Free CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner Exam Questions and Answers
Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner is one of the AHIMA tests covered here. AHIMA's credentials are earned independently rather than in sequence, and their entry rules differ more sharply than at almost any other body: RHIA and RHIT require a degree from a CAHIIM-accredited health-information programme, while CCS and CCS-P require no degree at all — coding coursework plus a year of experience, or two years of experience on its own, is enough. The exams are consistent where the eligibility is not: computer-based through Pearson VUE, a mix of scored and unscored pretest items, marked against a 300-point threshold, and recertified every two years with continuing-education units.
Looking for CDIP exam dumps or ExamTopics CDIP questions? These CDIP practice questions cover the same ground with verified answers and explanations, a downloadable CDIP PDF and a full CDIP practice test, kept current as AHIMA updates the exam.
Last updated: October 21, 2026
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Question #1
When writing a compliant query, best practice is to
Correct answer: B
Explanation
One of the best practices for writing a compliant query is to include all relevant clinical indicators from the health record that support the need for clarification and the query options. Clinical indicators are objective and measurable signs, symptoms, laboratory results, diagnostic test results, medications, treatments, and other documented findings that are related to a specific diagnosis or condition. Including clinical indicators helps to provide the rationale for the query, avoid leading or suggesting a desired response, and ensure that the query is based on evidence and not assumptions. The other options are not best practices for writing a compliant query. Directing the physician to a specific diagnosis is leading and noncompliant. Using the term "possible" to describe a condition or diagnosis when uncertain if the diagnosis is present is vague and imprecise. Using a yes/no query format for specificity of a diagnosis is discouraged, as it limits the provider's choices and may not capture the true clinical picture.
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Question #2
Tracking denials within the clinical documentation integrity program is important to
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Tracking denials within the clinical documentation integrity program is important to identify documentation improvement opportunities and educate as necessary because it helps to analyze the root causes of denials, improve the quality and specificity of clinical documentation, and reduce the risk of future denials. Denials can also provide feedback on the effectiveness of the CDI program and the areas that need more attention or intervention. (CDIP Exam Preparation Guide) References: • CDIP Exam Content Outline1 • CDIP Exam Preparation Guide2
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Question #3
Which of the following can be evidence of physician-hospital alignment?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
A high physician agreement rate can be evidence of physician-hospital alignment because it indicates that the physicians are supportive of the clinical documentation integrity (CDI) program and its goals, and that they are willing to provide accurate and complete documentation in response to CDI queries. A high physician agreement rate also reflects a positive relationship and communication between the CDI team and the physicians, as well as a mutual understanding of the benefits of CDI for patient care, quality reporting, and reimbursement. (CDIP Exam Preparation Guide) References: • CDIP Exam Content Outline1 • CDIP Exam Preparation Guide2
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Question #4
A resident returns to the long-term care facility following hospital care for pneumonia. The physician's orders and progress note state "Continue IV antibiotics for pneumonia - 3 more days, after which time the resident is to have a repeat x-ray to determine status of the pneumonia". Is it appropriate to code the pneumonia in this scenario?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The pneumonia is still under active treatment (IV antibiotics, repeat x-ray pending), so J18.9 is reported until it resolves. Z79.2 applies to long-term prophylactic or maintenance antibiotic use, not a short course treating a current infection.
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Question #5
Which of the following is the definition of an Excludes 2 note in ICD-10-CM?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
An Excludes 2 note in ICD-10-CM indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes 2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together to completely describe the condition. For example, under code R05 Cough, there is an Excludes 2 note for whooping cough (A37.-). This means that a patient can have both a cough and whooping cough at the same time, and both codes can be used together to capture the full clinical picture. References: • CDIP® Exam Content Outline (https://www.ahima.org/media/1z0x0x1a/cdip-exam- content-outline.pdf) • ICD-10-CM Features | Diagnosis Coding: Using the ICD-10-CM1
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Question #6
A patient has a history of asthma and presents with complaints of fever, cough, general body aches, and lethargy. The patient's child was recently diagnosed with influenza. Wheezing is heard on exam. The physician documents the diagnosis as asthma exacerbation and orders nebulizer treatments of Albuterol and a 5-day course of oral Prednisone. The clinical documentation integrity practitioner (CDIP) is unsure which signs and symptoms are inherent to asthma. Which reference resource should be used to obtain this information?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The reference resource that should be used to obtain information about the signs and symptoms that are inherent to asthma is The Merck Manual. This is a comprehensive medical reference that covers various topics related to diseases, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Merck Manual provides a detailed description of asthma, including its causes, risk factors, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management, and complications. According to The Merck Manual, the signs and symptoms that are inherent to asthma are wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and dyspnea (shortness of breath) 2. These symptoms are caused by the reversible bronchoconstriction and inflammation of the airways that characterize asthma. The Merck Manual also explains how these symptoms can be triggered or exacerbated by various factors, such as allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, stress, or medications 2. References: 1: AHIMA CDIP Exam Prep, Fourth Edition, p. 133 3 2: Asthma - Pulmonary Disorders - Merck Manuals Professional Edition 4
