Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (HACP-CMS)
About the HACP-CMS Certification
The HACP‑CMS certification validates a professional’s knowledge of the CMS Conditions of Participation for hospitals and the federal survey and certification process. It demonstrates mastery of regulatory and accreditation requirements used by CMS and major accreditation organizations including CIHQ, TJC, DNV, and ACHC.
This certification is ideal for healthcare professionals whose roles involve accreditation readiness, regulatory compliance, and organizational quality.
Candidate Handbook
The Candidate Handbook provides detailed information about the HACP examination, including examination rules, scoring, administration policies, and recertification requirements. Candidates are encouraged to review the handbook to confirm current expectations and reference it as needed throughout the examination process.
| HACP 2026 Applicant Handbook (pdf) |
Examination Content Overview
The HACP examination consists of 120 multiple‑choice questions. Content is reviewed annually and updated as standards and regulations change. Exams are issued each January. If regulations change mid‑year, answers remain based on the standards in effect at the time the examination was issued.
Examination Content Breakdown
The HACP examination addresses key CMS conditions of participation for hospitals. The specific content and distribution of questions for the examination appears below.
| No. | Condition of Participation | Number of Questions | # | Approximate Percent of Examination Total | % Exam |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01. | 482.00 Certification Process | 21 | 17% | ||
| 02. | 482.12 Governing Body | 3 | 3% | ||
| 03. | 482.13 Patients' Rights | 14 | 11% | ||
| 04. | 482.15 Emergency Preparedness | 3 | 2% | ||
| 05. | 482.21 QA/PI Program | 4 | 3% | ||
| 06. | 482.22 Medical Staff | 2 | 2% | ||
| 07. | 482.23 Nursing Services | 5 | 4% | ||
| 08. | 482.24 Medical Record Services | 5 | 4% | ||
| 09. | 482.25 Pharmaceutical Services | 12 | 10% | ||
| 10. | 482.26 Radiological Services | 2 | 2% | ||
| 11. | 482.27 Laboratory Services | 2 | 2% | ||
| 12. | 482.28 Food and Dietetic Services | 4 | 3% | ||
| 13. | 482.30 Utilization Review | 2 | 2% | ||
| 14. | 482.41 Physical Environment | 5 | 4% | ||
| 15. | 482.42 Infection Control | 5 | 4% | ||
| 16. | 482.43 Discharge Planning | 4 | 3% | ||
| 17. | 482.45 Organ, Tissue & Eye Procurement | 2 | 2% | ||
| 18. | 482.51 Surgical Services | 6 | 5% | ||
| 19. | 482.52 Anesthesia Services | 7 | 6% | ||
| 20. | 482.53 Nuclear Medicine Services | 3 | 2% | ||
| 21. | 482.54 Outpatient Services | 2 | 2% | ||
| 22. | 482.55 Emergency Services | 2 | 2% | ||
| 23. | 482.56 Rehabilitation Services | 2 | 2% | ||
| 24. | 482.57 Respiratory Services | 3 | 3% |
Preparing for the HACP exam?
View Examination Preparation ResourcesHow the Examination Is Administered
The HACP examination is delivered online, allowing candidates to test at their convenience from home or work. CIHQ partners with Exam Builder, a leading provider of secure, web‑based certification exams.
Sample Examination Questions
Review the sample questions below. Click “Show Answer” to reveal the correct response.
1. Hospitals have a choice of doing all of the following except:
- Be directly certified by CMS
- Be accredited by a CMS approved deeming authority
- Not participating in Medicare / Medicaid programs
- Participating in Medicare programs based on approval by their State licensing body
- None of the above
2. Which of the following statements regarding the use of a PRN order for restraint or seclusion is true?
- PRN use of restraint or seclusion is permitted if part of a medical staff approved protocol
- PRN use of restraint or seclusion is not permitted
- A trial release from restraint is not considered a PRN use of restraint
- Seclusion may be used PRN but not restraint
- Restraint may be used PRN but not seclusion
3. The pharmacy must compound all sterile medications and intravenous admixtures except:
- In labor and delivery units
- In the emergency department
- In emergencies
- When nursing agrees to do so
- When pharmacists are too busy
Continuing your HACP journey? Working toward recertification?
View Recertification Requirements