How To Get a CCS Certification: Guidelines and Tips
The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential, offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), is a highly respected certification that demonstrates mastery in medical coding across inpatient and outpatient settings. Earning your CCS can open doors to more advanced roles and higher earning potential in the medical coding field. Let Coding Clarified show you how to get a CCS Certification.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to successfully obtain your CCS certification, including eligibility requirements, exam structure, study resources, and expert tips.
What is the CCS Certification?
The CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) certification validates your expertise in applying ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems. Professionals who hold the CCS credential are proficient in classifying medical data from patient records, generally in a hospital or facility setting.
Who Should Pursue the CCS?
This certification is ideal for:
- Experienced coders working in hospitals, outpatient centers, or coding audit roles
- RHITs or RHIA-certified professionals looking to specialize in coding
- CPCs or COCs who want to expand their credentials into facility coding
CCS Eligibility Requirements
AHIMA recommends, but does not strictly require, that candidates meet one of these before testing:
- Coursework in anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, and coding systems, plus one year of direct coding experience
- Two years of related coding experience
- The CCA credential plus one year of coding experience
- A coding credential from another organization, such as the CPC, plus one year of coding experience
- The CCS-P, RHIT, or RHIA credential
CCS Exam Format and Cost
| Exam detail | CCS |
|---|---|
| Questions | 107 total: 97 scored and 10 unscored pretest items |
| Question types | Multiple choice plus medical scenarios you code |
| Time | 4 hours |
| Passing score | 300 |
| Exam fee | $299 for AHIMA members, $399 for nonmembers |
| Retake fee | Same as the exam fee |
The scenarios use ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II. AHIMA sets and changes these details, so confirm them on the AHIMA CCS exam page before you apply.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Focus
The CCS is built for facility coding. It tests hospital inpatient coding with ICD-10-PCS procedure codes, along with hospital outpatient coding. That is the main difference from the CPC, which focuses on physician and outpatient professional services and does not test ICD-10-PCS.
CCS vs. CPC: Which Employers Want Which
| CCS (AHIMA) | CPC (AAPC) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical setting | Hospital inpatient and facility outpatient | Physician offices, clinics, and outpatient professional services |
| Procedure codes tested | ICD-10-PCS and CPT | CPT and HCPCS Level II |
| Best for new coders | Usually a second credential after experience | The most common first credential |
| Entry level job postings | Fewer, mostly hospital roles | Most entry level and remote coding roles |
If you are new to coding, start with the CPC. Once you have a year of experience, the CCS is a strong next step if you want to move into hospital or inpatient coding. Read our CPC certification guide or compare every option in our medical coding certifications guide.
What Do CCS Coders Earn?
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics groups coders under medical records specialists, with a median annual wage of $51,140 (May 2025). Inpatient coding requires more advanced skills, and experienced facility coders with a CCS often earn above that median. Pay depends on experience, setting, specialty, and location.
How to Prepare
Recommended Study Materials:
- AHIMA CCS Exam Prep Book
- Coding workbooks with real case studies
- AHA Coding Clinic and CPT Assistant
- Official coding guidelines (ICD-10, CPT)
Study Tips:
- Review guidelines thoroughly, many questions test guideline knowledge.
- Practice coding with timed case studies.
- Use practice exams to identify weak areas.
- Study inpatient and outpatient coding separately.
- Learn how to code PCS procedures efficiently.
How to Register for the CCS Exam
- Register via AHIMA’s website: AHIMA certification site
- Administered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers
Tips for Success
Focus on guidelines, they’re your best tool on the exam.
Don’t memorize codes, practice application.
Time yourself during practice to avoid running out during the real exam.
Brush up on modifiers and compliance topics.
Be ready for inpatient PCS procedures, especially unfamiliar surgical cases.
The CCS credential is a powerful step in advancing your medical coding career. With the right preparation, study tools, and a strong understanding of coding guidelines, you’ll be well-equipped to earn your CCS and thrive in a facility-based coding environment.
Does Coding Clarified Prepare You for the CCS?
Not directly, and we want to be clear about that. Our online, instructor-guided program prepares you for the AAPC CPC exam, the credential most entry level coding jobs ask for. Many coders earn the CPC first, gain a year of experience, and then add the CCS. The coding foundation you build with us, including ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II, and the official guidelines, carries directly into CCS preparation. See our online medical coding training and AHIMA CCA and CCS exam tips.
CCS Certification FAQs
How much does the CCS exam cost?
AHIMA charges $299 for members and $399 for nonmembers. Retakes cost the same as the exam.
How many questions are on the CCS exam?
107 questions, 97 scored and 10 unscored pretest items, with 4 hours to complete it. The passing score is 300.
Is the CCS harder than the CPC?
Most coders find the CCS harder because it covers inpatient coding and ICD-10-PCS, which the CPC does not test.
Should I get the CPC or CCS first?
For most new coders, the CPC first. It matches most entry level and remote job postings. Add the CCS later if you want hospital inpatient work.
Can I take the CCS without experience?
AHIMA recommends experience or a combination of coursework and experience, but these are recommendations rather than strict requirements. Most candidates do better with at least a year of coding experience.
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