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I have been in my job position as an analyst for 1 year.

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Anonymous

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I have been in my job position as an analyst for 1 year. I have been with the healthcare organization itself for 4 years. I was told I will need to take an Epic certification exam when hired. I tried the exam 4 times and never passed. I spoke to my boss and she didn’t talk or discuss about it for a while. Today she states that the job descriptions are being re written and I will be required to pass this exam. This is the 3rd time the job description is being written and previously the certification was not required. My boss has given me 1 day to think of what and how I will tackle this exam again and what is my strategy to pass. I feel that I am being pressured to pass this exam and my job seems at risk at this point. I work hard, don’t take time off or even sick time. I have completed multiple tasks and work assigned to me but my boss never praises me for that, but she seems very focused on this one missing part. Not sure what to do or what my next steps should be?

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  1. Shanita Taylor BSIS, BSc (Psyc), M.A.E.L

    Sorry to hear this. If you still need to do so, please see if there is a study guide or pre-test to test your knowledge. Is there someone who has taken the test that could help you? Use Google to see if you can find any test examples. Ask your job for a study guide if applicable.

  2. Anonymous

    Can you check in with a peer that passed the test and what their study plan looked like for ideas?
    In addition to study guides, youtube videos, quizlet flashcards, practice tests etc., I would consult with Human Resources for guidance on timeline and requirements for passing the test. It sounds like you were told you had to pass it, but no specific requirements.

  3. Anonymous

    I have reached out to HR to see what are my options and also if this is going to be an issue I rather find another job.

  4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist

    Have they sent you to Wisconsin for training?

    I must admit, I am kind of surprised to hear you say certification was not previously required. If I remember correctly, Epic has it written into their contracts that the folks who work on their modules must be certified. That's how they're able to charge $10k per person (last time I heard) to send people to training in Wisconsin.

    I used to recruit in the healthcare informatics space and the only hospital system that didn't required certification was Kaiser and they had their own internal sort of semi-certification called credentialing.

    I recruited for virtually all the Epic modules and no one would hire a candidate that wasn't certified except Kaiser.

    Regarding your boss - chances are she is just following orders. When job descriptions are written, they're typically written with input from legal, HR and the business.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

  5. Anonymous

    This is such helpful advice. Based on this it sounds like you will need to pass the test to continue in your career but your company is not willing to arrange/pay for you to get any training support. If their epic contract mandates it and you can’t pass it, you will need to find another position. On the bright side in most states if a job is re-written to exclude you, you can get unemployment, and sometimes qualify for training grants.

  6. Anonymous

    I was in Wisconsin before I don’t work for Epic - in Madison directly. The hospital just utilizes Epic. I do most of my work in Epic system currently for over 1 year without a certification. I went through all the training and took the exam 4 times and didn’t pass. I then moved from Wisconsin and work remotely. My pay isn’t going to increase on the certification. Since now am out of state, they will have to pay for me to take the exam as a out of state proctor.

  7. Anonymous

    I agree with the previous commentators on this matter with a caveat. If you want to advance in your job/ career, a certain level of expertise is needed, and the best way to show that is through certification. Your Boss is most likely trying to ensure you still fit the requirements for retention and avoid having to hire someone else for your position. If this job is worth keeping and or you don't have other prospects invest in the certification course (if the company won't send you) and get certified. You control this aspect and shouldn't leave it to chance.

  8. Anonymous

    I don’t have other job prospects now as I haven’t applied anywhere since getting a job with this organization. It seems I will have to look into other prospects to cover my basis.

  9. Anonymous

    This is good. Start from where you're at and generate options. The gap assessment is key to reaching the desired outcome so you are looking at it from the best outlook. Remember before you start looking make sure your profile is something worth looking at. From updating and refining LinkedIn, your resume, and overall engagement (social media, etc)

    These things are important and with a little traction you’ll improve your opportunities.

    You got this!

  10. Anonymous

    You might do some problem-solving around why you didn’t pass the test in your previous attempts. if you have a problem with test anxiety, contact your companies employee assistance program and speak with a therapist. They have amazing tips and tricks to help. If you have a disability, such as ADHD, or dyslexia, you may be able to ask for accommodation in the area of additional time or alternative testing methods that would help you be successful in passing. Becoming more aware of the underlying reason for you not passing the test despite obviously mastering the job will help you navigate future career challenges. I have dyslexic family members who have faced similar challenges, and employers are much more flexible and trying to help than they were in the past. Good luck!

  11. Anonymous

    I would suggest find a study partner who has passed the exam. You don't say if its written or multiple choice but perhaps making some cards with the main areas and topics and having someone else verbally quiz you will help. I am also assuming that the test might be a requirement for your company because of some compliance need either internally or for their licensing especially since you are in healthcare. You could also ask point blank of your HR resource if there is any repercussion if you do not pass it before you go there. Good luck, you got this!

  12. Anonymous

    I also work in Healthcare. Does your position require you to work in EPIC? I ask because for us, we had an employee without certification and HR let her go without it if our director approved it.

  13. Anonymous

    do you mean within the Epic system? I work only about 12% or so within the actual epic system. I have just heard from the director of the dept that I must pass and then my boss told me that I must pass to keep my employment. The job description has changed 2 times since I have been in the position.

  14. Nancy Collins

    Industry is being listed differently now as you describe. This is post COVID times. You may need to examine your carrer path. My Healthcare Jobs were "at will", you might check your hiring agreement. Good luck. .

  15. Liz Milne

    If the requirement to have this certification is new for your job description, will your job pay for you to get the training prior to taking the exam again? That might help, especially as you have an idea of what the test will be like - you will know how to take notes that will help you in the exam, hopefully?

    Personally, I always leap at the chance for extra training - things like that look great on a CV

  16. Valerie Rieger

    If I have read your post correctly, you were informed when you were hired that certification was required. COVID most likely paused the requirement, but as more organizations are moving back to pre-pandemic operations, my guess is that your employer is reinstating the requirement.

    Have you tried a study group or study partner? Does Epic provide certification prep? I would also encourage you to talk with your manager to discuss the time frame on passing the certification exam and options to remain employed if you don't successfully pass the certification exam.

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