Medical Coding Exams Compared: CPC, CCS, CCA, CCS-P and RHIT

The short version

Coding in physician offices and outpatient clinics: start with the CPC.
Coding hospital inpatient stays: aim for the CCS. AAPC's CIC also covers inpatient coding.
A broader health-information career: the RHIT, which requires an accredited HIM degree.
Billing and claims rather than coding: see billing certification.

Side by side

Exam	Body	Focus	Format	Exam fee
CPC	AAPC	Physician and outpatient services (CPT®, HCPCS II, ICD-10-CM)	100 questions, 4 hours, open book	$425 (1 attempt) / $499 (2)
CCA	AHIMA	Entry-level coding across settings	2 hours total	$199 member / $299 non-member
CCS	AHIMA	Hospital inpatient and outpatient, including ICD-10-PCS	107 questions, 4 hours, required code books	$299 member / $399 non-member
CCS-P	AHIMA	Physician-based coding	4 hours total	$299 member / $399 non-member
RHIT	AHIMA	Health information management, including coding	150 questions, 3.5 hours	$229 member / $299 non-member

AAPC also offers core exams such as CIC (inpatient), COC (outpatient facility), CRC (risk adjustment) and CPB (billing), plus specialty exams. AAPC lists core exams at $425 for one attempt and specialty exams at $325.

Requirements versus recommendations

It is easy to confuse what is required with what is advised:

AAPC CPC: AAPC membership is required. Training and experience are recommended. Without two years of experience you are certified as a CPC-A until you document it.
AHIMA CCS: AHIMA lists education and experience as recommended, not required.
AHIMA RHIT: an associate-level HIM degree from a CAHIIM-accredited program, or an approved foreign equivalent, is required.

Keeping any credential

Every credential needs continuing education. AAPC requires 36 CEUs every two years for one credential. AHIMA requires 20 CEUs every two years for the CCA, CCS, CCS-P and RHIT. See medical coding CEUs.

Preparing for any coding exam

Whatever you choose, timed practice with the exact books you will use is the most reliable preparation. If the CPC is your goal, our CPC Practice Exam gives you 150 questions, each with a full rationale.

Sources

Checked Nov 3, 2026. Requirements and fees change, so confirm with the organisation before you register or pay.