AHIMA

CCS

Certified Coding Specialist

AHIMA's advanced credential for hospital inpatient and outpatient coders, validating mastery of ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding across complex facility records. A premium hiring signal for acute-care coding roles.

$2994 hours

What's on the exam

CCS Exam Content Outline (effective 05/01/2024)

Coding Knowledge and Skills

39–41%

Assign diagnosis and procedure codes from documentation · Identify principal/first-listed diagnosis and procedure · Apply coding conventions and regulatory guidance · Attach CPT/HCPCS modifiers · Present on admission (POA) guidelines · Reimbursement methodologies (DRG, APC)

Coding Documentation

18–22%

Resolve conflicting documentation · Ensure required documentation is present · Verify and validate documentation in the health record

Provider Queries

9–11%

Elements of an ethical compliant query · Determine query compliance · Analyze documentation for query opportunities

Regulatory Compliance

18–22%

Completeness and accuracy of records · Payer-specific guidelines · Patient safety indicators and hospital-acquired conditions · HIPAA compliance · AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding · UHDDS compliance

Information Technologies

9–11%

Types of electronic health records · Encoding and grouper software · Computer-assisted coding (CAC) · HITECH compliance

Frequently asked questions

How much does the CCS cost?

The CCS costs $299. AHIMA member fee; non-members pay US$399. Retakes cost the same as the initial exam. From May 1, 2026, candidates must use the 2026 code books.

How long is the CCS and how many questions does it have?

107 items (97 scored, 10 pretest) — 4 hours.

What do you need to pass the CCS?

Scaled score of 300.

Can you retake the CCS?

After a 30-day waiting period.

What is the best way to study for the CCS?

Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Coding Knowledge and Skills 39–41%, Coding Documentation 18–22%, Provider Queries 9–11%, Regulatory Compliance 18–22%, Information Technologies 9–11%). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.

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