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Question #7
A 50-year-old with a history of stage II lung cancer is brought to the emergency department with severe dyspnea. The patient underwent the last round of chemotherapy 3 days ago. Vital signs reveal a temperature of 98.4, a heart rate of 98, a respiratory rate of 28, and a blood pressure of 124/82. O2 saturation on room air is 92%. The patient is 5'5"and weighs 98 lbs. The registered dietitian notes the patient is malnourished with BMI of 19. Chest x-ray reveals a large pleural effusion in the right lung. Thoracentesis is performed and 1000 cc serosanguinous fluid is removed. The admitting diagnosis is large right lung pleural effusion related to lung cancer stage II, documented multiple times. What post discharge query opportunity should be sent to the physician that will affect severity of illness (SOI)/risk of mortality (ROM)?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
According to the AHIMA CDIP Exam Preparation Guide, a query is a communication tool or process used to clarify documentation in the health record for documentation integrity and accurate code assignment1. A query should be clear, concise, and consistent, and should include relevant clinical indicators that support the query1. A query should also provide multiple choice answer options that are supported by clinical indicators and include a non- leading query statement2. In this case, the patient has a large right lung pleural effusion related to lung cancer stage II, which is documented multiple times. However, the documentation does not specify whether the pleural effusion is malignant or not. A malignant pleural effusion is a condition where cancer cells spread to the pleural space and cause fluid accumulation3. A malignant pleural effusion is a major complication or comorbidity (MCC) that affects the severity of illness (SOI) and risk of mortality (ROM) of the patient, as well as the reimbursement and quality scores of the hospital4. Therefore, a post discharge query opportunity should be sent to the physician to clarify whether the pleural effusion is malignant or not, based on the clinical indicators such as chest x-ray, thoracentesis, and fluid analysis. The query should provide answer options such as malignant pleural effusion, non-malignant pleural effusion, unable to determine, or other. The other options are not correct because they either do not affect the SOI/ROM of the patient (A and C), or they do not address the specificity of the diagnosis (D). References: • CDIP Exam Preparation Guide - AHIMA • Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice (2019 Update) - AHIMA • Malignant Pleural Effusion: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment • Q&A: Coding for malignant pleural effusions | ACDIS
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Question #8
Collaboration between the physician advisor/champion and the clinical documentation integrity practitioners (CDIPs) would likely include
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Collaboration between the physician advisor/champion and the clinical documentation integrity practitioners (CDIPs) would likely include educating physicians on the importance and impact of clinical documentation on coding, reimbursement, quality measures, compliance, and patient care. The physician advisor/champion can act as a liaison between the CDIPs and the medical staff, provide feedback and guidance on query development and resolution, and facilitate peer-to-peer education sessions on documentation best practices and standards6 References: 1: https://www.ahima.org/media/owmhxbv1/cdip_contentoutline_2023_final.pdf 6: https://my.ahima.org/store/product?id=67077
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Question #9
Which factors are important to include when refocusing the primary vision of a clinical documentation integrity (CDI) program?
Correct answer: B
Explanation
A CDI program's vision should reflect its purpose, values, and goals, and align with the organization's overall vision and mission. Value and mission statements help define the CDI program's role, scope, and objectives, and communicate them to stakeholders. Reporting and the use of technology are important tools for a CDI program, but they are not part of its vision. Benchmarks and case mix index are performance indicators that measure the CDI program's outcomes, but they do not reflect its vision. Diagnostic related groups and revenue cycle are aspects of reimbursement that may be affected by the CDI program, but they are not the primary focus of its vision.
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Question #10
A clinical documentation integrity practitioner (CDIP) is looking for clarity on whether a diagnosis has been "ruled in" or "ruled out". Which type of query is the best option?
Correct answer: C
Explanation
An open-ended query is a type of query that allows the provider to respond with free text, rather than choosing from a list of options or answering yes or no. An open-ended query is appropriate when the CDIP is looking for clarity on whether a diagnosis has been "ruled in" or "ruled out", because it allows the provider to document the final diagnosis or impression based on the clinical evidence and reasoning. An open-ended query also avoids leading or suggesting a specific diagnosis to the provider, which could compromise the integrity and validity of the documentation. (Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice (2019 Update) - AHIMA1) References: • Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice (2019 Update) - AHIMA1
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Discussion
Explain your reasoning, not just the letterOther AHIMA certifications
- CCA — Certified Coding Associate (opens in a new tab)
- RHIA: Registered Health Information Administrator (opens in a new tab)
- CCS — Certified Coding Specialist (opens in a new tab)
- CHPS — Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (opens in a new tab)
- CHDA — Certified Health Data Analyst (opens in a new tab)
- RHIT — Registered Health Information Technician (opens in a new tab)
- CCS-P — Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (opens in a new tab)
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FAQ
Learn More: https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/
- Q1: How much does the CDIP exam cost?
