What is the difference between a Fellow and FACHE?
There is no difference. Fellow or Fellow status is a formal term used to describe an ACHE Member who has earned his or her FACHE credential. FACHE stands for Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
From whom must I get references? What does the structured interview email?
Applicants must submit two (2) references: one of these must be from a Fellow as a structured interview*. The second reference may be from a senior-level executive (VP or higher) in your organization, or it may be from a second Fellow.
*Because we value the opportunity for ACHE Fellows to interact with Members, every Fellow candidate is required to participate in a structured interview with an ACHE Fellow prior to being authorized to sit for the written Exam. This interview can be arranged at the convenience of both parties—face-to-face whenever possible, but via telephone if a face-to-face meeting is not feasible. The interview questions are included on the Fellow reference form that comes with the Fellow application. You should forward the reference form to the Fellow prior to your interview and make a copy for yourself so that you can refer to the questions during the interview. Follow this link for a reference form, follow this link for a structured interview form (PDF).
I am a civilian or in the military and live outside of the United States. Am I eligible to advance to Fellow? If so, how does the process work? If so, how does the process work?
If you are a Member of ACHE (not an International Associate), you are eligible to advance to Fellow. The process works just as if you were living in the United States. The Board of Governors Exam is offered internationally. Visit https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/ache/ to see testing center locations in your area.
How should I study for the Board of Governors Exam?
You should use a variety of sources to study for the Exam, such as Health Administration Press books, textbooks, healthcare journals and other periodicals. (View for a sample reference list.) To find out which areas you should give special attention to, we recommend that you use the Reference Manual (PDF), which provides an overview of the Exam and the topics covered in it; use the provided link to download it. You also may enroll in the Online Tutorial for a fee of $495. Or if you prefer a more intensive study method in a group setting and value access to expert faculty and peer discussion, then you may enroll in the Board of Governors Exam Review Course. For more information on the Online Tutorial or the Board of Governors Exam Review Course, follow the above links.
ACHE recommends that you allow three to six months to study for the Exam, depending on your level of education and work experience. You might also find it helpful to read the study tips contributed by ACHE members who have successfully taken the Board of Governors Exam.
What fees are associated with the Board of Governors Exam?
Applicants pay a $250 application fee at the time of application. In addition, applicants are required to pay a $200 Exam registration fee prior to taking the Exam. Retaking the Exam requires payment of only the Exam registration fee if the Exam is taken before the application expires. Please note, these fees are non-refundable.
Application fee—$250
Exam registration fee—$200
Total fees—$450
My Advancement to Fellow application has been approved, how do I sign up for the Exam?
You should have received a confirmation email and instructions from ACHE. If you did not receive this information, contact ACHE at (312) 424-9400. You should find the link to register online in your My ACHE if you have been approved.
When you are ready to take the Exam (that is, you have studied and feel prepared), fill out the registration form along with your $200 Exam Registration payment. Within one week, ACHE will notify HumRRO/Pearson VUE that you are eligible to take the Exam and also send you a confirmation letter. When you receive the letter, go online rel="noopener noreferrer" to HumRRO/Pearson VUE at https://wsr.pearsonvue.com/ache/ to schedule your Exam. Do not contact HumRRO/Pearson VUE until you have received your confirmation letter from ACHE.
You will also have the option of taking a paper-and-pencil Exam at the Congress on Healthcare Leadership, typically held in March.
Does my Fellow Application expire?
Yes. Your application is valid for two (2) years after it is approved. The two-year time limit begins when your application is approved. Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure that the application is complete and all materials are submitted in a timely manner.
What if I submitted my application more than two years ago and I have not yet passed the Exam and advanced to Fellow?
Your application is considered expired and you must submit a new application along with the $250 application fee to re-start the process.
When will I be notified of my Exam results?
If you take the Exam at a computerized testing center, you will receive your Exam results immediately at the testing center.
If you take the paper-and-pencil Exam at Congress, you will be notified of the results in eight to 10 weeks.
When do I officially advance to Fellow?
If you have met all the requirements and pass the Board of Governors Exam, you are considered a Fellow. You may begin to use FACHE in your signature immediately.