Thinking about a career in medical billing and coding? Earning a recognized credential demonstrates that you understand the coding systems and billing rules healthcare organizations rely on every day.
Two organizations issue the most widely referenced credentials in the field:
- AAPC (formerly the American Academy of Professional Coders®)
- AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association®)
AAPC exams are available at test centers or via remote proctoring, and most AHIMA exams are administered through Pearson VUE.
BTI’s Medical Billing & Coding program prepares students to pursue several of these credentials, including the CPC® and CCS®.
The Top 5 Medical Billing & Coding Certifications for 2026
1) CPC® — Certified Professional Coder (AAPC)
Credential focus: Physician office and outpatient coding using CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM.
What it validates: AAPC positions the CPC as the gold standard for professional physician services coding. It demonstrates tested proficiency across evaluation and management, surgery, radiology, anesthesia, pathology, and coding guidelines.
Exam at a glance: 100 multiple-choice questions completed in a four-hour session. Open-book with approved code manuals. Passing score is 70%.
2) CCS® — Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)
Credential focus: Inpatient and outpatient hospital coding with an emphasis on complex, multi-system records.
What it validates: The CCS is AHIMA’s advanced coding credential, designed to demonstrate mastery-level proficiency in assigning codes for complex inpatient and outpatient medical records, including surgical procedures and multi-system disease processes. It is typically pursued after entry-level coding experience.
Exam at a glance: 107 questions including medical record scenarios, four-hour time limit, open-book at a Pearson VUE testing center. Current-year code books required; exams on or after May 1, 2026 require 2026 editions. Exam fee is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members.
3) CCS-P® — Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (AHIMA)
Credential focus: Physician practices, multi-specialty clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers.
What it validates: The CCS-P demonstrates proficiency in physician-based coding across multiple specialties, covering CPT, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM in outpatient and clinic settings. It is a recognized AHIMA credential for coders focused on the physician side of coding.
Exam at a glance: Administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Current-year code books required; exams on or after May 1, 2026 require 2026 editions. Exam fee is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members.
4) CPB® — Certified Professional Biller (AAPC)
Credential focus: Medical billing, claims processing, and revenue cycle management.
What it validates: The CPB validates knowledge in billing compliance, claim submission, payer rules, and reimbursement. It is designed for professionals focused on the billing side of the revenue cycle rather than code assignment.
Exam at a glance: Open-book with approved references, administered by AAPC.
5) CCA® — Certified Coding Associate (AHIMA)
Credential focus: Entry-level coding across inpatient and outpatient settings.
What it validates: The CCA is AHIMA’s foundational coding credential, covering ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT® across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Holding the CCA plus one year of coding experience meets the CCS eligibility requirements, making it a recognized starting point for those pursuing the advanced credential.
Exam at a glance: 105 questions (90 scored), two-hour time limit at a Pearson VUE testing center. Open-book. Exam fee is $199 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members. Exams on or after May 1, 2026 require 2026 code books.
Which Certifications Does BTI Prepare You For?
BTI’s Medical Billing & Coding diploma program takes approximately 15 months / 72 credits, with campuses in Allentown, Lewisburg, and Wyomissing, PA. The program is structured to prepare students to pursue credentials like the CPC® and CCS®.
In the program, students can learn:
- Procedural and diagnostic coding using ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS through real-world case studies
- Medical billing processes covering claims, payer rules, and reimbursement
- Health information management concepts and electronic health records
- Exam-focused coursework aligned with nationally recognized credential requirements including CPC® and CCS®
Snapshot Comparison
| Credential | Issuer | Setting | Coding Systems | Exam Format |
| CPC | AAPC | Physician/outpatient | CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM | 100 MCQ, 4 hours |
| CCS | AHIMA | Hospital inpatient/outpatient | ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT | 107 questions, 4 hours |
| CCS-P | AHIMA | Physician-based/clinic | CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM | Open-book, Pearson VUE |
| CPB | AAPC | Revenue cycle/billing | Billing and payer rules | Open-book, AAPC exam |
| CCA | AHIMA | Entry-level, broad settings | ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT | 105 questions, 2 hours |
Based on AAPC and AHIMA program pages. BTI highlights CPC and CCS preparation.
How to Choose the Right Certification
Match the setting to your goal
Physician office and clinic-focused coding is covered by the CPC and CCS-P. Hospital and complex multi-system coding is the domain of the CCS. The CCA is a broad entry-level option that covers both settings and can serve as a stepping stone toward the CCS.
Decide on coding vs. billing
Credentials like the CPC, CCS, CCS-P, and CCA are built around code assignment. The CPB covers billing rules, claims processing, and payer reimbursement. Some students pursue both tracks as separate areas of study.
Consider a stepping stone if you’re new
The CPC and CCA are designed for candidates building foundational skills. The CCA can be replaced by the CCS once you meet the one-year experience requirement. BTI’s program includes coursework aligned with both entry-level credentials.
Ready to Prepare for Certifications?
BTI’s Medical Billing & Coding diploma program combines hands-on coding practice with coursework aligned to nationally recognized credential requirements including the CPC® and CCS®. The program is available on a schedule designed to work for students balancing other responsibilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a license to work as a medical biller or coder in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania does not require state licensure for this occupation. Certification credentials are a separate, voluntary process set and administered by third-party organizations such as AAPC and AHIMA.
Where do I take AHIMA exams?
AHIMA delivers exams through Pearson VUE testing centers. Remote proctoring options may be available depending on the credential. Check current availability when scheduling.
How hard is the CPC exam?
The CPC exam covers 100 questions across 17 knowledge areas plus 10 case-based coding scenarios. Open-book access to approved code manuals is permitted, but the four-hour time limit makes familiarity with your codebooks a significant advantage.
Does BTI prepare you for certifications?
BTI’s program includes coursework aligned with nationally recognized credential requirements such as the CPC® (AAPC) and CCS® (AHIMA). Students work through coding scenarios, case studies, and exam-focused material throughout the diploma program.
Have questions about the Medical Billing & Coding program at BTI? Request a tour or reach out to learn more about the program and admissions process.
Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. Berks Technical Institute does not assume or guarantee certification, licensure, specific job or career positions, income earning potential, or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Berks Technical Institute. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at Berks Technical Institute.
Information within this blog is for general information purposes only. Berks Technical Institute does not assume or guarantee certification/licensures, specific job/career positions, income earning potential or salary expectations based on the programs offered at Berks Technical Institute. Career and program information statements in this blog do not guarantee that programs or other information mentioned are offered at Berks Technical Institute.
