The Health Ethics Trust has offered compliance professional certification (Certified Compliance Professional: CCP) since the Trust’s inception in 1995.  The Council itself has certified compliance professionals since 1988, including healthcare compliance professionals.  No organization has trained more working healthcare compliance professionals.  The goal of the Trust’s certification programs is to promote professionalism and competence throughout the healthcare compliance community.

While the more advanced CCE certification for compliance leaders is a comparatively new certification, the need for this advanced certification status has been evaluated over several years. There is no question that there are different levels of accomplishment among compliance professionals and that the highest levels of accomplishment deserve separate recognition.

The CCE process in overseen by the Education Committee of the Council of Ethical Organizations.  This is an independent and voluntary committee of experienced compliance professionals (health care and non-health care) from around the country.  Members of this committee oversee changes to HET certification criteria as well as reviewing applications for HET certification. 

Compliance professionals who wish to complete the certification process must earn a total of 170 points in the identified categories within a three year period to qualify.

Certified Compliance Executive (CCE) Requirements

Recognizing executive level compliance professionals
What is the Health Ethics Trust (HET) Certified Compliance Executive process?
Why become a HET Certified Compliance Executive?
Who oversees the Certified Compliance Executive (CCE) credential?
How do I become certified as a HET Certified Compliance Executive?
Is there a test to attain the CCE?
How are applications reviewed?
Requirements for maintaining certification
I’ve attended HET courses.  How can I check the status of my course work?
What cost is involved?
What do successful applicants receive?
Application checklist – Are you ready to submit?
Where do I send my application?
Questions and further information

Appendix One: Model introductory/cover letter for application
Appendix Two: Model letter of recommendation
Appendix Three: Model summary of relevant work experience
Appendix Four: CCE Application

Recognizing Executive Level Compliance Professionals
 
While all jobs in the compliance function require professionalism, leadership of the compliance function requires special skills and abilities.

The Certified Compliance Executive (CCE) Program defines a high level of accomplishment in the compliance profession and recognizes leadership in corporate compliance. CCE certification is a voluntary designation sought by individuals who strive to represent high standards while providing leadership to their organization’s compliance efforts.

Complete the application today to pursue your certification as a compliance executive!
 
What is the Health Ethics Trust Certified Compliance Executive Process?
 
This is an advanced certification process for compliance executives offered by the Health Ethics Trust (the “Trust” or “HET”).  The Trust began the process of establishing a basic health care compliance certification shortly after the Trust’s inception in 1995.  The goal of all HET certification programs is to promote professionalism, competence and excellence throughout the compliance community. HET is a division of the Council of Ethical Organizations (a non-profit, organization committed to promoting ethical and legal conduct in private organizations, government and professions).
 
The purpose of the Trust is to promote sharing of information and the establishment of best practices in health care compliance and ethics.  Further information on the Health Ethics Trust and the Council of Ethical Organizations can be found at www.corporateethics.com or www.complianceprograms.com.
 
Why become a HET Certified Compliance Executive?
 
Compliance responsibilities continue to grow more complex, more regulated and more costly.  New, more rigorous benchmarks for effective programs are demanded. Those who go beyond exhibiting professionalism to providing compliance leadership in this demanding environment deserve recognition commensurate with their contributions.
 
All HET certification processes are very comprehensive.  The Trust believes this approach is necessary because the compliance executive role is a complex, dynamic and challenging one.  This is particularly true for compliance executives working in the current health care environment.  HET certification processes are periodically updated to ensure their continued relevance to health care compliance professionals and executives.
 
Who oversees HET certification for compliance executives?
 
The Trust’s certification processes are overseen by the Education Committee of the Council of Ethical Organizations.  This is an independent and voluntary committee of experienced compliance executives (health care and non-health care) from around the country.  Members of this committee oversee changes to HET certification criteria as well as reviewing applications for HET certification.  Members of the Council staff only serve in an advisory capacity to the Education Committee.  This means that they do not having decision making authority regarding HET certification applications.  Council staff can, however, offer advice to candidates on how to best prepare and present applications for HET certifications.
 
How do I become certified as a HET Certified Compliance Executive (CCE)?
 
