Electronic health records have become a routine part of modern healthcare. Hospitals, medical practices, billing companies, and other healthcare organizations rely on digital systems to document patient visits, manage records, coordinate care, and support insurance claims. As a result, people exploring healthcare administration and medical records careers often encounter two options: EHR training and CEHRS certification.
Although these options are related, they serve different purposes. EHR training helps you develop practical knowledge of electronic health record systems and their workflows. CEHRS certification, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), is a professional credential for individuals who demonstrate knowledge relevant to electronic health records.
So, which should you choose?
The answer depends on your career goals, existing experience, target employer, and the requirements of the position you want. If you need to learn how to use an EHR system, training may be the right starting point. If you want to demonstrate broader knowledge of electronic health records through a professional certification exam, CEHRS certification may be worth considering.
This guide explains the differences, typical learning requirements, career applications, costs to investigate, and steps you can take to choose the right option.
What Is EHR Training?
EHR training teaches learners how to work with electronic health record systems. These systems allow authorized healthcare professionals and administrative staff to create, update, retrieve, and manage digital patient records.
Depending on the program, EHR training may focus on a specific software platform, general EHR workflows, or the administrative and documentation tasks performed in healthcare settings.
For example, a medical office employee may need to learn how to locate a patient record, update demographic information, schedule appointments, document an encounter, or route information to the appropriate team member. EHR training can help learners understand these tasks and practice completing them correctly.
What Does EHR Training Usually Cover?
The curriculum varies by provider, but a practical program may cover the following areas:
- Patient registration: Entering and updating patient demographics, contact information, and insurance details.
- Medical documentation: Understanding how patient histories, encounter notes, medications, allergies, and clinical information are recorded.
- Appointment workflows: Scheduling visits, managing appointments, and updating patient information.
- Records management: Searching for, retrieving, organizing, and maintaining electronic records.
- Privacy and confidentiality: Understanding authorized access, secure information handling, and the importance of protecting patient data.
- Workflow coordination: Learning how information moves between front-desk staff, clinical teams, billing departments, and other authorized users.
- Basic data accuracy: Recognizing incomplete, inconsistent, or incorrectly entered information that may need clarification.
Not every course includes all these subjects. Some programs provide a broad introduction, while others offer hands-on exercises using a particular EHR platform.
Who Should Consider EHR Training?
EHR training may be useful for:
- People preparing for entry-level healthcare administrative positions.
- Medical administrative assistants who need to improve their software skills.
- Healthcare employees moving from paper-based records to digital workflows.
- Front-desk staff responsible for registration and appointment management.
- Medical billing professionals who want to understand how clinical information enters the billing process.
- Existing employees learning a new EHR platform after a workplace software change.
If you are new to healthcare administration, structured EHR training can help you build a foundation before applying for roles that require electronic records knowledge.
However, completing a course does not automatically qualify you for every EHR-related position. Employers may also require healthcare experience, medical terminology, coding knowledge, formal education, or familiarity with their particular software.
What Is CEHRS Certification?
CEHRS stands for Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist. It is a professional certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
The credential is intended for individuals pursuing work involving electronic health records. Rather than simply completing a course about a software platform, candidates must meet the applicable eligibility requirements and pass the relevant certification examination.
The NHA provides CEHRS learning and exam-preparation resources, including study guides and practice tests. It also directs candidates to its official handbook and eligibility tools for current exam requirements.
What Does CEHRS Certification Demonstrate?
CEHRS certification can help demonstrate that a candidate has studied knowledge relevant to electronic health records and has passed a professional assessment.
Depending on the role, relevant knowledge may include:
- Electronic health records and their use in healthcare settings.
- Accurate handling and maintenance of patient information.
- Healthcare documentation and records workflows.
- Confidentiality and responsible access to patient information.
- Administrative processes connected to electronic records.
- The relationship between clinical documentation and other healthcare operations.
Candidates should review the current NHA CEHRS exam outline to confirm the exact subject areas covered. Exam specifications can change, so older study materials may not reflect the latest requirements.
Who Should Consider CEHRS Certification?
CEHRS certification may be worth considering if you:
- Want to pursue an electronic health records specialist role.
- Are preparing for healthcare records or medical office administration work.
- Already have some EHR knowledge and want a professional credential.
- Want to demonstrate your knowledge to employers who recognize the certification.
- Are planning a career in health information management or a related administrative field.
The certification is not a substitute for every qualification an employer might require. It also does not authorize someone to perform clinical duties that require a separate professional license.
