Thinking about a career in medical billing and coding? Earning credentials and certifications can help you smoothly enter the field and support long-term growth. Below are several widely recognized certifications in the medical billing and coding profession, along with the credentials the Berks Technical Institute (BTI) Medical Billing & Coding program helps you prepare to pursue.
Why Certifications Matter Now
Healthcare employers need to know that prospective hires understand correct procedures and systems. Certifications validate your skills with the coding sets (ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS) and billing rules employers use every day. In 2025, two main organizations oversee coding credentials: AAPC (CPC®, CPB®) and AHIMA (CCA®, CCS®, CCS-P®). NHA also offers a billing-and-coding option (CBCS). AHIMA exams are delivered via Pearson VUE test centers for convenient scheduling.
The Top 5 Medical Billing & Coding Certifications for 2025
1) CPC® — Certified Professional Coder (AAPC)
Best for: Physician-office and outpatient coding roles; a widely requested “first” credential.
Why it matters: Considered the “gold standard” for professional (physician) services coding.
Exam at a glance: 100 multiple-choice questions covering CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM across 17 knowledge areas.
2) CCS® — Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)
Best for: Hospital/inpatient settings and advanced coding roles.
Why it matters: Signals mastery across inpatient and outpatient records; often pursued after entry-level experience or the CCA.
3) CCS-P® — Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (AHIMA)
Best for: Physician practices, multi-specialty clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers.
Why it matters: Demonstrates advanced physician-based coding expertise; a great complement or alternative to CPC.
4) CPB® — Certified Professional Biller (AAPC)
Best for: Front-to-back revenue cycle and payer-facing roles (authorizations, claims, denials).
Why it matters: Validates specialized knowledge in medical billing, compliance, and reimbursement; ideal for those who prefer the business side.
5) CCA® — Certified Coding Associate (AHIMA)
Best for: New coders seeking an entry-level credential and a pathway toward CCS/CCS-P.
Why it matters: Establishes foundational competency across classification systems and reimbursement methods.
Which Certifications Does BTI Prepare You For?
BTI’s Medical Billing & Coding diploma (approximately 15 months / 72 credit hours, offered in Allentown, Lewisburg, and Wyomissing, PA) includes national certification preparation so you’re ready to pursue credentials like the CPC® (AAPC) and CCS® (AHIMA). Pennsylvania does not require certification, but earning one can improve job prospects.
BTI cannot guarantee employment or salary.
At BTI, you can learn:
- ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS coding using real-world case studies.
- Medical billing processes (claims, payer rules) and the role coders play across healthcare settings.
Quick note: BTI’s program highlights preparation for CPC and CCS. Credentials like CPB or CCS-P are often pursued later with additional experience and study.
Snapshot Comparison
| Credential | Issuer | Primary Setting | Skill Emphasis | Good First Cert? | BTI Alignment* |
| CPC | AAPC | Physician/Outpatient | CPT®/HCPCS + ICD-10-CM | Yes | Highlighted (prep included) |
| CCS | AHIMA | Hospital + Outpatient | Advanced record-level proficiency | After some training/experience | Highlighted (prep included) |
| CCS-P | AHIMA | Physician-based | Advanced professional coding | After CPC/experience | Possible next step (post-grad) |
| CPB | AAPC | Revenue Cycle/Billing | Payers, claims, compliance | Often after entry-level coding | Possible next step (post-grad) |
| CCA | AHIMA | Entry-level | Foundational coding | Yes | Solid starting point |
*Based on BTI’s program page, which highlights CPC and CCS exam preparation.
How to Choose the Best Medical Coding Certification for You
- Match the setting to your goal.
Prefer hospitals? Aim for CCS. Prefer outpatient/physician settings? Start with CPC and consider CCS-P later. - Decide coding vs. billing.
Billing-focused credentials like CPB emphasize reimbursement, payer rules, and denials. - Choose a stepping stone if you’re new.
CPC or CCA are common entry points; BTI coursework prepares you for nationally recognized exams.
Ready to prepare for certifications with confidence?
BTI’s Medical Billing & Coding diploma program blends hands-on coding practice with certification preparation, helping you pursue credentials like CPC and CCS at campuses in Allentown, Lewisburg, or Wyomissing.
BTI cannot guarantee employment or salary. Certification requirements are set by third-party agencies and may change without notice.
Request Info or Schedule a Tour to speak with an admissions representative.
Medical Billing & Coding Certification FAQs
Do I need certification to work as a medical biller/coder in Pennsylvania?
No. However, earning credentials like CPC or CCS can strengthen applications and expand opportunities.
Where do I take AHIMA exams?
AHIMA delivers exams through Pearson VUE test centers and online proctoring options.
How hard is the CPC exam?
It’s comprehensive (100 questions across 17 knowledge areas), so focused preparation makes a difference. BTI includes certification prep in the curriculum.
Questions People Also Ask About Medical Billing & Coding Certifications
1) What is the best certification for medical billing and coding in 2025?
The CPC® from AAPC is one of the most recognized credentials, especially for outpatient and physician-based roles.
2) How long does it take to get certified?
Most students prepare in 9–15 months, then schedule exams through AAPC or AHIMA.
3) Which certification pays the most?
Advanced AHIMA credentials like CCS® or CCS-P® often lead to higher-paying, senior-level roles.
4) Is a medical billing and coding certification worth it?
Yes — certification may improve job prospects, qualify you for more roles, and increase earning potential.
5) Does BTI prepare you for certification?
Yes. BTI’s program includes preparation for nationally recognized exams such as CPC® (AAPC) and CCS® (AHIMA).
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.
