Medical Billing and Coding Certifications: CPC, CCA, CCS, CBCS, CPB, RHIT (2026)
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Key takeaway: Three organizations issue the certifications that matter in billing and coding: 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 in the absence of a state license. Each exam tests the code sets and guidelines in slightly different proportions, and each body has its own eligibility rules and renewal requirements. Passing an exam is not the same as dropping AAPC’s apprentice designation, and exam rules change. 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 We do not quote exam fees.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
- CPCThe most requested outpatient coding credential, and what the CPC-A apprentice rule means.
- CCAAHIMA's entry-level coding credential, with no apprentice designation.
- CCSThe advanced hospital coding credential, with ICD-10-PCS and DRG assignment.
- CBCSNHA's combined entry-level billing and coding credential.
- CPBAAPC's billing-specific credential for revenue cycle roles.
- RHITThe associate-degree credential for health information roles, requiring a CAHIIM-accredited program.
- Which certificationA decision guide across CPC, CCA, CCS, CBCS, CPB, and RHIT.
- AAPC vs AHIMAThe two main bodies, compared for someone who has not sat an exam yet.
- Billing certificationThe billing-side credentials, for people who searched billing not coding.