One of the potentially make it or break it requirements for Epic Certification – The Epic Sphinx Test is something I have been remiss in mentioning.
Not for any reason other than when I first started publicly chronicling my Epic journey (this is where I started), the Epic Sphinx test was already in my rear view mirror.
Despite its importance, I had forgotten the major role it played in getting me to the point I was at when I first started this website and blog. So I’m winding back the clock and recounting my experience with it and what you can expect.
Possibly…
Read on to find out why I say “possibly”…
Check out the expression on the sphinx cat in the picture… Let me start by saying that’s exactly how I felt AND looked after I finished taking the Epic Sphinx test 😉
What Is The Epic Sphinx Test?
I’ll start off by saying this, not every organization requires that their potential/future Epic analysts take the Sphinx test as part of the requirements for Epic certification.
Epic recommends that organizations use this test as a screening tool to determine which candidates/applicants will have the highest chance of success as Epic analysts (Note: this is not limited to just Epic Willow analysts, this is across the board for all Epic certifications).
The organization I work for followed Epic’s recommendation and uses the Sphinx test for screening applicants… If you don’t pass the Sphinx test, you don’t get hired to be on any Epic team for any Epic certification.
As an aside, I have to say that it’s quite humbling to see friends and co-workers (fellow pharmacists as well as other clinicians) weeded out of the process because they didn’t pass this test.
Also, some outside applicants who were already certified and working at other organizations were required to take the Sphinx test as part of the hiring process for our organization’s Epic implementation team.
Those who didn’t pass the test, regardless of the fact that they were already certified and working as Epic analysts at other organizations, were denied offers of employment.
Back to what the Sphinx test is…
At its core, it is an assessment test that determines how well, if at all, you are likely to succeed as an Epic analyst.
Epic as an organization has its own way of doing things and I believe they have determined that certain people who think and function a certain way will excel as analysts and others who don’t quite fit into that mold will not, or might not, excel as Epic analysts.
That’s not to say that those who don’t pass the test won’t also pass the certification exam and won’t make good Epic analysts, but Epic uses this test as a factor to determine (at least from what I can tell) which folks will be the most likely to excel.
Also… The fact that you pass the Sphinx test doesn’t guarantee that you will also pass the certification exam.
Some people who made it through the Sphinx test successfully ended up not passing the final certification exam (and I think this may be the reason, or at least part of the reason, that some organizations don’t use it for screening… Because some who were already certified didn’t pass it, as I mentioned before, and some who do pass it end up not passing the certification exam).
Organizations that are implementing Epic for the first time and are really ambitious will tend to follow Epic’s recommendations to the letter and thus only hire people who make it through this screening test.
What Does The Sphinx Test Assess?
The test is broken up into sections – an English test, a Math test, a test of what I can only describe as “quantitative or mental aptitude” or something like that.
I don’t know this for a fact but I think that it tests how you process information.
To say the least bit, the part that I believe tests how you think and process information is the part I personally found just very confusing.
I am not at liberty to divulge what the actual questions were or what they were like, quite honestly, I can’t even recall the actual test questions I got. I believe Epic does change them up each time so its harder for people to cheat the system.
The math and English were pretty straightforward… If you made it through pharmacy school you’ll fly through those sections in no time.
The other part will take a bit… No, a LOT more thought, time, and effort. And oh yeah, the test is timed!
The questions on that part threw me for a loop, I never really knew if I was responding correctly or even worse, if I actually really understood what the questions were asking. At a point, I began to despair and then I literally just started guessing at what the answers were.
That’s no lie and not an exaggeration… I didn’t want to leave the questions unanswered so I figured that if I guessed, then I’d at least have a chance at getting some right.
I don’t know whether or not my guessing strategy paid off or if I just got extremely lucky or if I actually on some level did understand the questions and my answers were indeed correct!
I guess I’ll never know.
The reason I won’t know is that Epic does not release the results of the Sphinx test. You just get told whether or not you “passed” it, and by “pass” I simply mean that Epic deems you “suitable” to become an Epic analyst.
The Good News & The Bad News
The Bad News: there’s really no way to prepare for the Sphinx test ahead of time (at least, not without going to extreme lengths to try and beat “cheat?” the system).
The Good News: you don’t have to prepare for this assessment test. You go in knowing what you know and if you’re a good fit you’ll pass it… If you’re not, you won’t.
Don’t try to fight it…
If you work for or are applying to work for an organization that uses the Sphinx test, then just deal with it…
As I mentioned earlier, not all organizations use this screening test and if yours doesn’t that just means you have one less hurdle to jump over in your race to becoming Epic certified. If they do use it and you don’t pass, remember, not every organization uses it so you can always apply to organizations that don’t use it.
Tajnay Wallace says
Thank you for your honest opinion on the test. I am an healthcare worker who uses Epic and I wanted to know if there was another way to get training if you asked your manager and get “No” as your answer? I really want to train for Epic so that I can become certified to grow in the field as well as mentor my team in how to navigate the system.
