Certified Coding Specialist (CCS^®)

Prepare for the CCS Exam

AHIMA certifications are administered by the AHIMA Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM). The CCHIIM does not contribute to, review, endorse or require any review books, review sessions, study guides, or other exam preparatory activities.

The CCS exam preparation combines in-depth study material covering the ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS content with comprehensive testing practice. The exam preparation is comprised of two full-length practice exams as well as additional practice questions and medical scenarios.

CCS Exam Preparation includes exam preparation guidance and covers 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
• 2024 code sets and guidelines
• Inpatient and outpatient medical scenarios
• 291 multiple choice questions and 28 medical scenarios in the book and online assessments
• Answers with rationales and reference to enhance learning
• Test-taking tips for additional preparation and confidence on exam day

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Exam Specifications

Exam format:

The total number of questions on the exam is 107. There are 97 scored items and 10 pretest items.

Each exam includes scored questions and pretest questions randomly distributed throughout the exam. Each exam includes scored questions and pretest questions randomly distributed throughout the exam. Pretest questions are for data collection purpose and they do not count towards candidate's score.

Time allowed:

Candidates have four hours to complete the exam.

Resources required:

2024 Code Books will go into effect on 05/01/2024. All exams delivered on or AFTER 05/01/2024 will be required to have the 2024 code books from the 2024 code book list.

On test day, all candidates must bring the correct codebooks to the test center.

Candidates who do not have the correct codebooks will not be allowed to test and will forfeit their exam fees.

View the 2024 list of required code books for the CCS exam.

Competencies:

Competencies for CCS fall into five domains. Each domain accounts for a specific percentage of the total questions on the certification exam. See the Exam Content Outline for greater detail.

Exam testing location:

The exam is given in a computer-based format and must be scheduled at a Pearson Vue testing center.

Passing score:

The passing score for the CCS is 300.

Retake Policy:

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.

Transcripts are kept on file and do not need to be resubmitted. Candidates in their retest waiting period are not authorized to schedule an exam appointment until a new authorization to test letter is issued. AHIMA is not authorized to waive retest periods due to test security policies.

Pricing:

The cost of the CCS exam is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members. Test re-take fees are the same as the cost of the exam.

Certified Professionals and Pass Rates

As of 12/31/2023, there were 30,214 certified CCS professionals.

*U.S. and Canada results only

Certification Exam Process & Timelines

AHIMA regularly updates its blueprint (content outline) to be consistent with the Standards of Educational and Psychological Testing (AERA, APA, & NCME, 2014) and the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Listen to a recorded presentation that explains the entire exam development cycle.

Exam development cycle

1. Job Task Analysis SMEs identify knowledge, skills, and tasks required for a job. Result of workshop is a survey.
2. Exam Specifications SMEs review survey results and develop blueprint (content outline).
3. Item Writing/Review SMEs write and review test questions to align with blueprint (content outline).
4. Exam Form(s) Review SMEs review test questions on Beta form and review overall form to determine if there is any overlap.
5. Pilot/ Beta Exams Candidates begin testing on pilot/beta exam.
6. Standard Setting SMES set the performance standard "minimum expectations" which serve as a guide to recommend a passing point.
7. Exam Administration The exam is administered to qualified candidates in a live testing environment.
8. Exam Maintenance Ongoing maintenance is performed ensuring the form performs as intended.

Exam Development Cycle Completed

Exam Cancellation Policy

AHIMA Approved Continuing Education Provider Program Listing:

1. Candidates may cancel and reschedule the examination up to 15 business days prior to the scheduled examination date at no charge.
2. Any candidate who cancels or reschedules his or her appointment between 14 days and 24 hours prior to the exam date will be charged a fee of $30 by Pearson VUE.
3. Rescheduling and payment must be completed using a valid credit card on the Pearson VUE website or by calling the Pearson VUE Call Center at (888) 524-4622.
4. Candidates may not reschedule the examination less than 24 hours prior to the examination appointment.
5. Candidates who do not arrive or who arrive late to their scheduled exam appointment time will be considered no-shows and will forfeit their application fee.
6. Candidates failing to appear for the scheduled appointment or who are over thirty (30) minutes late will not be allowed to test. A new application and the full application fee must be submitted in order to test.

Exam Refund

Candidates can request a refund for their exam application up to fourteen (14) business days prior to their scheduled test date or eligibility end date.

Requests can be submitted directly to refunds@ahima.org. Please provide the following information:

• Candidate’s name
• AHIMA ID#
• Exam type

All appointments must be canceled through Pearson VUE prior to the request for a refund. There is a $75 processing fee for all refund requests. Refunds will be credited back to the card that was used for payment. If payment was made with a check, a check will be issued and sent to the mailing address on file.

Please allow up to 4 weeks for the funds to be added back to your card or up to 3 months if paid with a check. Refunds will not be granted if requested after eligibility end date or if the exam has been forfeited.

Appeals

Recertification Appeals

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. Appeal applications can only be submitted within 90 days once your credential is permanently placed in a revoked status. Please submit your appeals via the Recertification Appeal Form. For additional information please see the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart and the CCHIIM Disciplinary Appeal Policy Handbook. If you are in inactive status or have not been permanently revoked, please refer to the Recertification Guide.

Examination Complaints

Candidates are required to report any complaints at the test center on the day of their examination. Because of the secure nature of the examination, neither AHIMA nor Pearson VUE will disclose examination questions or candidate’s responses to individual questions.

Candidates who fail the exam and believe irregular testing conditions were a contributing factor may submit a complaint. Examples of irregular testing conditions include a medical or personal emergency during the testing session, exam vendor technical issues such as computer malfunctions or power outages, and other significant test site disruptions.

All complaints must be emailed to certification@ahima.org no later than 7 days after the receipt of the exam score report. All complaints must describe the suspected error or problem and the requested remedy.

Eligibility Request for Reconsideration

Applicants who are notified that they do not meet the eligibility requirements may request reconsideration of this decision by sending an email to certificationappeal@ahima.org within 30 days of communication of the adverse eligibility decision.

Certification staff will review the request for reconsideration and will decide on eligibility. No new or additional information will be accepted once the request is submitted. A decision will be made within 30 days of receipt. You will be notified via email.

Code of Ethics Violations / Professional Misconduct

The AHIMA Code of Ethics applies to AHIMA members and credentialed professionals who are not members. If you believe an AHIMA member or credentialed professional has violated the Code of Ethics, you may file a complaint with AHIMA.

Specifically, potential ethics violations regarding misconduct that involves currently certified individuals (i.e. certificate holders) must be submitted via an Ethics Complaint Form, along with supporting documentation, to CCHIIM@ahima.org. The CCHIIM Review Panel hears potential ethics violations regarding misconduct, pursuant to the AHIMA Code of Ethics and the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy. For additional information please see the CCHIIM Disciplinary and Appeal Policy Flowchart.