AAHIVS Certification: Overview and FAQ
Did you know that over 1.2 million people in the United States are currently living with HIV? With numbers like that, it’s clear why specialized care is so critical. Earning an HIV Specialist (AAHIVS) certification is an option for physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), and physician assistants (PAs) dedicated to providing top-quality care to those affected by HIV and helping prevent its spread.
If you’re considering becoming a certified HIV professional, you’re in the right place. This article will explain what this certification is, guide you through the steps to earn it, and give you top study tips to help you pass your test.
AAHIVS Certification: Snapshot
- Eligibility: You need a current MD, DO, PA, or NP license, proof of direct HIV care experience for at least 25 patients (or participation in the Academy Mentoring Program), and 45 hours of HIV/HCV continuing education, all completed within the past 36 months.
- Preparation: Study all the topics in the exam content outline, read the candidate handbook, review national HIV guidelines, practice answering sample questions, and consider investing in a textbook.
- Application process: Create an online account, select your exam, complete the application, and submit all required documents. After review, you’ll get instructions on how to schedule your exam.
- Exam: Your test will consist of 125 questions and is open book, unproctored, and untimed.
- Cost: The exam fee ranges from $280 to $450.
- Renewal: You’ll need to renew your certification every 3 years.
What Is AAHIVS?
The AAHIVS is a professional credential designed for healthcare providers who specialize in the care and management of patients with HIV/AIDS. It’s awarded by the American Academy of HIV Medicine (AAHIVM), the nation’s leading organization dedicated to promoting excellence in HIV treatment and prevention.
Want to know what’s on the exam? It covers four key domains, each with a set of practical tasks designed to build solid knowledge and skills in HIV care.
| Content domains | Examples of topics |
|---|---|
| Prevention |
|
| Diagnosis |
|
| Treatment and management |
|
| Professional responsibility and health equity |
|
Curious about where these professionals can work? They can be found in facilities that deal with HIV treatment and prevention:
- HIV clinics
- Infection control centers
- Public health agencies
- Community health centers
- Research institutions
- Palliative care centers
- Substance abuse facilities
- Government agencies
- International organizations
- Nonprofit organizations
AAHIVS Requirements
Wondering how to earn these respected letters behind your name? Let’s take a look at the steps involved in your certification journey:
1. Become a Healthcare Provider
To qualify for this credential, applicants must hold one of the following professional credentials:
- Doctor of medicine (MD)
- Doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO)
- Physician assistant (PA)
- Nurse practitioner (NP)
2. Meet Certification Eligibility Requirements
Next, you must complete at least 45 continuing education or activity hours in HIV and/or HCV-related topics within the past 36 months. Additionally, you’ll need to meet one of the following requirements:
- Provide hands-on care to at least 25 HIV patients in the past 3 years.
- Participate in the Academy Mentoring Program, either currently or within the past 3 years.
3. Prepare for the AAHIVS Exam
Now it’s time to jump into your study materials. Check out these resources to help you prepare for the exam:
- Sample AAHIVS exam questions
- Candidate handbook
- AAHIVS study guide with detailed content outline
- National guidelines for HIV and other relevant topics
- Relevant curricula posted on the AAHIVM website
- Clinical decision support resource
- HIV conference summaries
- HIV textbook
4. Apply for the Exam
Ready to test? Start by checking the yearly deadlines on the AAHIVM website and selecting your testing window. Next, create an AAHIVM account and submit the online application, ensuring all fields are complete and documents uploaded. Applications are reviewed within two weeks, after which you’ll receive an email outlining your next steps in the process.
5. Pay the Exam Fee
As a part of your application, you’ll be required to pay the exam fee. Here’s how the fees are structured:
- Academy member online format: $280
- Academy member paper format: $380
- Nonmember online format: $350
- Nonmember paper format: $450
6. Pass the Exam
Curious about what the exam will be like? Here’s a quick overview of what to expect when it’s your turn:
- There’s no time limit for the exam.
- You’ll answer 125 questions (100 scored and 25 unscored).
- The exam will be an open book and unproctored.
- You’ll see a pass/fail result, with no numeric score.
- You’ll receive official results about 6 weeks after the close of your testing window.
7. Maintain the Certification
After you’re certified, your credential stays valid for three years. To renew, you’ll follow a similar process to the one used for initial certification:
- Hold an active license.
- Continue practicing in HIV care.
- Complete 45 hours of HIV- or HCV-related continuing education in the past 3 years.
- Submit a renewal application and registration fee.
- Pass the credentialing exam.
What Is AAHIVS Salary?
A typical salary for healthcare providers specializing in HIV care will vary based on their role, education, years of experience, and specific work setting. Here are some examples of average annual salaries for providers in the U.S.:
- Medical doctor salary: $239,200
- Physician assistant salary: $130,020
- Nurse practitioner salary: $128,490
Additionally, geographic location plays a big role in determining your salary too. For example, NPs earn the most in the following top-paying states:
FAQs: AAHIVS Certification
How do I verify my credentials?
Once credentialed, practitioners are listed in the AAHIVM website’s credential verification directory. This directory will show your certification details, including your name, credential title, and expiration date. If an official verification is needed, it can be requested via email.
How hard is the exam?
People have different opinions on how tough the test is, but it really comes down to how well you prepare. The exam has a 74% pass rate, so most candidates who put in the effort succeed.
What do I do if I fail the exam?
As the exam date gets closer, you might be wondering what will happen if you don’t pass. Don’t worry — you can retake it. The AAHIVM offers one free retake if another testing period is available within the same year. Overall, you can retake the exam as many times as needed, with no limit on retests.
What are other certifications offered by AAHIVM?
The AAHIVM offers several certifications for healthcare professionals working in HIV care. Here are additional certifications they provide:
- HIV Expert (AAHIVE): Designed for healthcare providers working in non-clinical environments.
- HIV Pharmacist (AAHIVP): Designed for pharmacists working in HIV care settings.
Related Certifications
Interested in expanding your certification portfolio? Consider these useful credentials:
- Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner – Board Certified (AGACNP-BC)
- Board Certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner (WHNP-BC)
- Certified Pediatric Nurse Practitioner – Primary Care (CPNP-PC)
- Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner (CRNP)
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
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