EHR Training vs. CEHRS Certification: Key Differences
The biggest difference is that EHR training is a learning process, while CEHRS certification is a formal professional credential.
| Comparison factor | EHR training | CEHRS certification |
|---|---|---|
| Main purpose | Develop practical EHR knowledge and skills | Demonstrate knowledge through a professional certification |
| Format | Course, workshop, employer training, or software-specific instruction | Certification process involving eligibility and an exam |
| Focus | May emphasize particular software or workplace workflows | Covers knowledge assessed under the current CEHRS exam plan |
| Assessment | Depends on the training provider | Requires passing the applicable certification exam |
| Credential earned | May provide a course-completion certificate | Successful candidates earn the CEHRS credential |
| Best suited for | Beginners and employees learning EHR workflows | Candidates seeking a recognized EHR-related certification |
| Employer relevance | Useful when training matches the employer’s software and tasks | Useful when employers value or request the CEHRS credential |
| Time commitment | Depends on course depth and practice requirements | Depends on preparation needs, eligibility, scheduling, and exam completion |
| Cost | Varies by course and provider | Includes applicable examination costs and any optional preparation materials |
| Career impact | Builds foundational or platform-specific skills | Can strengthen a candidate’s professional profile but does not guarantee employment |
Important: Neither option is automatically better for every learner. The best choice is the one that addresses the requirements of your intended role.
Which Option Is Better for Beginners?
For many beginners, EHR training is a sensible starting point because it introduces the terminology, processes, and practical tasks involved in electronic records.
Someone with no healthcare administration experience may find it helpful to learn basic concepts before preparing for a professional examination. Training can also help learners determine whether they enjoy records management, documentation, and administrative work.
For example, a beginner interested in medical office administration might first learn how patient registration, appointment scheduling, and digital documentation work. They can then review local job postings to determine whether employers commonly request CEHRS certification.
However, beginners should not assume that training must always come first. Some learners may qualify for the CEHRS exam based on their background and may prefer to prepare directly for certification. Others may enroll in a structured program that combines instruction with exam preparation.
The right sequence depends on your current knowledge, eligibility, budget, and target employers.
A Practical Starting Plan for New Learners
If you are starting from scratch, consider these steps:
- Explore the job market. Review entry-level medical records, health records, and medical administrative job descriptions in your area.
- Identify skill gaps. Look for repeated requirements such as EHR software, medical terminology, patient registration, and confidentiality.
- Choose relevant training. Select a course that teaches practical skills related to those requirements.
- Build experience. Use supervised practice, training simulations, or appropriate workplace opportunities to strengthen your understanding.
- Review CEHRS eligibility. Check the NHA’s official requirements before paying for an exam or preparation package.
- Decide whether certification adds value. Compare the credential with the requirements and preferences listed by employers.
This approach keeps your learning connected to real employment opportunities rather than relying on a credential alone.
Do You Need EHR Training Before Taking the CEHRS Exam?
Not necessarily. The important consideration is whether you meet the current exam eligibility requirements and are prepared for the assessment.
The NHA provides an official eligibility checker and candidate handbook. Its guidance includes program-specific questions about electronic health records training, relevant work experience, education, and other potential eligibility pathways. Candidates should use the current official requirements rather than relying on informal summaries.
Before registering, verify:
- Whether you meet the current education requirements.
- Whether a qualifying training program or relevant work experience applies to your situation.
- Whether you need supporting documentation.
- Which exam version and test plan are current.
- What the exam fee and available testing arrangements are.
- Whether your chosen preparation materials match the current exam outline.
If you are unsure about your eligibility, contact the certification provider directly. Avoid purchasing a course simply because an advertisement suggests that it guarantees eligibility or a passing score.
The NHA also states that purchasing its preparation materials is not required to sit for an NCCA-accredited certification exam and does not guarantee a passing result.
How Much Do EHR Training and CEHRS Certification Cost?
There is no single price for EHR training because programs differ in length, format, instructor support, and the software or subjects they cover. CEHRS certification costs can also vary according to the applicable exam fee and any optional preparation resources you choose.
Rather than comparing prices alone, consider the total cost of reaching your goal.
Costs to Check Before Enrolling
For EHR training, investigate:
- Tuition or course registration fees.
- Whether the course includes practical exercises or software simulations.
- Access to course materials after completion.
- Instructor support and assessment fees.
- Whether the program awards a completion certificate.
- Whether the course is relevant to the employers or software platforms you are targeting.
For CEHRS certification, investigate:
- The current examination fee.
- Optional study guides and practice tests.
