To sit for the Board of Governors Qualifying Exam, candidates must: (1) hold a master's degree or higher; (2) have at least 3 years of healthcare management experience; (3) be an ACHE Member in good standing; (4) have completed 36 hours of continuing education in the past 3 years, including at least 12 hours in healthcare management topics; (5) provide 3 references from ACHE Fellows. Many candidates begin working toward the credential in their late 20s or early 30s while accumulating management experience, using the exam prep period to deepen gaps in finance or law.