Why certify?
No U.S. federal law requires a coder to hold a credential. In practice, most coding job postings ask for one, because certification gives employers independent evidence that you can apply the code sets and guidelines. A credential also commits you to continuing education, which matters because the code sets change every year.
The two credentialing bodies
| AAPC | AHIMA | |
|---|---|---|
| Roots | Physician-practice and outpatient coding, billing and auditing | Health information management, mostly hospital-based |
| Flagship coding credential | CPC | CCS |
| Entry routes | CPC, with apprentice status until experience is documented | CCA for entry level; RHIT with an accredited degree |
| Continuing education | 36+ CEUs every 2 years | 20 to 30 CEUs every 2 years, depending on credential |
Core credentials
CPC
AAPC's core credential for physician and outpatient coding. The most common first credential.
About the CPCCCS
AHIMA's mastery-level credential, including inpatient ICD-10-PCS coding.
About the CCS examRHIT
AHIMA's health-information technician credential. Requires an accredited associate HIM degree.
About the RHIT examCOC (formerly CPC-H)
AAPC's credential for hospital outpatient and ambulatory surgery facility coding.
About the COC
AAPC also offers CIC (inpatient), CRC (risk adjustment), CPMA (auditing), CPCO (compliance), CDEO and CDEI (documentation) and the CPB billing credential. AHIMA also offers the entry-level CCA and the physician-based CCS-P.
Specialty credentials
AAPC's specialty credentials show depth in one area of practice. Most coders earn them after a core credential and some time working in that specialty.
- Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC)
- Certified Anesthesia and Pain Management Coder (CANPC)
- Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC)
- Certified Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery Coder (CCVTC)
- Certified Emergency Department Coder (CEDC)
- Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC)
- Certified Family Practice Coder (CFPC)
- Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC)
- Certified Professional Coder in Dermatology (CPCD)
Older names you may still see include CPC-H, now COC; CPC-P, a payer-focused credential (see CPC-P); and CPC-I, now the AAPC Approved Instructor designation.
How to choose your first credential
- Picture the job.Physician practice or outpatient clinic: CPC. Hospital inpatient: CCS or CIC. Broader records and data work: RHIT.
- Read local job postings.Note which credentials employers near you actually request.
- Check the requirements.The CPC and CCS do not require a degree. The RHIT does.
- Budget for the full cost.Include training, current-year code books, membership and the exam fee. See exams compared.
After certification
Plan for continuing education from day one. See medical coding CEUs for the requirements of each organisation.
Sources
Checked Nov 3, 2026. Requirements and fees change, so confirm with the organisation before you register or pay.