- Any training program fees you choose to pay.
- Retake policies and possible additional examination costs.
- Renewal or continuing requirements, if applicable.
- Any costs associated with travel or testing arrangements.
Use the official provider’s current pricing rather than relying on outdated blog posts or third-party advertisements.
Is a More Expensive Course Always Better?
No. A higher price does not automatically mean better instruction or stronger employment outcomes.
A less expensive course may be appropriate if it provides clear explanations, useful practice, and the skills you need. A more comprehensive program may be worthwhile if it includes structured instruction, feedback, realistic exercises, and exam preparation.
Before enrolling, ask what you will be able to do at the end of the program. A course that promises practical skills relevant to your target role may offer more value than one that emphasizes a certificate without explaining its curriculum.
What Jobs Can You Pursue With EHR Skills or CEHRS Certification?
EHR knowledge can be relevant to a range of healthcare administrative and records-related positions. However, job titles and requirements vary between employers, and neither training nor certification guarantees a job.
Potential roles include the following.
Electronic Health Records Specialist
EHR specialists may help maintain digital records, check data for completeness, retrieve information, and support established documentation workflows. Specific responsibilities depend on the employer and the level of the position.
CEHRS certification may be relevant to candidates targeting this type of role, particularly where the employer recognizes the credential.
Medical Records Clerk
Medical records clerks may organize, retrieve, update, and maintain patient files. Their duties can include scanning documents, checking records, processing requests, and following confidentiality procedures.
Employers may look for administrative experience, computer skills, knowledge of medical terminology, and familiarity with recordkeeping systems.
Medical Administrative Assistant
Medical administrative assistants may handle patient registration, appointment scheduling, communication, billing-related administrative tasks, and record updates.
EHR training can be useful because digital records often form part of everyday office workflows. Additional skills may be necessary depending on the position.
Medical Billing Assistant
Medical billing assistants work with information used to prepare and process healthcare claims. Depending on the role, they may review patient demographics, insurance details, service documentation, and claim information.
Understanding EHR workflows can help billing staff recognize where information originates and why complete, accurate documentation matters. However, EHR knowledge is not the same as medical billing or coding expertise.
If your goal is to work primarily with insurance claims, consider whether you also need training in billing processes, coding systems, claim submission, payment posting, or denial management.
Health Information Technician
Health information technicians work with health data, record accuracy, information systems, and the organization or protection of patient information. Some positions require formal postsecondary education or additional qualifications beyond EHR training or CEHRS certification.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics explains that medical records specialists and health information professionals handle electronic records, protect confidential information, and support the accurate processing of health data. It also notes that education and certification expectations vary by occupation and employer.
Before investing in training, compare several job descriptions for the specific role you want. This will help you distinguish essential requirements from preferred qualifications.
How to Choose the Right EHR Training Program
Not all EHR training programs offer the same depth or practical value. A useful course should prepare you for the tasks you are likely to encounter in your intended workplace.
1. Check the Curriculum
Review the course outline before enrolling. Look for topics relevant to your goals, such as patient registration, records maintenance, documentation workflows, privacy, and data accuracy.
If you are targeting a particular EHR platform, check whether the program teaches that system or offers transferable principles that can help you learn it.
2. Look for Practical Exercises
EHR work involves more than memorizing definitions. Learners benefit from understanding how information is entered, checked, retrieved, and handled during common administrative tasks.
Where possible, choose training that includes realistic scenarios, demonstrations, guided practice, or simulations. Practice should use appropriate training data rather than unauthorized access to real patient records.
3. Understand What the Certificate Means
Some training providers award a certificate of completion. This generally shows that you completed the provider’s course, but it is not automatically equivalent to a professional certification.
Ask the provider what the credential represents, how learners are assessed, and whether employers in your target market recognize it.
4. Verify the Provider
Check the provider’s identity, course description, instructor qualifications, learner support, and refund terms. Be cautious of claims that a short course guarantees employment or makes you qualified for every healthcare records position.
5. Compare Training With Job Requirements
Review job advertisements for the positions you want. If they consistently request a particular software platform, practical experience, or medical terminology, prioritize those needs.
If CEHRS certification appears frequently in relevant postings, investigate the credential as a potential next step.
How to Prepare for CEHRS Certification
If you decide that CEHRS certification aligns with your career goals, build your preparation around the current official exam plan.
Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility
Start with the NHA’s official eligibility checker and candidate handbook. Confirm the applicable requirements before paying for an exam or a preparation package.
