100+ Free CHC Practice Questions

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Question 1

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Which federal statute prohibits offering, paying, soliciting, or receiving anything of value to induce or reward referrals for services covered by federal healthcare programs?

The Anti-Kickback Statute

EMTALA

The Stark Law

The False Claims Act

to track

2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CHC Exam

120

Exam Questions (100 scored)

HCCA/CCB

2 hours

Exam Time Limit

HCCA/CCB

$350-$450

Exam Fee

HCCA 2026 fee schedule

~79%

First-Time Pass Rate

HCCA/CCB

7 domains

Exam Content Areas

CHC Detailed Content Outline

2 years

Certification Validity

HCCA/CCB renewal policy

The CHC exam has 120 questions (100 scored) with a 2-hour time limit and costs $350-$450. It is administered by CCB/HCCA and tests healthcare compliance knowledge across seven domains. The heaviest domains are Monitoring, Auditing, and Internal Reporting (22%), Investigations and Remedial Measures (20%), and Compliance Program Administration (19%). Candidates need 1 year of compliance experience and 20 CCB CEUs. The certification is valid for 2 years.

Sample CHC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CHC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which of the following is considered the FIRST element of an effective compliance program according to OIG guidance?

A.Conducting internal monitoring and auditing

B.Implementing written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct

C.Responding promptly to detected offenses

D.Enforcing disciplinary guidelines

Explanation: The OIG's seven elements of an effective compliance program begin with the development of written policies, procedures, and standards of conduct. This element establishes the foundation for the entire program by setting clear expectations for organizational behavior and compliance. Without written standards, other program elements like training, monitoring, and enforcement lack a reference point for measuring compliance.

2What is the PRIMARY role of a compliance officer within a healthcare organization?

A.To serve as the organization's legal counsel

B.To oversee the day-to-day operation of the compliance program

C.To conduct all internal audits personally

D.To approve all clinical treatment decisions

Explanation: The compliance officer is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operation of the compliance program, including program development, implementation, and monitoring. While the compliance officer works closely with legal counsel, they are not the organization's attorney. The role includes reporting to senior leadership and the board, coordinating compliance activities, and serving as the point of contact for compliance concerns.

3A compliance committee typically includes representatives from which areas of the organization?

A.Only the compliance department and legal counsel

B.Representatives from key operational areas such as billing, clinical, legal, HR, and compliance

C.Only senior executives and the board of directors

D.Only the compliance officer and external auditors

Explanation: An effective compliance committee includes representatives from key operational areas across the organization, such as billing, clinical operations, legal, human resources, information technology, and compliance. This cross-functional composition ensures that compliance issues are identified from multiple perspectives and that compliance initiatives are effectively communicated and implemented throughout the organization.

4How often should a healthcare organization's compliance program be reviewed and updated?

A.Only when the OIG issues new guidance

B.At least annually, or more frequently as regulations and organizational risks change

C.Every five years during recertification

D.Only after a government investigation

Explanation: Compliance programs should be reviewed and updated at least annually, and more frequently when significant regulatory changes occur, new risk areas are identified, or organizational operations change substantially. A static compliance program cannot keep pace with evolving regulations, enforcement trends, and organizational growth. Regular reviews ensure the program remains effective and aligned with current requirements and best practices.

5Which OIG resource provides industry-specific guidance on developing compliance programs for different healthcare sectors?

A.The Federal Register

B.OIG Compliance Program Guidance documents

C.The Code of Federal Regulations

D.Medicare Claims Processing Manual

Explanation: The OIG has published a series of Compliance Program Guidance (CPG) documents tailored to specific healthcare sectors including hospitals, nursing facilities, clinical laboratories, home health agencies, physician practices, and others. These documents provide industry-specific recommendations for implementing the seven elements of an effective compliance program and identify common risk areas unique to each sector.

6What is the recommended reporting structure for the compliance officer to ensure program independence?

A.The compliance officer should report only to the CFO

B.The compliance officer should have direct access to the governing body (board of directors) and report to senior leadership

C.The compliance officer should report to the billing department manager

D.The compliance officer should report to an external consulting firm

Explanation: To ensure independence and effectiveness, the compliance officer should have direct access to the governing body (board of directors or audit committee) and report to senior leadership, ideally the CEO. This reporting structure protects the compliance function from undue influence and ensures that compliance concerns reach the highest levels of organizational authority. OIG guidance emphasizes that the compliance officer should not be subordinate to the legal counsel, CFO, or other operational leaders.

7Which of the following BEST describes the purpose of a compliance program's code of conduct?

A.To replace all individual department policies

B.To establish the organization's commitment to ethical behavior and compliance expectations for all employees

C.To serve as a legally binding contract between the organization and its employees

D.To list all federal and state healthcare regulations

Explanation: A code of conduct establishes the organization's commitment to ethical behavior and sets forth expectations for all employees, contractors, and agents. It serves as the overarching document that communicates the organization's values, ethical principles, and compliance expectations. While it guides behavior, it is not intended to replace department-specific policies, serve as a legal contract, or comprehensively list all regulations.

8An organization is developing a new compliance program. Which step should be taken FIRST?

A.Hiring external auditors to review billing practices

B.Conducting a baseline risk assessment to identify the organization's key compliance risk areas

C.Implementing a compliance hotline

D.Scheduling compliance training for all employees

Explanation: A baseline risk assessment should be the first step when developing a new compliance program. This assessment identifies the organization's key compliance risk areas, which then informs the development of policies, training content, monitoring priorities, and resource allocation. Without understanding the organization's specific risks, other program elements cannot be effectively tailored. The risk assessment provides the foundation for a risk-based compliance program.

9What is the significance of having the board of directors engaged in compliance program oversight?

