So, you’ve completed your medical coding training and are eager to jumpstart your career. Earning a professional certification is a crucial step to maximize your job prospects. With respected certifications like CPC and CCA available, deciding which path to take can be daunting. This guide breaks down two leading certifications and explores how a Career Step Coding Test could be instrumental in your preparation and success.
CPC (Certified Professional Coder) Certification: The Gold Standard
The CPC certification is widely recognized as the benchmark for excellence in medical coding and billing. This rigorous exam evaluates your coding proficiency, specifically focusing on coding for physicians and non-physician providers such as nurses. Holding a CPC signifies that you possess the expertise to excel as a professional coder, confidently applying CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes.
The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, with a four-hour time limit.
Administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the CPC exam can be taken either online or at a designated in-person testing center.
Maintaining your CPC certification requires continuous learning and engagement with the field. Certified professionals must maintain an active AAPC membership and accrue 40 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.
While technically accessible to newcomers, the CPC is often more strategically beneficial for individuals with some healthcare or coding experience. Although you can take the exam without prior experience, full CPC certification, removing the ‘apprentice’ designation (CPC-A), requires two years of professional coding work experience. This makes the CPC a strong choice for those already working in healthcare or with some foundational coding knowledge, and looking to solidify their credentials.
CCA (Certified Coding Associate) Certification: A Strong Entry Point
The Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification, offered by the American Health Information Management Association, is another highly respected credential in the medical coding field. The CCA validates competency in coding across diverse healthcare settings, including both hospitals and physician practices. Earning a CCA demonstrates a coder’s foundational skills and readiness for professional roles.
The CCA exam includes 105 questions and is completed within a two-hour timeframe.
Currently, the CCA exam must be taken in person at an authorized testing facility.
To uphold CCA certification, recertification is required every two years. This process involves accumulating at least 20 CEUs and paying a recertification fee.
The CCA certification is particularly well-suited as a starting point for individuals new to medical coding or the broader healthcare industry. It serves as an excellent entry-level credential to begin a coding career.
Read more: Medical Billing & Coding Job Duties, Requirements, & Salary
CPC vs CCA: Dissecting the Differences for Your Career Path
Neither the CPC nor the CCA certification inherently outranks the other. Both are valuable credentials that can propel you towards an entry-level professional coding career. The optimal choice depends on your individual experience level, career aspirations, and learning style. However, understanding the nuances of each exam is crucial in making an informed decision aligned with your career goals.
Exam Prerequisites and Specifics
To be eligible for the CPC exam, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Relevant Education or Experience: Applicants should possess some form of relevant education or practical experience in the field. This can include completion of focused medical coding courses or prior work history within the healthcare sector.
- AAPC Membership: Becoming and maintaining an active AAPC membership is a mandatory prerequisite before scheduling the CPC exam.
- Exam Fee: The initial attempt at the CPC exam carries a fee of $399. Retaking the exam, if necessary, may incur additional charges.
Upon successfully passing the CPC exam, you initially earn the CPC-A designation, signifying ‘apprentice’ status. Advancement to full CPC certification requires accumulating two years of documented work experience in a professional coding role.
The eligibility requirements for the CCA exam are less stringent:
- High School Diploma or Equivalent: A high school diploma or its equivalent is the only formal education requirement.
- Exam Fee: The exam fee is tiered, costing $299 for non-AHIMA members and $199 for AHIMA members.
While not mandatory, AHIMA strongly recommends that CCA candidates possess one of the following:
- Six months of direct coding application experience.
- Completion of an AHIMA-approved coding program.
- Completion of an alternative program covering essential topics: anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural coding, and basic CPT® coding.
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Salary Expectations and Job Market Demand
Both the CCA and CPC certifications equip you for entry-level professional coder positions. Consequently, either certification can open doors to similar job opportunities. The primary distinction lies in employer preferences; some organizations may favor one certification over the other during their hiring processes.
Salary expectations for professionals holding either certification are generally comparable. However, recent data from ZipRecruiter indicates a salary variation: CPC-A credential holders in the United States earned an average hourly rate of $29 per hour in 2023, while CCA credential holders averaged $22 per hour. This difference could reflect the CPC’s perception as a more specialized or advanced credential.
Career Advancement Opportunities
Generally, both CCA and CPC certified professionals have access to a wide spectrum of job opportunities. However, it’s important to reiterate that certain employers may exhibit a preference for one certification over the other. A proactive approach involves carefully examining job descriptions for medical coding positions in your target locations, even before enrolling in a training program. These descriptions often specify desired or required certifications, providing valuable insights into which credential might be more advantageous for your specific career goals.
Entry-level medical coding professionals typically find employment in diverse settings including hospitals, physician offices, insurance companies, and various other healthcare organizations.