Step 2: Review the Current Exam Outline
Use the latest test plan to understand the knowledge areas assessed. This helps you avoid spending too much time on subjects that are not relevant to the current examination.
Step 3: Identify Your Weak Areas
Assess your knowledge of electronic records, documentation, privacy, and related administrative workflows. If you are new to healthcare, you may need to spend additional time on medical terminology and basic healthcare processes.
Step 4: Follow a Study Schedule
Break the material into manageable sections. A schedule might include reading, reviewing key concepts, completing practice questions, and revisiting topics you find difficult.
For example, you could reserve several study sessions each week and use a practice test to identify gaps. Adjust the schedule according to your existing knowledge and the exam date.
Step 5: Use Practice Materials Carefully
Study guides and practice tests can help you become familiar with the format and identify subjects that need more attention. Ensure that your resources match the current exam plan.
Remember that practice scores do not guarantee a passing result. Use them as a way to measure progress rather than as a substitute for understanding the material.
Step 6: Prepare for Exam Day
Review your registration details, testing instructions, identification requirements, and any rules that apply to your chosen testing method. The NHA provides information about exam scheduling and available testing arrangements through its official certification resources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Between EHR Training and CEHRS Certification
Choosing the wrong program can waste time and money. These common mistakes are worth avoiding.
Assuming all certificates are equivalent: A course-completion certificate and a professional certification serve different purposes. Confirm exactly what each credential represents.
Choosing based only on price: A low-cost program may not provide enough practical instruction, while an expensive program may include features you do not need. Compare curriculum, support, assessment, and relevance.
Ignoring employer requirements: A credential has limited value if your target employers prioritize different skills or qualifications. Research job postings before enrolling.
Overlooking privacy and confidentiality: Working with health records requires careful handling of sensitive information. Treat confidentiality and authorized access as core professional responsibilities.
Expecting certification to guarantee employment: Certification may strengthen your application, but hiring decisions can also depend on experience, education, communication, location, and the needs of the employer.
Using outdated exam information: Eligibility criteria, examination details, and preparation resources can change. Verify current information with the certification provider before making a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EHR training the same as CEHRS certification?
No. EHR training is instruction designed to build electronic health records knowledge and skills. CEHRS certification is a professional credential earned by meeting the applicable requirements and passing the certification examination.
Is CEHRS certification worth it?
It may be worthwhile if you want to pursue EHR-related work and employers in your target market recognize or prefer the credential. Compare job requirements, examination costs, and your current qualifications before deciding.
Can I get a job after completing EHR training?
EHR training may help prepare you for entry-level administrative or records-related responsibilities, but employment depends on the role and employer. Some positions also require healthcare experience, formal education, medical terminology, or additional technical skills.
Do I need a college degree for CEHRS certification?
Do not assume that every candidate needs a college degree or that everyone is automatically eligible. Check the current NHA candidate handbook and eligibility tool for the requirements that apply to the CEHRS exam.
How long does EHR training take?
The duration depends on the provider, curriculum, learning format, and your prior experience. A short introductory course may cover basic workflows, while a more comprehensive program may require substantially more study and practice.
Can EHR training help with medical billing?
Yes. EHR training can help billing staff understand where patient demographics and clinical documentation originate. However, billing professionals may also need separate knowledge of insurance claims, coding, payer requirements, and reimbursement workflows.
Does CEHRS certification guarantee a higher salary?
No. A certification does not guarantee a particular salary or promotion. Compensation depends on factors such as the job title, employer, location, experience, and the responsibilities of the position.
Where can I verify CEHRS requirements?
Use the National Healthcareer Association’s official CEHRS certification information, current exam eligibility checker, and candidate handbook. These are the appropriate sources for current requirements and examination guidance.
Final Verdict: Should You Choose EHR Training or CEHRS Certification?
The choice between EHR training and CEHRS certification depends on what you need to accomplish.
Choose EHR training if your priority is learning electronic health record workflows, developing practical software skills, or preparing for administrative responsibilities. It can be a useful starting point for beginners and a way for experienced employees to improve their skills.
Choose CEHRS certification if you want to demonstrate relevant EHR knowledge through a professional credential and have confirmed that you meet the current exam requirements. It may strengthen your professional profile when the certification is relevant to your target roles.
For some learners, the strongest approach is to combine both: build practical knowledge through training, then pursue certification if it aligns with employer expectations and career goals.
Before committing to either option, review job advertisements, compare program content, check current certification requirements, and calculate the full cost. The goal is not simply to collect a certificate. It is to build the knowledge, skills, and qualifications that match the healthcare role you want to pursue.
