop and the Certified Health Care Constructor (CHC) Exam Review course as a pathway to build on your current knowledge of health care construction.

If you are not yet an ASHE member, consider joining to gain access to the members-only resources and discounts listed on this page.

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Recommended Areas of Focus for the CHC Exam

Health Care Industry Fundamentals
- Reading materials:
  - Construction Management of Health Care Projects
- Education programs:
  - Application of NFPA 99 in Health Care Facilities e-learning course (ASHE members get $100 discount)
  - Managing Life Safety (2012 edition) e-learning course (ASHE members get $50 discount)
- On Demand recordings (available only to ASHE members):
  - Test Your Code Knowledge (ASHE e-learning)

Planning, Design & Construction Process
- Reading materials:
  - The Facility Manager's Handbook for Health Care Project Management (ASHE members get $30 discount)
  - Health Facility Commissioning Handbook (ASHE members get $30 discount)
  - Roofing: Basics and Beyond (Monograph; ASHE members get free download)
  - Managing Hospital Electrical Shutdowns (Monograph; ASHE members get free download)
- On Demand recordings (available only to ASHE members):
  - Lean Application for All Project Delivery Methods

Health Care Facility Safety
- Reading materials:
  - The Facility Manager's Handbook for Health Care Project Management (ASHE members get $30 discount)
  - NFPA 241: Standard for Safeguarding Construction, Alteration, and Demolition Operations
  - Guidelines for Environmental Infection Control in Health-Care Facilities
    - For the purpose of preparing for the CHC exam, a candidate may want to review the following sections:
      
      Part II Section C Recommendations–Air, beginning on page 118
      
      Part II Section D Recommendations—Water III Remediation Strategies for Distribution System Repairs or Emergencies, beginning on page 126
- Education programs:
  - Health Care Construction Workshop (ASHE members get $150 discount)
- On Demand recordings (available only to ASHE members):

Financial Stewardship
- Reading materials
  - The Facility Manager's Handbook for Health Care Project Management (ASHE members get $30 discount)
- On Demand recordings (available only to ASHE members):
  - Capital Spending and Allocating Funds in a Health System

Additional Resources for Further Study

Exam Preparation/Readiness Review

The American Hospital Association Certification Center contracts with PSI to administer the CHC exam. Candidates can schedule their exam with PSI at an approved testing center or they can schedule a live-remote proctored exam with PSI. Learn more about testing logistics for the CHC exam.

Veteran Benefits

If you qualify for VA benefits, you can get the cost of the CHC exam covered!

After you register and pay for the exam of your choice, fill out an Application for Reimbursement of Licensing or Certification Test Fees (VA Form 22-0803). Send the completed application and proof of payment to your Regional Processing Office. If you need additional help, call the VA toll-free at 1-888-422-4551 or visit the VA website.

CHC Exam Review Course

Identify your knowledge gaps and gain confidence before taking the exam to become certified with ASHE’s CHC certification. Review core competencies, address critical skill gaps, and ensure you are prepared to demonstrate proficiency through practice questions and expert analysis related to key concepts covered in ASHE’s CHC credential.

ASHE members get a $100 discount.

Learn More