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.
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; higher for non-members.
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?
Study the official blueprint, not random material: 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%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.
Program in development
We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 11 exam.
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