A.It is only a suggestion with no practical importance

B.Board engagement demonstrates governance-level commitment and satisfies the compliance program element of high-level oversight

C.The board must personally conduct all compliance investigations

D.Board engagement is only required for publicly traded companies

Explanation: Board engagement in compliance oversight is critical because it demonstrates governance-level commitment to compliance, which is one of the seven elements of an effective program. The board (or designated committee) should receive regular compliance reports, review program effectiveness, and ensure adequate resources are allocated. Board involvement also demonstrates to regulators and enforcement agencies that compliance is a top organizational priority.

10A compliance officer discovers that the organization lacks sufficient resources to effectively monitor all identified risk areas. What is the MOST appropriate response?

A.Ignore lower-priority risk areas entirely

B.Prioritize monitoring activities based on a risk assessment and communicate resource needs to senior leadership and the board

C.Outsource the entire compliance function to a third party

D.Wait until the next budget cycle to address the issue

Explanation: When resources are insufficient, the compliance officer should prioritize monitoring activities based on risk assessment results, focusing on the highest-risk areas first, while communicating the resource gap and its implications to senior leadership and the board. This approach ensures the most critical risks are addressed while building the case for additional resources. Ignoring risks or deferring action creates organizational liability.

About the CHC Exam

The CHC exam validates expertise in healthcare compliance program development, federal and state healthcare laws, auditing and monitoring, investigations, risk assessment, and training. Offered by the Compliance Certification Board under the Health Care Compliance Association, the CHC is the most recognized credential for healthcare compliance professionals. The exam covers seven domains including compliance program administration, fraud and abuse laws, HIPAA, OIG guidance, and remedial measures.

Assessment

120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 20 unscored pretest items)

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

Criterion-referenced (Angoff method)

Exam Fee

$350 (HCCA members) / $450 (non-members) (Compliance Certification Board (CCB) / HCCA)

CHC Exam Content Outline

22%

Monitoring, Auditing, and Internal Reporting

Designing audit work plans, monitoring activities, internal reporting systems, compliance hotlines, data analysis, and evaluating compliance program effectiveness

20%

Investigations and Remedial Measures

Conducting compliance investigations, root cause analysis, corrective action plans, self-disclosure to OIG, voluntary refunds, and remediation strategies

19%

Compliance Program Administration

Seven elements of an effective compliance program, compliance officer role, committee structure, board reporting, resource allocation, and OIG guidance implementation

14%

Laws, Regulations, and Guidance

Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, False Claims Act, HIPAA, EMTALA, Civil Monetary Penalties Law, OIG Advisory Opinions, and state healthcare regulations

11%

Compliance Risk Assessment

Risk identification and prioritization, risk assessment methodologies, compliance risk areas in healthcare, and ongoing risk management and mitigation

Training and Education

Compliance training program development, delivery methods, effectiveness measurement, role-based training, annual compliance education, and new hire orientation

Screening and Registration

OIG LEIE and SAM exclusion screening, due diligence for employees and vendors, credentialing verification, conflict of interest identification, and third-party compliance

How to Pass the CHC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Criterion-referenced (Angoff method)
Assessment: 120 multiple-choice questions (100 scored, 20 unscored pretest items)
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam fee: $350 (HCCA members) / $450 (non-members)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CHC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master the seven elements of an effective compliance program from OIG guidance — they form the foundation for roughly 60% of exam content across multiple domains

2Study the Anti-Kickback Statute safe harbors, Stark Law exceptions, and False Claims Act whistleblower provisions in detail — these are heavily tested in the laws domain

3Practice applying compliance concepts to realistic scenarios rather than memorizing definitions — the exam emphasizes application and analysis questions

4Focus most study time on the three highest-weighted domains: Monitoring/Auditing (22%), Investigations (20%), and Compliance Program Administration (19%)

5Review OIG compliance program guidance documents, Corporate Integrity Agreements, and self-disclosure protocols — these are directly referenced in exam content

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CHC certification?

The Certified in Healthcare Compliance (CHC) is a professional credential offered by the Compliance Certification Board (CCB) under the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA). It validates that a professional has the knowledge and skills to develop and manage effective healthcare compliance programs, navigate federal and state regulations, and mitigate compliance-related risks. The CHC is the most widely recognized certification for healthcare compliance professionals.

How many questions are on the CHC exam and how long do I have?

The CHC exam contains 120 multiple-choice questions with a 2-hour time limit. Only 100 questions are scored toward your pass/fail result. The remaining 20 are unscored pretest items used by CCB to evaluate future exam questions. Pretest items are mixed throughout the exam and are not identified, so you should answer every question to the best of your ability.

What are the eligibility requirements for the CHC exam?

You need at least 1 year of full-time compliance experience or 1,500 hours of direct compliance duties within 2 years of your application date. You must also earn 20 CCB-approved continuing education units (CEUs) within 12 months of the exam date, with at least 10 CEUs from live training events. A student pathway is available for graduates of CCB-accredited university certificate programs within the last 2 years, exempting the work experience requirement.

How much does the CHC exam cost?

The CHC exam application fee is $350 for HCCA or SCCE members and $450 for non-members. A $75 non-refundable application fee is included. If you need to retake the exam, a $75 re-exam application fee applies. Rescheduling fees are $75 if changes are made within the allowed window. HCCA membership provides a $100 discount on the exam fee.

What is the CHC exam pass rate?

The CHC exam has an approximate first-time pass rate of 79%. The passing score is determined using the Angoff method, where subject matter experts estimate how a minimally qualified candidate would perform. If you do not pass on the first attempt, you can retake the exam in the next available cycle. After two failed attempts within 180 days, you must wait 180 days before reapplying.