By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed September 24, 2026
For most beginners, the best first certification is the AAPC CPC if you want coding jobs (especially physician offices), or the AHIMA CCA if you want an entry-level coding credential that is quicker to sit for. Billing-focused roles often look for the NHA CBCS, and hospital revenue cycle jobs value the HFMA CRCR. You don’t strictly need a certification to get hired, but many employers prefer it, especially for remote jobs.
Quick pick: Want to be a coder in a doctor’s office → CPC. Want an entry-level coding credential → CCA. Want billing, claims and front-desk revenue work → CBCS. Want hospital revenue cycle / patient access → CRCR. Already experienced and want auditing → CPMA.
The main certifications compared
| Certification | Issued by | Best for | Exam basics |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPC (Certified Professional Coder) | AAPC | Physician and outpatient coding | 100 questions, 4 hours, open code books, 70% to pass |
| CCA (Certified Coding Associate) | AHIMA | Entry-level coding (hospital or physician) | 105 questions, 2 hours; fee $199 members / $299 non-members |
| CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) | AHIMA | Experienced hospital inpatient/outpatient coders | Advanced; experience recommended |
| CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) | NHA | Billing, claims and combined billing-coding roles | Entry-level; often paired with training programs |
| CRCR (Certified Revenue Cycle Representative) | HFMA | Hospital revenue cycle, patient access, billing | Entry to mid level, online exam |
| CPMA (Certified Professional Medical Auditor) | AAPC | Experienced coders and billers moving into auditing and compliance | For people with coding/billing experience |
Exam fees and formats change. Always confirm on the certifying body’s website before you register. The CPC exam fee has been reported at about $425 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts (plus AAPC membership).
CPC: the most requested coding credential
The CPC is widely listed in physician-practice and remote coding job ads. The exam is open book (you bring approved CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II manuals). New passers usually get “CPC-A” (apprentice) status, which is removed after two years of coding experience, or one year plus an approved practice program.
CCA: a faster start with AHIMA
The CCA is designed for early-career coders. A high school diploma is required; AHIMA recommends six months of coding experience or a coding program. In 2025, AHIMA reported a 62% first-time pass rate.
Billing vs coding: which path fits you?
- Coders read medical records and assign diagnosis and procedure codes. The work is detail-heavy and certification matters more.
- Billers submit claims, follow up on denials, post payments and talk to patients and insurers. Many billers start without certification and add one later.
From the billing side: in 15 years of working alongside billers and coders, the people who progressed fastest weren’t always the ones with the most letters after their name. They were the ones who understood why claims get denied. Whatever certification you choose, learn denial codes and the basics of insurance (deductibles, EOBs, prior authorization). It makes you useful from day one.
Pay and job outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics groups coders under “medical records specialists.” It reports a median pay of $51,140 per year (May 2025) and projects 8% job growth from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average, with about 200,700 jobs in 2025. Pay varies by state, experience and certification.
Watch out for work-from-home scams
Real billing and coding employers do not ask you to pay to be hired, buy equipment from them or deposit checks for them. Be cautious of “no experience needed, $40/hour from home” offers. Legitimate remote roles usually want certification or experience.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a certification for medical billing?
Not always. Many billing roles hire without one, but certification (such as CBCS or CRCR) helps, especially for remote jobs. Coding jobs are more likely to require one.
CPC or CCA: which is easier?
The CCA is shorter (2 hours) and designed for beginners. The CPC is longer (4 hours) but is the most requested credential in physician-office coding job ads.
How long does it take to get certified?
It depends on your training. Many programs take several months of study before the exam.
Sources
- US Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical records specialists
- AHIMA: Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
- AAPC: CPC exam FAQs
- Penn Foster: How to pass the CPC exam (format and fees)
- NHA: CBCS certification
- HFMA: CRCR certification
*This guide is educational. We are not affiliated with any certifying body. See our Disclaimer.*