Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) Certification

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) certification is designed for individuals skilled in classifying medical data from medical records. CCS professionals demonstrate a practitioner’s tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency.

Who Should Pursue CCS Certification?

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.

How to Achieve the CCS Certification

Earning and maintaining your CCS Certification can be achieved in 3 steps.

1. Prepare for the Exam

   It is recommended, not required, to have at least one of the following:

   • Complete courses in all the following topics: anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding, and procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS) plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
   • Minimum of two (2) years of related coding experience directly applying codes; OR
   • Hold the CCA® credential plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
   • Hold a coding credential from another certifying organization plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
   • Hold a CCS-P ®, RHIT ®, or RHIA ® credential.

   Navigate to the “Prepare for the CCS Exam” tab above to learn about AHIMA products that can help you prepare.

2. Apply to Take the CCS Exam

   • Read the Candidate Guide
   • Create a MyAHIMA account
   • Submit your application online and pay all fees
   • Schedule the exam with Pearson Vue within 120-days of eligibility.

3. Maintain your CCS Credential

   To maintain your CCS credential you will need to complete all the recertification requirements over the 2-year certification period, which include submitting the required amount of continuing education units (CEUs) and paying the recertification fee. Check out the Recertification Hub to learn more about CEU opportunities and familiarize yourself with the recertification process.

Prepare for the CCS Exam

AHIMA certifications are administered by the AHIMA Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM). Please note that the AHIMA prep materials are optional and not the sole method for study for the CCS exam. AHIMA offers these resources as an option for candidates but not endorsed by AHIMA or CCHIIM as the sole means for studying for the exam nor do they guarantee success on the CCS exam. The CCHIIM does not contribute to, review, endorse or require any review books, review sessions, study guides, or other exam preparatory activities.

AHIMA Preparation Resources

AHIMA offers an online course as well as textbook products to help you prepare to sit for the CCS certification exam. Check out the “ CCS Exam Preparation with ebook" option listed below to get the best of both!

Textbook Products

CCS textbook products are developed by the AHIMA publication team with no input from AHIMA Certifications or CCHIIM panels. The CCS exam preparation textbook products combine in-depth study material covering the ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS content with comprehensive testing practice. They are exam preparation is comprised of two full-length practice exams as well as additional practice questions and medical scenarios.

These textbook products include exam preparation guidance and cover the following CCS domains:

• Domain 1: Coding Knowledge and Skills
• Domain 2: Coding Documentation
• Domain 3: Provider Queries
• Domain 4: Regulatory Compliance
• Domain 5: Information Technologies

Key Features:

• Two complete practice exams and additional practice questions based on and organized by the CCS competencies and tasks
• 2025 code sets and guidelines
• Inpatient and outpatient medical scenar...

Examples of available textbook products include:

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exam Preparation, 15th Edition
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Exam Preparation, 15th Edition, ebook

Required Resources for the CCS Exam

The CCS exam will be updating to the 2025 codebook list starting May 1st 2025. All exams delivered on or AFTER 5/1/2025 will be required to have the 2025 code books from the 2025 code book list to sit for the exam. 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. View the 2025 list of required code books for the CCS exam.

Exam Content Outline

Learn About AHIMA Certification Exams

• How to Achieve the CCS Certification
• Prepare for the CCS Exam
• Exam Specifications
• Certification Exam Process & Timelines
• Policies and Appeals