CHSOS - Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist

The Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations Specialist (CHSOS) certification is a professional credential for individuals specializing in the technical aspects of running healthcare simulations. Administered by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare (SSH), this certification recognizes expertise in the operational management of simulation activities, technology and resources within healthcare simulation programs.

Eligibility

To apply for certification, an applicant must:

• Work in healthcare simulation as an operations specialist

• Show expertise in simulation with various learners, including undergraduates, graduates, and healthcare professionals

• Hold a bachelor’s degree or a mix of education and experience

• Have 2 years of experience in healthcare simulation operations

Completion Time: 2 Hours

Cost:

First-time applicants (includes first exam attempt):

• $395 members of SSH and other supporting organizations

• $495 all others

Reexamination Fee:

• $175 members of SSH and other supporting organizations

• $275 all other

Exam Format

Candidates have 2 hours to complete the CHSOS exam unless they’ve been approved for an extension. The CHSOS exam exam includes 115 multiple-choice questions, in the following categories:

• Concepts in Healthcare as Applied to Simulation (14%)

• Simulation Technology Operations (33%)

• Healthcare Simulation Practices/Principles/Procedures (27%)

• Professional Role: Behavior and Capabilities (11%)

• Concepts in Instructional Design as Applied to Simulation (15%)

Candidates typically receive exam results upon completion of the exam, either on the computer screen or by printed results sheet, depending on the testing site. Scoring is done using a scaled score with a score of 700 required to pass.

Candidates who are unsuccessful may retake the CHSOS exam once every 90, with no more than 4 attempts in any calendar year. Each attempt requires the candidate to pay a reexamination fee.

Application Process

• Log in to SSH website (profile required/membership not required)

• Access Candidate Management System

• Verify demographics

• Complete all tabs

• Include fee payment details

• Submit application

• Wait for review and approval

• Schedule exam

The CHSOS certification must be renewed every 3 years. The two avenues of recertification are:

• Recertification by retaking and passing the CHSOS exam within the year prior to the expiration date

• Renewal by completing Continued Professional Development (CPD) before expiration of certification

Renewal Fees

Renewal by Exam:

• $395 members of SSH and supporting organizations

• $495 all others

Renewal by CPD:

• $350 members of SSH and supporting organizations

• $450 all others

Candidates may obtain 45 CPD credits over the 3-year recertification cycle to complete renewal requirements. All CPD must directly relate to the areas covered in the current exam content outline. At least 1 unit must be completed in each area.

• CHSOS Examination Description

• CHSOS Examination Blueprint (2018)

• CHSOS Examination Handbook

• CHSOS Recommended Resources

• Exam Prep

• CHSOS Renewal Handbook

The SSH also offers the following:

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE)

• Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator-Advanced (CHSE-A)