Medical Billing and Coding Certifications: CPC, CCA, CCS, CBCS, CPB, RHIT (2026)

Updated September 2, 2026 · Medical Billing Path Editorial Team

Key takeaway: Three organizations issue the credentials named in billing and coding job ads: AAPC (CPC, CPB), AHIMA (CCA, CCS, RHIT), and NHA (CBCS). For a first job in a physician practice or billing company, the CPC, CCA, or CBCS is the usual target. For hospital inpatient coding, the CCS or an RHIT from a CAHIIM-accredited degree is the path. None is required by law, but nearly every employer asks for one.

Certification is how the field verifies skill without a state license. Each body writes its own eligibility rules, exam blueprint, and renewal cycle. Passing AAPC’s CPC exam still leaves you CPC-A until you document experience. Exam rules change, so confirm current details with the body. This site is not affiliated with AAPC, AHIMA, NHA, or CAHIIM.

The credentials at a glance

Credential	Body	Level	Main focus
CPC	AAPC	Entry to intermediate	Physician and outpatient coding (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS)
CPB	AAPC	Entry to intermediate	Billing and reimbursement
CCA	AHIMA	Entry	Coding fundamentals across settings
CCS	AHIMA	Advanced	Hospital inpatient and outpatient coding
CBCS	NHA	Entry	Combined billing and coding
RHIT	AHIMA	Associate-degree level	Health information management including coding

Exam formats, fees, and eligibility change; each guide links to the certifying body for the current version. We do not quote exam fees.

If you want a decision path rather than a table, start with which certification.

Certification guides

Frequently asked questions

Is certification required to work in medical billing and coding?

No state requires a license, and no law requires certification. In practice most employers ask for one, because it is the only standardized proof that you can code or bill accurately. The CPC, CCA, and CBCS are the entry-level credentials most often named in postings.

Which organizations issue medical coding certifications?

The three main bodies are AAPC (CPC, CPB, and specialty credentials), AHIMA (CCA, CCS, RHIT, and RHIA), and the National Healthcareer Association (CBCS). All three are independent, and this site is not affiliated with any of them.

How long is a certification valid?

AAPC, AHIMA, and NHA credentials each renew on a cycle, typically every two years, by completing continuing education units and paying a renewal fee. The unit count and process differ by credential; see each guide and confirm current rules with the certifying body. We do not quote fees.

Which certification should I get first?

Match the job you want. Practice and outpatient coding: CPC or CCA. Combined billing and coding: CBCS. Billing: CPB. Hospital inpatient: CCS after an entry credential or a degree. Health information: RHIT from a CAHIIM-accredited program. See our comparison guide.

Do I need a program before I sit the exam?

AAPC’s CPC has no education prerequisite. AHIMA’s CCA requires a high school diploma as published. NHA’s CBCS requires training or experience. In practice most candidates use a program because the exams are hard without structured practice, and many employers list a completed program.