In order to earn the CCE certification, an individual must complete compliance related courses and work in a senior compliance position for three years after completing basic certification. While there are additional requirements, the key point is that the CCE certification is intended for those with experience and leadership responsibilities in a compliance program.
 
The application for the CCE credential is built around specific categories.  These factors include executive experience, educational background and continuing education.  All items submitted for review with the exception of higher education must have been accomplished in the last three years.
 
Requirement: A total of 170 points is required in the identified categories to qualify for this Certification.  See the application form for categories and point requirements.  The points listed to the right of each section indicate the minimum points a candidate must have in each category well as the maximum points associated with category.  Please note that you must satisfy the minimum number of points in each category to be qualified. Excess points may be submitted for review but an applicant must have 170 qualified points (meeting all category minimums) to achieve the CCE designation.
 
Is there a test for Certification?
 
When sufficient points are accumulated (160) and eligibility is determined, an essay examination will be scheduled on topics such as those in Part IV of the application.  The written examination is evaluated by compliance executives serving on the Council of Ethical Organizations /Health Ethics Trust Education Committee.
 
How are applications reviewed?
 
Applications for HET certification are reviewed by members of the Education Committee of the Council of Ethical Organizations.  Responsibility for reviewing applications rotates among members of the Committee.  Each application is reviewed by no fewer than three members of the Committee.  All applications are reviewed with recognition of the wide range of backgrounds represented among current graduates, while maintaining the Trust’s goal of advancing the competence and reputation of health care compliance executives.  Committee members judge applications strictly according to the certification criteria.
 
What are the requirements for maintaining certification?
 
In 2002, the Education Committee and the HET decided to implement a new continuing education requirement for maintaining certification.  This means that all HET Certified Compliance Executives that wish to maintain their certification must meet the continuing education requirements over a defined period of time.  The only exception is for individuals who retire while currently certified.  This stipulation was introduced because both the Trust and the Committee believe that the field of ethics and compliance is evolving rapidly and continuing education is important to meet the growing challenges in the field of compliance/ethics. 
 
Every three years, all HET Certified Compliance Professionals and Executives are encouraged to apply for continuation of their basic (CCP) or advanced certification (CCE) status as appropriate at the time.
 
Certification status is valid for three years.  It can be kept current by completion of 40 continuing education points submitted to the Council within each additional three-year period.
 
I’ve attended an HET course.  How can I check the status of my course work?
 
Please contact the Certification Coordinator at 703-683-7916 to request an update of your current certification status or for a list of current HET courses attended.
 
What cost is involved?
 
There is an application fee of $300 for non-members and $150 for members of the Health Ethics Trust to process each certification application.  This should be sent with the application.  This fee includes the review and evaluation of points and essays.  In the event that an applicant does not initially meet the minimum point requirement for essay submission, the fee remains valid for three years to allow time for accumulation of points.  There is no charge for re-submission to the Education Committee within this three year period.
What will successful applicants receive?
 
Successful applicants for the HET Certified Compliance Executive status will be notified by mail.  Once applicants are approved, they are entitled to use the designator “CCE” (i.e., Certified Compliance Executive) after their name.  HET certified compliance executives are publicly acknowledged at the Healthcare Best Compliance Practices Forum.  This Forum is sponsored by the HET and is held in Washington, DC every year.  (Details on the Healthcare Best Compliance Practices Forum can be found at www.corporateethics.com)
 
Application checklist – Are you ready to submit?

Where do I send my application?
 
Please send all applications for HET compliance executive to the following address:
 
Attn:  Cheryl Felsentreger
Director, Programs
Council of Ethical Organizations
Health Ethics Trust Division
214 South Payne Street
Alexandria, VA  22314
 
Questions or further information
 
For further information, please contact Cheryl Felsentreger at 888-683-7917 or send an email to cfelsentreger@corporateethics.com.
 
Appendix One: Model introductory/cover letter for application
 
I am submitting the following information in order to obtain the Health Ethics Trust Certified Compliance Executive designation.  I believe that I have earned at least 160 points toward certification and have satisfied the required minimums in each certification category. Thus, I request review of my application and notification of my qualification for the essay examination to obtain the final 10 points needed for the CCE credential.
Appendix Two: Model of letter of recommendation
 
DATE
 
Council of Ethical Organizations
Attn:  Certification
214 South Payne Street
Alexandria, VA  22314

Dear Certification Coordinator:
I am submitting a letter of recommendation for APPLICANT to support his/her application for the Certified Compliance Executive designation from the Health Ethics Trust.
 
