By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed October 11, 2026
If you want a coding job, the CPC from AAPC is the certification employers ask for most often. The CBCS from NHA is the cheapest, quickest way in if you’re more interested in billing and front-office work. The CCA from AHIMA is a solid entry-level coding credential, especially if you plan to work in a hospital or go on to the CCS.
Quick pick: want physician or outpatient coding jobs, or remote coding later? Choose the CPC. Want a billing or patient account job fast and cheap? Choose the CBCS. Aiming for hospital coding and the CCS later? Choose the CCA.
Side-by-side comparison
| CPC | CBCS | CCA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who issues it | AAPC | NHA | AHIMA |
| Focus | Professional (physician) coding | Billing and coding basics | Coding in all settings |
| Exam fee | $425 (1 attempt) or $499 (2 attempts), plus AAPC membership | About $117 to $179 | $199 AHIMA members, $299 non-members |
| Questions | 100 | 125 (100 scored) | 105 (90 scored) |
| Time | 4 hours | 3 hours | 2 hours |
| Books allowed | Approved code books | No | Approved code books |
| Experience needed | None (you hold CPC-A until you have experience) | Training program or 1 to 2 years’ experience | None (training recommended) |
| Renewal | 36 CEUs every 2 years | 10 CE credits every 2 years | CEUs every 2 years |
Fees change, so confirm the current price on the AAPC, NHA or AHIMA website before you pay.
Salary: does the certification matter?
Yes. In AAPC’s 2026 salary report (2025 data), certified professionals averaged $67,260 a year, compared with $55,721 for those without a certification. CPC holders averaged $67,147. More credentials pay more: two AAPC certifications averaged $74,557, and three or more averaged $81,227.
There’s less published salary data for the CBCS and the CCA. Billing jobs that ask for the CBCS usually pay closer to entry-level billing rates, while the CCA is often a step toward the CCS, which pays more in hospital coding.
CPC: best for coding jobs
- Pros: the most recognized coding credential in job listings, especially for physician offices, outpatient clinics and remote coding roles.
- Cons: the most expensive, a long 4-hour exam, and the “A” (apprentice) status until you show work experience or complete practicum training.
- Good fit if: you want to code for a living and can study for 3 to 6 months.
CBCS: best for getting into billing fast
- Pros: the cheapest exam, no membership required, and it covers both billing and coding basics such as claims, insurance and compliance.
- Cons: less weight for pure coding jobs, and you can’t use books in the exam.
- Good fit if: you want a front-desk, billing, payment posting or patient account role, often through a community college or vocational program.
CCA: best for hospital coding
- Pros: respected in hospitals and health systems, shorter exam, and a natural path to AHIMA’s CCS.
- Cons: fewer listings ask for it than the CPC, and many employers see it as entry-level.
- Good fit if: you want inpatient or hospital-based coding.
Which one should you choose?
- Look at 20 job listings in your area (or remote listings) and count which credential they mention. Let real demand decide.
- Check your budget. CBCS costs a fraction of the CPC. You can always add the CPC later.
- Think about where you want to work. Physician offices and remote coding usually mean CPC. Hospitals often mean CCA, then CCS.
- Plan your study time. Most people need 3 to 6 months for the CPC, less for the CBCS.
From 15 years in billing: in the offices I’ve worked with, managers hiring coders almost always filtered for the CPC first. For billing roles, though, experience with claims, denials and payer portals mattered more than which certificate you had. If you’re starting from zero, a cheaper billing credential plus a first job can be a smarter path than paying for the CPC on day one.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CBCS easier than the CPC?
Most people find it easier. The CBCS covers broader billing basics with shorter questions, while the CPC tests detailed coding across CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS over 4 hours. The CBCS doesn’t allow books, though, so you need to know the basics well.
Which pays more, CPC or CBCS?
The CPC usually leads to higher-paying coding roles. AAPC’s 2026 report put the CPC average at $67,147. Billing roles that ask for the CBCS often start lower, but pay grows with experience.
Can I get a remote coding job with just a CCA or CBCS?
It’s possible but harder. Most remote coding listings ask for the CPC or CCS plus one to two years of experience. Many people start on-site, then move to remote work.
Do I need a degree to take these exams?
No. None of the three requires a college degree. The CBCS requires a high school diploma or GED plus a training program or work experience, and the CCA requires a high school diploma.
Sources: AAPC: CPC certification · NHA: CBCS certification · AHIMA: CCA · AAPC 2026 salary report
This guide is educational. Exam fees, requirements and salaries change, so confirm details with AAPC, NHA or AHIMA. MedBillGuide is not affiliated with any certifying organization. See our Disclaimer.