Skip to main content
Back to blog
Medical Coding Certification Guide (2026): CPC vs. CCA vs. CCS vs. CBCS
certification medical coding career

Medical Coding Certification Guide (2026): CPC vs. CCA vs. CCS vs. CBCS

Medical coding certification is one of the most searched topics in this field, and for good reason - employers often require or prefer it. But there isn't just one certification. Four are among the most common, and each is built for a slightly different setting. Not sure coding is the right fit? See medical billing vs. medical coding, or read what a medical coder does.

CPC (Certified Professional Coder) - AAPC

The Certified Professional Coder certification is a widely held credential from AAPC, commonly associated with outpatient and physician-office coding. No experience is required to take the exam, though candidates without two years of on-the-job experience earn the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation until they meet that requirement. If you're unsure where to start, it's often a safe choice - many employers recognize it right away. See our CPC salary guide for what CPC holders earn.

CCA (Certified Coding Associate) - AHIMA

An entry-level credential from AHIMA for early-career professionals, covering coding competency across settings that include hospitals and physician practices. A high school diploma is the only eligibility requirement. It's a common first step for people who plan to eventually pursue the CCS credential once they have some real-world coding time logged.

CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) - AHIMA

Designed for coders skilled in classifying medical data from inpatient and outpatient records, and generally a step up from the CCA. AHIMA calls it a natural progression for experienced coders or those who already hold the CCA, and recommends (but does not require) coding coursework plus experience before sitting the exam. If hospital coding is your goal, browse CCS Certified Coder jobs to see what employers ask for.

CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) - NHA

Unlike the other three, CBCS covers both billing and coding together rather than coding alone. To sit for the exam, NHA requires completing a training program or having relevant work experience. It's a good fit if you're aiming for a hybrid role - common at smaller practices where one person handles both functions - rather than a pure coding position. Our entry-level medical billing jobs guide shows how hybrid roles can be a starting point.

Which one should you get first?

  • Want outpatient/physician coding, no experience yet: CPC
  • Want a low barrier to entry, any setting: CCA (a high school diploma is the only requirement), then CCS later
  • Aiming for advanced coding work with some experience behind you: CCS
  • Want a hybrid billing + coding role: CBCS

All four are legitimate, recognized credentials - there's no wrong choice here, only a better or worse fit for the specific coding job you're targeting. Many coders eventually hold more than one as their career moves between settings. Ready to start? Our guide on how to become a medical coder walks through the steps.

What the exams actually involve

Each exam tests your ability to assign correct codes from clinical documentation. The exams cover code sets such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II (AHIMA's exams also include ICD-10-PCS), plus coding guidelines, reimbursement, and compliance. Preparation options include certificate programs at community colleges and technical schools, AHIMA-approved coding programs, or self-study with an official exam prep course. A full college degree isn't typically required. For pay after you're certified, see our medical coder salary guide.

Where to find remote medical coder roles

Med Billing Talent lists current remote, US-based medical coder openings, screened to exclude offshore and outsourced postings. Browse Medical Coder jobs →

Related Articles:

Sources: BLS Medical Records Specialists, AAPC CPC, AHIMA CCA, AHIMA CCS, NHA CBCS

Back to blog