Certified Coding Associate (CCA®)

Based upon job analysis standards and state-of-the-art test construction, the CCA designation has been a nationally accepted standard of achievement in the health information management (HIM) field since 2002. More than 8,000 people have attained the certification since inception. The CCA, the CCS and the CCS-P are the only coding credentials worldwide currently accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

The CCA credential distinguishes coders by exhibiting commitment and demonstrating coding competencies across all settings, including both hospitals and physician practices. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a shortage of more than 50,000 qualified HIM and HIT workers by 2015. Becoming a CCA positions you as a leader in an exciting and growing market. CCAs:

• Exhibit a level of commitment, competency, and professional capability that employers are looking for
• Demonstrate a commitment to the coding profession
• Distinguish themselves from non-credentialed coders and those holding credentials from organizations less demanding of the higher level of expertise required to earn AHIMA certification 

How Does the CCA Compare with Other AHIMA Coding Credentials?

The CCA exhibits coding competency in any setting, including both hospitals and physician practices. The CCS and CCS-P® exams demonstrate mastery level skills in an area of specialty: hospital-based for CCS's and physician practice-based for CCS-Ps.

Eligibility Requirements

Required:           

• High School Diploma or equivalent 

Recommended (not required)

Training and Recommendations 

• 6 months coding experience directly applying codes; OR
• Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program; OR
• Completion of other coding training program to include anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, Basic ICD diagnostic/procedural and Basic CPT coding.

Submitting an Application

Before submitting an application, carefully review the information contained in this guide. It is the candidate's responsibility to ensure eligibility before submitting the application. Applicants who are determined to be ineligible and submit an ineligible application or request withdrawal of their application, will receive a refund of the application fee minus a $75 processing fee.

Applicants may register online or by submitting a paper application.

Exam Fees

Member Price: $199
Non-member price: $299

Exam Application Checklist

• Read Candidate Guide
• Apply for exam
  • Register Online
  • Exam Application
  • Special Accommodations Form - Form A and B
  • ADA Policy and Procedure
  • ADA Documentation Guidelines
• Upon receipt of authorization to test (ATT), read it completely
• Schedule exam with Pearson Vue
• Verify what materials are needed at the testing center
• Verify what form(s) of Identification are needed at the testing center
• Verify time and date of exam

Eligibility Period

A candidate’s eligibility period is defined in the Authorization to Test letter (ATT) as a four-month window in which candidates are required to schedule their exam appointment. Candidates who fail to schedule an examination appointment within their eligibility period indicated in their ATT will forfeit their application fee. A complete application and examination fee are required to reapply for the examination.

Candidates arriving at the test center 15 minutes after the scheduled appointment will not be allowed to test and will forfeit the testing fee. A complete application and examination fee are required to reapply for the examination.

• Recommended Resources
• AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Programs

Exam Specifications

• 2 hour, 100 multiple-choice item examination consisting of 90 scored items and 10 pretest items.
• Candidates' scores are based solely upon the number of scored items on the exam - pretest items do not affect the candidates' score. Pretest questions are administered to evaluate the item's difficulty level for possible inclusion as a scored question in future exams. These pretest questions are dispersed throughout the exam and cannot be identified by the candidate.

Exam Content Outline

A certification examination is based on an explicit set of competencies. These competencies have been determined through a job analysis study conducted of practitioners. The competencies are divided into domains and tasks as shown in the PDF below. Examinations test only content pertaining to the following competencies.

• CCA Exam Content Outline