Dani says
Hi Tajnay,
Thank you for reading the post. Unfortunately, as of the time of this writing, Epic does not work with individuals when it comes to training and certification. There is currently no way to get certified as an individual without being part of an organization, either a healthcare organization or a staffing/recruitment agency that hires and outsources Epic-certified individuals to healthcare organizations.
A potential next step for you might be to look for an organization that is transitioning to Epic and try to get hired as an analyst if they are willing to send new analysts for training and certification. If not another hospital or healthcare organization, then perhaps with a staffing agency that specializes in Healthcare IT.
I hope things work out well for you.
Jeni says
Hey Dani,
I love how you describe ‘…literally started guessing at answers.’ Ditto! Probably the hardest test I’ve taken. Here’s a few questions I can’t figure out; who is the information shared with? Ie., Since you may only take it one time, will other employers who use it as a screening tool have access to it? And, who do they ask? Do the TS’s peruse the customer’s Sphinx scores? Maybe the scores are stored in an transcript-type environment?
Dani says
Hi Jeni!
I’m so glad you can relate. I really started to doubt my intelligence at one point (multiple points actually) during the test.
I was told that when you move between organizations Epic can share your Sphinx test results with your new organization if they request it. However, I would imagine that if you got past the Sphinx test and made it all the way to getting certified them no one will really care because the end goal is the certification and once you have it, you have it! 🙂
I doubt that the TS’s have access to it because they come into the picture farther down the line and even if they do I wonder what they would use the information for.
Who knows… Thanks again for stopping by! Always great to talk Epic with others 🙂
Babal says
Hi
Can anyone please brief me what type of questions will ask in Sphinx test?
I have to do next week.
Thanks
Dani says
Hi Babal,
Unfortunately, there really isn’t any way to actually prepare for the Sphinx test. It’s sort of a test of how you think as well as your qualitative and quantitative aptitude. The questions are linear and non-linear.
Epic claims (so I’ve been told) that depending on how you do (not necessarily “how well” or “how poorly”, just “how”) determines whether or not you’ll be able to function well as an Epic analyst. For this reason the test can only be taken and depending on whether or not your organization uses the results, you may or may not be able to move on to the next step.
Epic holds the results and you’ll not know what (if any score you get), you’ll just know whether or not you’re approved to advance within the Epic ecosystem.
I know it doesn’t answer your question exactly but hopefully it helps to give you some perspective. Just go in and take the test and don’t overthink it.
Best of luck!
Cat Huseby says
I, luckily, was hired to join the ClinDoc IT team during transition to Epic from paper at the hospital were I worked as a nurse. At that time, they didn’t use the sphinx test. WHEW! Passing Clindoc cert in 2010 was hard enough!
I am still certified and work as a consultant on a helpdesk as an Epic senior analyst for many hospital systems in NY and Cali areas. I know that when I was a project manager in IT, my manager could decide if she wanted to “ignore” the test result if it was someone she felt was going to be a good fit.
Epic seems to be making it harder for consultants as the CEE I had to pass 2 years ago to keep my cert, and will have to do again here in a year killed my spirit! The first 2, I was under 80% threshold by 2%, even though I studied the curriculum on galaxy diligently (the test really is geared towards people who still build, which I stopped 3 years ago when I moved to this desk).
I hope they lighten up before next year!
Dani says
Hi Cat!
Sounds like you have a great setup now, congratulations! 🙂
Yes it’s true, managers have the option to ignore the Sphinx or not even administer it at all. My organization chose to do everything by the “Epic book” and as a result there were many tears shed due to the Sphinx test weeding folks out who really wanted to be on the team.
Regarding the new biannual CEE re-certification testing that Epic now mandates… Wow!! Yes, gone are the days of just doing the good old NVT… Just review and move on. I do think they are trying to keep all analysts in mental “build” mode and I don’t foresee them lightening up on it despite the different “practice settings” of Epic folks.
Thanks for dropping by and chiming in!
Marie says
Hello thanks for this information. I was wondering which parts of the test are multiple choice and which are not. Also the maths part how difficult is it, as it’s not my strong point.
Kind regards,
Marie
Dani says
Hi Marie,
The test is a bit of a mixed bag and is different each time so there isn’t one specific test. Some questions are multiple choice, others make you do calculations and others ask you to just give an answer.
Sorry if that seems unhelpful, I think that’s just the way Epic has designed it to be.
Dylan says
Hello! I’ve enjoyed reading through this thread. Seems like many are in the same boat as me with searching for prep material.
I recently started working with a recruiter as a local hospital is beginning Epic implementation and they need Analysts to come in and build the back end. I have very little background in IT/coding, and I’m just curious if that will be an issue when it comes to taking the Sphinx assessment?
The recruiter I’m working with says that there is no need for prior experience in Epic or IT whatsoever. I like to think that I am street smart and have a lot of common sense skills that allow me to quickly solve problems. That said, I just have to wonder if there are some fundamentals in these categories that I will lack when taking the assessment.
