CCS and CCS-P Examinations FAQs

 How much does the exam cost?

The application fee for the CCS and the CCS-P exam is $299.00 for AHIMA members and $399.00 for non-members.

What are the examination specifications?

The exam specifications will be structured as follows:

CCS Exam

Multiple Choice Section - The multiple choice section will consist of 81 single response multiple-choice items (63 "scored" and 18 "pre-test" items). Pre-test items are unscored items that are included in the examination to assess the item's performance prior to using it for operational use in a future examination. The pre-test items are scrambled randomly throughout the examination and do not count toward the candidate's score.

Multiple Select Section - The multiple select section will consist of 8 multiple response items (6 "scored" and 2 "pre-test" items). Pre-test items are unscored items.

Fill in the Blank Section (Medical Record Cases) - The fill in the blank section will consist of 12 medical record cases, which contains six outpatient records and six inpatient records.

Inpatient diagnoses and procedures are to be coded with ICD-9-CM volumes 1-3; ambulatory care diagnoses are to be coded with ICD-9-CM volumes 1 and 2; and ambulatory care procedures with CPT. 

CCS-P

Multiple Choice Section - The multiple choice section will consist of 88 single response multiple-choice items (70 "scored" and 18 "pre-test" items). Pre-test items are unscored items that are included in the examination to assess the item's performance prior to using it for operational use in a future examination. The pre-test items are scrambled randomly throughout the examination and do not count toward the candidate's score.

Multiple Select Section - The multiple select section will consist of 8 multiple response items (6 "scored" and 2 "pre-test" items). Pre-test items are unscored items.

Fill in the Blank Section (Medical Record Cases) - The fill in the blank section will consist of 13 medical record cases, which requires you to perform diagnostic (ICD-9-CM) and procedural (CPT and HCPCS Level II) coding for physician services. 

How long is the testing time for the exams?

The total testing time for the CCS/CCS-P exam is four hours there will be no breaks.

When can I expect to receive my score report?

Immediate scoring for the 2011 exam will be available when a sufficient candidate volume has been reached.  The passing score will be set and score reports will be mailed to candidates.  Once the passing scores have been established, immediate scoring will be available at all testing centers.

What is the passing score for the CCS/CCS-P Exam?

The passing score reflects the minimum number of questions and codes needed to be answered correctly to pass. The methodology used to set the original minimum passing score is the modified Angoff procedure. This universally accepted psychometric procedure uses content experts to estimate the passing probability of each item on the examination. The Examination Construction Committee follows strict guidelines in selecting the multiple-choice questions used on each examination form to ensure that all versions of the exam are parallel in difficulty. To adjust for fluctuations in examination difficulty across time, statistical equating is performed, and the passing score may vary slightly from one testing period to the next. Passing scores will be published when sufficient candidate volume is reached on AHIMA’s Web site.  In order to pass the examination, candidates must meet or exceed the passing scores for both Part I and Part II of the examination.

What is an “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.

After I send my application and fee, how soon will I get my Authorization to Test (ATT)?

Pearson Vue will send an ATT letter to the candidate once all application materials are complete and eligibility has been confirmed. If the application is incomplete, the candidate will be sent further instructions for completion of the application. Candidates who are determined to be ineligible, submit an ineligible application, or request the withdrawal of their application, will receive a refund of their application fee less a $75 processing fee.   Please allow one to two weeks for processing from the time you submit your completed application to the time you receive your ATT which will allow you to make an appointment to schedule the exam. All applicants are strongly encouraged to send the application and fee via a traceable method. 

How soon can I re-test if I failed the exam?

Candidates who have taken the exam and were unsuccessful must wait a minimum of 91 days between administrations.  To retake an exam, the candidate must reapply by submitting a current application with the appropriate fee. 

How long does it take to process an examination application refund?

Examination refund requests take 6-8 weeks to process.

Now, would you really want to take this test for this kind of money without some training and experience first?  That is a lot of money to take a chance on, at least for me.