CCS Credential Requirements & Evaluation Structure 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many scored questions appear on the CCS exam, and what is the approximate passing score?
- 75 questions, 65% passing
- 97 scored questions, approximately 300 out of 400 scaled score (Correct answer)
- 150 questions, 70% passing
- 200 questions, 75% passing
Correct answer: 97 scored questions, approximately 300 out of 400 scaled score
The CCS exam contains 97 scored questions (plus pretest items). The scaled passing score is approximately 300 on a 100-400 scale, set by AHIMA through standard-setting studies.
The CCS exam is computer-based with approximately 97 scored questions and additional unscored pretest questions embedded throughout. AHIMA uses scaled scoring (100-400 range) with a passing score of approximately 300, though the exact cut score can be adjusted by standard-setting panels. Candidates should focus on mastery across all content domains rather than targeting a raw percentage.
Question 2: Which AHIMA content domain on the CCS exam has the highest percentage of test questions?
- Health information documentation
- ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding (Correct answer)
- CPT/HCPCS coding
- Compliance and data quality
Correct answer: ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding
ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding represents the largest single content domain on the CCS exam, reflecting the core coding competency required of hospital-based coders.
According to AHIMA's CCS exam content outline, ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding and ICD-10-PCS procedure coding together account for the majority of exam questions. Hospital coders must demonstrate proficiency in sequencing principal diagnoses, applying Official Coding Guidelines, selecting ICD-10-PCS procedure codes, and handling complex inpatient cases. CPT/HCPCS is tested but represents a smaller portion for the outpatient coding component.
Question 3: What continuing education is required to maintain the CCS credential after initial certification?
- 20 CEUs every 2 years
- 30 CEUs every 2 years (Correct answer)
- 20 CEUs per year
- No CEUs required; retake the exam every 5 years
Correct answer: 30 CEUs every 2 years
AHIMA requires 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain the CCS credential, with specific requirements for coding-related content.
To maintain any AHIMA credential including the CCS, credential holders must earn 30 CEUs within a two-year certification cycle. A minimum of 2 CEUs must be in ethics. CEUs can be earned through AHIMA-approved education programs, professional meetings, self-study, and academic coursework. Failure to complete CEUs results in credential suspension and eventual revocation.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the work setting for which the CCS credential is primarily designed?
- Physician office and ambulatory surgery centers only
- Hospital and other inpatient/outpatient facility settings (Correct answer)
- Insurance company claims review departments
- Public health departments and epidemiology offices
Correct answer: Hospital and other inpatient/outpatient facility settings
The CCS is AHIMA's facility-based coding credential, designed for coders working in hospitals and other institutional settings using UB-04 claim forms.
The CCS credential certifies competency in hospital-based coding, covering both inpatient coding (ICD-10-CM/PCS, MS-DRG) and hospital outpatient coding (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, APC/OPPS). The CCS-P variant is designed for physician-based/office settings. Hospital coders use ICD-10-PCS and DRGs, knowledge areas not heavily tested on CCS-P or CPC credentials, making the CCS the gold standard for facility coders.
Question 5: A candidate fails the CCS exam. What is the minimum waiting period before retaking it?
- No waiting period - can retake immediately
- 90 days after the failed attempt (Correct answer)
- 6 months after the failed attempt
- 1 year after the failed attempt
Correct answer: 90 days after the failed attempt
AHIMA requires a minimum of 90 days between CCS exam attempts to allow candidates time to study and improve before retesting.
Per AHIMA policy, candidates who do not pass the CCS exam must wait a minimum of 90 days before retaking it. Candidates are allowed a limited number of attempts within a testing window. Each retake requires a new registration fee. AHIMA provides a score report identifying performance by content domain so candidates can focus their preparation on weak areas.
Question 6: Which organization administers and owns the CCS credential?
- American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
- American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) (Correct answer)
- American Medical Association (AMA)
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Correct answer: American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
The CCS credential is owned and administered by AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association), the professional association for health information management professionals.
AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) develops, administers, and maintains the CCS credential along with other HIM credentials (RHIA, RHIT, CCS-P, CDIP, etc.). AAPC, a competitor organization, administers the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) credential which is more physician-office focused. The AMA publishes CPT codes but does not grant coding credentials. CMS oversees Medicare/Medicaid but does not certify coders.
CCS Credential Requirements & Evaluation Structure 2
How many scored questions appear on the CCS exam, and what is the approximate passing score?