I am taking it tonight, and looking forward to seeing what it holds!
Regards,
Dylan
Dani says
Hi Dylan,
Thank you for reading the post and joining in the discussion. I have to agree with what the recruiter told you. You don’t need any IT or previous experience to become an Epic Analyst as they will train you form the ground up in their method of doing things and of implementing their software.
Additionally, there is no way to prepare for the Sphinx Test either, so go in there, give it your best shot and hope for the best. It feel totally random and I suspect they have an algorithm of sorts that gives them insights as to how you problem-solve based on how you respond to the questions so I don’t think it’s anything you can prep for outside of just being yourself and responding the way do.
I hope it goes well and would love to hear about the outcome. Best of luck to you!
Chris says
I got onto Code Academy (free) and studied a little Java just to be exposed to programming. I found it helpful with the Sphinx test (which I passed, yay!)
Dani says
Congratulations Chris!
Wow, I also have taken some courses on there but this is the first time I’ve heard that the Java course helped with the Sphinx test. That will be good info for others who are curious.
Personally, I knew no Java when I took it but if it helps others… Great!
I hope you enjoy your new Epic job.
Mani says
Hi all,
wonderful thread, and thanks everyone to keep it active and informative.
I am joining an organisation for Epic Analyst job, and have been told that I have to pass the sphinx test before I can start the certification.
Reading through the thread I realised that Sphinx test is a kind of Aptitude test which is random in nature with no fixed structure and content. Either you know it or you don’t!
I could see Dylan has taken the test recently, it would be awesome if you could share something about your experience Dylan.
Thankyou Dani for creating this thread!
Regards
Mani
Dani says
Hi Mani,
Congratulations on joining an Epic team at your new organization.
The folks at Epic HQ are very protective of their proprietary information and that’s why we only talk about the test in generalities.
Not sure if or when Dylan will see your question and respond but if I can give you a bit more info about it I would say, don’t overthink your responses and go with your instinct.
Also, they switch up the questions and how much of each type of question each person gets. It feels like the test is dynamic based on each test taker.
Hopefully that helps you a bit more.
Thanks for stopping by and joining the conversation! I wish you all the best and let us know how things go!
Tiffany says
Thank you for this Blog, I have an opportunity to become an Epic Analyst as well, I am scheduled to take the test on July 15th, and like everyone else I’m nervous, I’m over thinking things, and just curious about the test. I been in Healthcare IT for over 20 years and was recently laid off and never thought I would be in this predicament.
However, I thank you all for posting your experiences, because it is helping me to calm down and just think positive.
I have a saying “If it is meant for me it will be for me”.
Thank you
Tiffany
Dani says
Congratulations Tiffany,
I hope it works out the way it should for you. Would love to hear the final outcome.
Thank you for checking out the blog, I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂
Ricky says
Can you tell me where and how to take the Epic Sphinx exam? I tried to look it up online but don’t seem to be able to locate it.
Dani says
Hi Ricky,
The Sphinx Test isn’t available to the public. You can only take it once you’re attached to an organization that uses (or will use) Epic. It is part of their candidate screening procedure.
Ashley says
Wow, thank you for your thread. Your thread has the most consistent and concise feedback about this very secretive exam. I panicked at first and started watching and studying all these Youtube videos… my neck was so stiff and sore!
After reading through your reassuring words of how it’s not possible to study/prepare for the Sphinx test, I feel much better.
Should I schedule the exam sooner to get it over with? Or give myself some time to do random aptitude tests? Thanks!!
Ash
Dani says
Hi Ash!
I’m glad you found the info I shared here helpful. I wasn’t even aware that anyone was talking about this on YouTube (or anywhere else for that matter)!
I am of the mindset that the test is really an assessment of how you think, how you process information and how you solve problems. That’s not to say they only want/recommend people who think or problem solve the same way, I just think it highlights how certain ways of thinking and solving problems can make someone a good (or, not-so-good) Epic analyst.
There is no “pass or fail”, more like “recommend for certification, or not”. Also, just because you don’t get recommended based on the Sphinx test doesn’t mean that you can’t do the work of Epic analyst. I know some analysts who didn’t do the Sphinx test at all and who are really great Epic analysts. Each organization will make the choice whether or not to accept Epic’s recommendation.
To answer your question about whether or not to go ahead and schedule yourself to take it sooner or wait to give yourself time to practice… I say a resounding “Go for it!”. I don’t think you can prep enough or at all for it so just do it.
I wish you the best of luck and I would love to hear how it works out for you 🙂
Rose says
I’m blessed with all these comments. I’m greatly interested in knowing about Epics and what it entails. I’m a graduate nurse. I want to know more about Epics trainings and examinations.
Thanks.
Rose
Dani says
Hi Rose,
Thank you for stopping by. I think the best way to learn more about Epic is by reading my blog from the beginning where I documented on an almost daily basis what I was doing through the process.
You can find that here: Epic Willow Pharmacist blog
If you have any questions feel free to leave a comment on that blog post and I’ll respond there 🙂