Learn more: CareerStep’s Online Medical Coding and Billing Professional Training Program
Navigating Your Choice: CPC or CCA?
If you remain uncertain about which certification aligns best with your aspirations, consider these guiding factors:
- Analyze Job Requirements: Conduct thorough research into job postings for coding positions that pique your interest. Identify recurring requirements employers emphasize. Do they specify particular certifications? Understanding employer preferences in your target job market is crucial.
- Evaluate Exam Eligibility: Scrutinize the eligibility criteria for both the CPC and CCA exams. Do you currently meet the prerequisites for either exam? If not, determine the steps necessary to gain the required experience or education.
- Compare Exam Costs: Acknowledge the cost difference; the CCA exam is slightly less expensive at $299 compared to the CPC exam at $399. Factor in your budget and overall career investment strategy when considering exam fees.
- Assess Your Curriculum Alignment: If you are currently enrolled in a medical coding program, meticulously review your curriculum. Which certification exam does your training program best prepare you for? Does your program emphasize physician-based coding (CPC focus) or a broader scope (CCA)? For instance, a career step coding test within your curriculum might be geared towards CPC exam content if the program is CPC-focused.
- Consider Organizational Affiliation: Note that AAPC membership is mandatory for CPC exam candidates, while AHIMA membership is optional for the CCA. Research both organizations – AAPC and AHIMA – to understand their respective member benefits, resources, and professional development opportunities. Determine which organization’s community and offerings resonate more with your career aspirations. Will you find more valuable support within AHIMA, or does AAPC offer superior networking avenues for your goals?
What about CCS or CCS-P? It’s important to note that the CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) and CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based) certifications are not entry-level credentials. These exams are fill-in-the-blank format and considerably more challenging, designed for experienced coders with several years of on-the-job experience.
Can I get hired before certification? In some instances, employers might offer reimbursement for certification expenses or allow a grace period (e.g., 6-12 months post-hire) to obtain a specific certification, particularly if you already possess a related credential like the CCA and are expected to pursue the CPC. While national certification isn’t universally mandated by all employers currently, industry trends indicate a growing preference for certified coders.
Even when certification isn’t a strict requirement, holding credentials significantly enhances your resume and can differentiate you from other applicants, making the investment in certification worthwhile.
AHIMA or AAPC: Which organization is superior? Neither AHIMA nor AAPC holds a definitive advantage over the other. The “better” organization is subjective and depends on individual preferences and career objectives. Carefully compare their membership benefits, the structure and format of their respective certification exams, pricing, and the types of questions asked. Your personal preferences in these aspects will guide you towards the organization that best aligns with your needs.
Evaluate factors like membership fees, the level of member support provided, and opportunities for professional development, upskilling, and networking within each organization.
Which certification is favored by Career Step learners? Career Step learners have diverse career goals, and both the CCA and CPC certifications can serve as valuable stepping stones in a medical coding career. However, the Career Step Medical Coding and Billing Program curriculum is specifically designed to prepare learners for the CPC exam, and the program cost includes a CPC exam voucher. Consequently, a significant number of Career Step learners naturally gravitate towards pursuing the CPC certification, feeling well-prepared by their training and having the exam cost covered. Furthermore, the program incorporates elements of a career step coding test approach through practice exams and assessments designed to mirror the CPC exam format and content.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Coding Goals: Entry-level coders typically begin in outpatient coding roles. Inpatient coding is generally considered a more advanced specialization requiring greater experience. While no entry-level certifications specifically denote advanced inpatient coding expertise, employers seeking inpatient coders often prefer candidates with a foundational outpatient coding certification (like CPC or CCA) and relevant training.
Starting with a CPC or CCA credential positions you favorably for entry-level outpatient roles and demonstrates a commitment to professional development. Employers aware of your inpatient coding training might be more inclined to hire you with a pathway to inpatient specialization as you gain experience and potentially pursue advanced certifications later.
Advanced Credentials for Experienced Coders: After gaining several years of practical experience, numerous advanced certifications become available through both AHIMA and AAPC. Examples include CCS, CCS-P, CPC-H (Certified Professional Coder – Hospital), and various specialty-specific exams. These advanced certifications signify a high level of expertise in medical coding across different settings and specialties. Many experienced coders hold credentials from both organizations, and generally, a broader portfolio of credentials enhances career prospects. For instance, you might begin with the CPC through AAPC and subsequently pursue the CCS through AHIMA after gaining more extensive experience.
Prepare for a Medical Coding Career Online
For individuals new to medical coding, formal training is highly recommended before job applications or certification exams. Career Step’s comprehensive online Professional Medical Coding and Billing Training Program provides foundational coding and billing skills, preparing you to confidently pursue a career in this growing field. Our flexible online format allows you to learn at your own pace, from home, fitting your studies into your life. To discover more about our online training and curriculum, contact us today at 1-800-411-7073!
