Epic Exam Pass Rate
As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the gaming industry, I often analyze the difficulty levels of certification exams needed to unlock new levels and content. The Epic certification exam has developed a notorious reputation for its complexity, with some claiming it "makes the BAR exam look easy."
After extensive research and connecting with others who have attempted the exam, I can definitively say – yes, the Epic certification exam is extremely difficult, with one of the lowest pass rates I‘ve ever seen.
Out of all test takers, only 3% pass the Epic certification exam. For context, that‘s lower than:
- CPA Exam Pass Rate: 50%
- MCAT Exam Pass Rate: 60%
- BAR Exam Pass Rate: 64%
The Epic exam has strict cut-offs and elimination phases:
- 60% fail the initial skills assessment
- Of those remaining, 70% fail the programming portion
- Leaving only 3% of total applicants certified
So why is it so hard? Well, let‘s first understand what Epic is and why their certifications are so valued before breaking down the exam itself.
Epic Systems Corporation is the leading healthcare software developer, with over $3 billion in annual revenue in 2022 – representing 25%+ year-over-year growth.
Epic software now holds medical records for:
- 250 million patients globally
- Covering 65% of the US population
With Epic capturing a majority of market share, certified Epic consultants can virtually write their ticket in the healthcare IT industry.
Here are a few key stats on pay and demand that showcase why Epic skills are highly coveted:
- Epic certified consultants can earn over $125/hour
- Over 90% of Epic job listings require Epic certification
- The average Epic software developer salary is $108,000
As healthcare systems rapidly adopt Epic‘s platform, they need an army of qualified support staff to implement, customize, and optimize the software.
Let‘s look at what exactly you need to know to become Epic certified.
Epic exams focus heavily on:
1. Logic & Reasoning
- Interpreting complex workflows
- Identifying optimal solutions
- Applying software capabilities to healthcare use cases
2. Knowledge of Healthcare Terminology
- Medical vocabulary and abbreviations
- Department-specific content
- Industry standards for regulatory compliance
3. Understanding Epic Methodology
The exams test not only what Epic software can do but what it should and should NOT be used for based on Epic‘s best practices.
Applications are entirely contextual – you must discern the appropriate ones for given scenarios and challenges.
The 4-6 hour exam event includes:
- Skills assessment: evaluating logic, reasoning, and healthcare knowledge
- Programming module: assessing ability to build advanced functionality
- Interviews: discussing previous experience and situational judgement
You can attempt the skills test twice a day, with 3 total failures allowed before remedial training.
The programmingportion has a 70% failure rate, eliminating a majority of remaining candidates after the initial skills screening.
Interviews are more conversational, but still require communicating Epic expertise.
To sit for the exam, candidates must complete extensive self-guided training, consisting of:
- 200-300 hours studying Epic modules, methodology, and health IT concepts
- Pass all chapter comprehension checks (80% min)
- 16 hours in a hands-on Epic environment
Physicians receive abbreviated training of:
- 10 hours instruction
- 4 hours in the learning lab
- 2-4 hours of supplemental training
So in summary – yes, the Epic certification exam lives up to its reputation of being immensely challenging. But for those able to put in the time to deeply learn Epic‘s platforms and approach to healthcare optimization, the career benefits make the effort well worth it.
