The Certified Coding Specialist certification demonstrates a practitioner's tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency. CCS professionals are skilled in classifying medical data from patient records.
The CCS certification is a natural progression for professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records, or those with a CCA. Coding specialists create coded data used by hospitals and medical providers to obtain reimbursement from insurance companies or government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid.
Researchers and public health officials also use this data to monitor patterns and explore new interventions. This certification validates your expertise in the field and enhances your career prospects.
On test day, all candidates must bring the correct code books to the test center. Candidates who do not have the correct code books will not be allowed to test and will forfeit their exam fees.
It is recommended, not required, to have at least one of the following:
Education + Experience
Complete courses in anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, ICD diagnostic coding, and procedural coding plus one year of coding experience.
Work Experience
Minimum of two years of related coding experience directly applying codes.
Prior Credentials
Hold the CCA® credential plus one year of coding experience, or hold a coding credential from another organization plus one year of experience, or hold a CCS-P®, RHIT®, or RHIA® credential.
AHIMA offers comprehensive resources to help you prepare for the CCS certification exam:
Textbook Products
The CCS exam preparation textbook combines in-depth study material with comprehensive testing practice, including two full-length practice exams and additional practice questions.
Online Course Products
The CCS exam prep online course offers video lectures and pretests for each domain, plus a complete practice exam to help you identify areas for further study.
As of 12/31/2024, there were 32,443 certified CCS professionals. The pass rates for first-time testers have been improving over recent years:
The number of first-time testers has also increased, with 2,670 in 2022, 3,287 in 2023, and 3,157 in 2024, showing growing interest in the certification.
AHIMA regularly updates its blueprint (content outline) to be consistent with industry standards. The exam development cycle ensures that certifications remain relevant and accurately assess the skills needed in the field.
For the CCS certification, the most recent Job Task Analysis began in Q2 2023, with the Content Outline made publicly available in October 2023, and the Pilot/Beta Exam launched in May 2024.
Candidates can request a refund up to 14 business days prior to their scheduled test date or eligibility end date. All appointments must be canceled through Pearson VUE first. There is a $75 processing fee for all refund requests.
To re-take an exam, candidates need to submit a new application along with the relevant exam fee. Candidates who have attempted but not successfully passed the CCS exam are required to wait at least 30 days before their application is approved.
Individuals may appeal the permanent revocation of their credentials due to failure to meet CCHIIM recertification requirements. Appeal applications can only be submitted once every 10 years per credential and within 90 days once your credential is permanently placed in a revoked status.
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Examination Complaints
Candidates must report complaints at the test center on the day of their examination. Those who fail the exam and believe irregular testing conditions were a contributing factor may submit a complaint within 7 days after receiving their exam score report.
3
Eligibility Reconsideration
Applicants notified that they don't meet eligibility requirements may request reconsideration within 30 days by emailing certificationappeal@ahima.org. Certification staff will review the request and make a decision within 30 days.