- A: As of October 2026, AHIMA charges 259 USD for members and 329 USD for non-members. A retake costs the same as the original exam fee.
- Q2: How many questions are on the CDIP exam and how long do I have?
- A: The real exam has 140 multiple-choice questions, of which 106 are scored and 34 are unscored pretest items. You have three hours to complete it.
- Q3: What score do I need to pass the CDIP exam?
- A: The passing score for the CDIP exam is 300 on AHIMA's scaled score.
- Q4: What are the eligibility requirements for the CDIP exam?
- A: As of October 2026, you must hold an associate's degree or higher, or have completed a CAHIIM-approved HIM certificate program, or hold a current CCS, CCS-P, RHIT or RHIA credential. AHIMA recommends, but does not require, at least two years of clinical documentation integrity experience and coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathology and pharmacology.
- Q5: What domains does the CDIP exam cover and how are they weighted?
- A: The content outline in effect since June 1, 2023 has five domains: Clinical Coding Practice at 15 to 18 percent, Education and Leadership Development at 21 to 26 percent, Record Review and Document Clarification at 27 to 33 percent, CDI Metrics and Statistics at 8 to 11 percent, and Compliance at 18 to 23 percent.
- Q6: Where can I take the CDIP exam?
- A: The exam is computer-based and delivered at Pearson VUE testing centers or through OnVUE remote proctoring, which lets eligible candidates test from home.
- Q7: What is the retake policy if I fail the CDIP exam?
- A: You must wait 90 days before your retake application can be approved and scheduled, and you need to submit a new application and pay the full exam fee again.
- Q8: How long is the CDIP credential valid and how do I renew it?
- A: The CDIP credential runs on a two-year recertification cycle. To keep it, you complete the required continuing education units and pay the recertification fee.
- Q9: What is the CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner exam?
- A: CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner is a AHIMA certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on patient, cdip, clinical, physician and documentation.
- Q10: What topics does the CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner exam cover?
- A: Questions in our CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner bank cluster around patient, cdip, clinical, physician, documentation, admitted, pneumonia and practitioner. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.
- Q11: How should I prepare for CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner?
- A: Work through the CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.
- Q12: Are these real CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner exam questions?
- A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner. Answers are verified and updated weekly.
- Q13: Where do I register for the CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner exam?
- A: Register through AHIMA directly at https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certification-exams/cdip/. Exampractice is not affiliated with AHIMA and does not administer the exam.
- Q14: Is there a free CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner sample?
- A: Yes. Every CDIP: Certified Documentation Integrity Practitioner page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.
- Q15: What are AHIMA Certification Exams?
- A: AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) Certification Exams validate your expertise in health information management (HIM), coding, data analytics, privacy, and compliance, demonstrating your skills in maintaining and protecting health information.
- Q16: Why should I pursue AHIMA Certification?
- A: AHIMA Certification enhances your professional credibility, showcasing your knowledge in HIM and related fields. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement in the healthcare industry.
- Q17: What are the benefits of AHIMA Certification?
- A: Benefits include recognition as a certified HIM professional, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and the ability to stay current with the latest healthcare information management practices and regulations.
- Q18: Who should take AHIMA Certification Exams?
- A: Health information managers, medical coders, data analysts, compliance officers, and anyone involved in managing health information should consider these certifications to validate their expertise and advance their careers.
- Q19: What types of AHIMA Certification Exams are available?
- A: AHIMA offers various certification paths, including Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA), each tailored to specific roles and expertise levels in HIM.
- Q20: How do I prepare for AHIMA Certification Exams?
- A: Preparation can include official AHIMA training programs, study guides, practice exams, webinars, and hands-on experience in health information management and medical coding.
- Q21: Where can I take AHIMA Certification Exams?
- A: AHIMA Certification Exams can be taken at authorized testing centers across the country or online, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.
- Q22: How do AHIMA Certifications impact my career?
- A: AHIMA Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in the healthcare industry.
- Q23: Are there any prerequisites for AHIMA Certification Exams?
- A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as foundational knowledge or prior certifications. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the AHIMA website.
- Q24: How often do I need to recertify for AHIMA Certifications?
- A: AHIMA Certifications typically require continuing education and recertification every two years to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest HIM practices and healthcare regulations.