Mr./Ms. APPLICANT has been working for Org-X in (Location) for the past (Duration) serving as the (Title). Mr./Ms. APPLICANT’s responsibilities and accomplishments in this position include…..
 
My own compliance certification status is [if any] and I achieved this status through ORGANIZATION NAME.
 
His/her work ethic, knowledge and dedication make him/her a valuable asset to Org-X in a compliance program leadership role.
 
Sincerely,


SUPERVISOR NAME
TITLE
ORGANIZATION
Appendix Three: Model written summary of compliance relevant work experience
 
I have been the Chief Compliance Officer for the Org-X Health System since January of 200X.   I previously served for 6 years as Director of Operations.  In my capacity as Chief Compliance Officer I report directly to the CEO with a dotted line report to the ORG-X Board of Directors.  Org-X is an integrated health system which includes 4 hospitals, 6 long-term care facilities, 1 home care agency, 10 physician practices, 1 pharmaceutical subsidiary and a managed care organization.  These entities are located in the states of Alaska, Hawaii, Maine and Iowa.  ORG-X has 5,000 employees.  I have two direct reports that assist in administering the compliance program for the system: a full time auditor and a part-time secretary.
 
In January 200X the Board of Directors for Org-X passed a resolution to develop a Corporate Compliance Program, and in that resolution named me as the Chief Compliance Officer.  In the first six months of the program I led the team that wrote the Code of Conduct, which now forms the basis for our training program.  The training program is actually delivered by managers whom I train using a “Train the Trainer” model.  In January 200X we completed our first year of training.  I oversee the hotline (implemented in December 200X) that now receives XY calls per month on average.  I monitor the background check process, which is performed quarterly by our compliance specialist.  I also review all reports from the compliance auditor, to ensure that appropriate corrective actions are taken.  To illustrate some of the functions for which I have been primarily responsible, I enclose the following: the cover page and table of contents for our Code of Conduct, the topics covered in our training program, and a policy we developed for background checks.
 
Because ORG-X operates in four different states I am responsible for tracking regulatory developments in these states to ensure that all of ORG-X’s operations are compliant.  I write an employee newsletter called “Compliance Updates.”  A copy is enclosed.
 
ORG-X has a Compliance Management Team composed of senior managers from throughout the system: finance, human resources, medical affairs, government affairs and facilities.  This team meets monthly, and I create the agenda for this meeting in cooperation with our CEO.  Once per quarter, I submit a report to the Compliance Committee of the Board of Directors.  For the Board I describe the progress of program implementation as well as a general description of the types of issues which are raised through our internal reporting mechanism.
Certified Compliance Executive Application

The Health Ethics Trust has offered compliance professional certification (Certified Compliance Professional: CCP) since the Trust’s inception in 1995.  The Council itself has certified compliance professionals since 1988, including healthcare compliance professionals.  No organization has trained more working healthcare compliance professionals.  The goal of the Trust’s certification programs is to promote professionalism and competence throughout the healthcare compliance community.

While the more advanced CCE certification for compliance leaders is a comparatively new certification, the need for this advanced certification status has been evaluated over several years. There is no question that there are different levels of accomplishment among compliance professionals and that the highest levels of accomplishment deserve separate recognition.

The CCE process in overseen by the Education Committee of the Council of Ethical Organizations.  This is an independent and voluntary committee of experienced compliance professionals (health care and non-health care) from around the country.  Members of this committee oversee changes to HET certification criteria as well as reviewing applications for HET certification.

Compliance professionals who wish to complete the certification process must earn a total of 170 points in the identified categories within a three year period to qualify.

  • Part I - Compliance Experience: 60 – 100 POINTS
  • Part II - Compliance Community Involvement: 20 – 100 POINTS
  • Part III - Educational Background: 50 – 100 POINTS
  • Part IV - Continuing Education: 30 – 100 POINTS
  • Part V - Essay Examination: 10 POINTS


There is an application fee of $300 non-members / $150 HET members to process each CCE application.

Click here to download the CCE Application