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CCA—The First Step for a Career in Coding

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AHIMA knows the demand for coders is high and expected to continue into the future. In response, we developed the CCA, an entry-level credential that distinguishes new coders in the job market.

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CCAs:

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• Exhibit a level of commitment, competency, and professional capability usually absent in a newcomer to the field
• Demonstrate a commitment to the coding profession
• Distinguish themselves from non-credentialed coders and those holding credentials from other organizations less demanding of the higher level of expertise required to earn AHIMA certification.

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Based on job analysis standards and state-of-the-art test construction, the CCA will create a larger pool of qualified coders ready to meet potential employers' needs.

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How Does the CCA Compare with Other Credentials?

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The CCA should be viewed as the starting point for an individual entering a career as a coder. The CCS and CCS-P exams demonstrate mastery level skills the CCA should strive for to advance his or her career.

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Eligibility Requirements

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CCA examination candidates must have a high school diploma from a United States high school or an equivalent educational background.

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Although not required, it is strongly recommended that candidates have at least six months experience in:

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• A healthcare organization applying ICD-9-CM and CPT coding conventions and guidelines,

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or

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• Have completed an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program

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or

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• Have completed other formal coding training program

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The CCA exam is based on ICD-9-CM codes effective October 1, 2008, and CPT codes effective January 1, 2009. Only the American Medical Association CPT codebook is permitted.  HCPCS II codebooks and ICD-9-CM codebooks containing HCPCS national level II codebooks are not permitted for this examination. Candidates without the required 2009 codebooks will not be permitted to test and will forfeit their application fee. Beginning March 31, 2009, candidates will be required to bring their 2009 ICD-9-CM Volumes 1 through 3 codebook and the 2009 CPT codebook to the test center. Effective March 31, 2009 CCA score reports will show scaled scores, please review the CCA Scale Scoring FAQ. List of Allowable Codebooks CCA Recommended Resources Exam Preparation

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• Online CCA Exam Registration

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• FAQs for the CCA Examination

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• CCA Scale Scoring FAQ - Effective 3-31-09

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• CCA Exam Application

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• 2009 Certification Candidate Guide

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• Special Accommodations Form (Form A and B)

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| General | Applying | Scheduling | Preparing | Taking | After the Exam

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Frequently Asked Question
Why has AHIMA created this credential?
With plenty of jobs available, why does a new coder need the CCA?
How does the CCA compare to the CCS and CCS-P?
What educational requirements are needed in order to take the CCA exam?

What is the exam fee?
How does the CCA compare to the RHIA and RHIT credential?
If I currently hold an RHIA or RHIT, do I need to also hold the CCA to demonstrate my coding knowledge?
I already have a CCS or CCS-P credential and experience in the field. How does the creation of the CCA help me?

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

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General Information
About Certification
About AHIMA
Experience with Certification
Independent Testing Agency
Nondiscrimination Policy
Confidentiality Procedure
AHIMA Code of Ethics
AHIMA’s Standards for Initial Certification

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Applying for the Examination

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Eligibility
Eligibility Documentation
Eligibility Appeal Procedure
The Application and Testing Process
AHIMA Approved Coding Programs
Special Testing Accommodations

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Scheduling the Examination
Authorization To Test (ATT)
Scheduling your Appointment
Testing Centers
Appointment Changes and Fee Refunds

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Preparing for the Examination
Examination Specifications
Competency Statements beginning March 29, 2006
Content Outline
Tutorial

Sample Examination Questions
Timed Examination
Pretest Questions

Examination Preparatory Arena

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Taking the Examination
On the Day of the Examination
Identification Requirements
Test Center Restrictions
Security
Misconduct

Testing Irregularities
Cancellation Due to Inclement Weather or Other Emergencies

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After the Examination
Feedback on your Testing Experience
Determination of the Passing Score and Notification of Results
Passing Score

Validation of Scores

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If You Passed the Exam
Release of Information
Certificates
Use of the Credential
Registry
Maintenance of Certification Requirements
Revocation of Certification

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If You Did Not Pass the Exam
Complaints and Appeals
Reexamination

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