Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

What is CCA

The CCA credential is designed for individuals who interpret healthcare data and assign medical codes from patient records — inpatient, outpatient, and physician-based records.
It’s positioned as an entry-level coding certification — ideal for those starting a career in health information management and medical coding.

To sit for the CCA exam, you must have at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Recommended (but not mandatory):
- 6 months of coding experience applying codes, or
- Graduation from an -approved coding program (PCAP), or
- Completion of basic training (anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural + basic CPT coding)

Exam is computer-based, administered at a Pearson VUE test center (domestic and international)
As of 1 May 2025, candidates must bring the 2025 edition codebooks (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT) to the exam. Without correct codebooks, candidates are not allowed to test.
Exam contains 105 items: 90 scored + 15 pre-test questions (pre-test items do not count toward score)
Time allowed: 2 hours for the exam.
Candidate must register and schedule the exam within the eligibility window as per ’s process.

After passing, CCA holders must meet recertification requirements over a 2-year certification period: complete required CEUs + pay recertification fee to maintain active status.

The CCA exam tests foundational coding and health-information management skills across six core domains.

Domain 1: Clinical Classification Systems (≈ 30–34%)

Interpret healthcare data for code assignment (inpatient, outpatient, physician-based)
Use clinical vocabularies and terminologies in health information systems
Abstract relevant info from medical records (history, exam, diagnoses, procedures)
Apply inpatient, outpatient, physician-based coding guidelines appropriately
Assign correct diagnosis & procedure codes (ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT) depending on setting
Sequence codes properly for correct code order, including evaluation & management (E/M) levels, use of modifiers when required

Domain 2: Reimbursement Methodologies (≈ 21–25%)

Sequence codes to support appropriate reimbursement under different payer/payer-type rules
Link diagnoses and CPT codes according to payer-specific guidelines
Understand payment groupings: DRG for inpatient, APC for outpatient, correct claim form types
Be familiar with NCCI edits, bundling/unbundling rules, medical necessity validation (LCD/NCD), claim denial handling and payer compliance processes

Domain 3: Health Records & Data Content

Review health records for completeness and accuracy
Validate that documentation supports coding assignments (diagnoses, procedures, services)
Abstract appropriate clinical data for coding and reporting

Domain 4: Compliance

Understand regulatory requirements (e.g. UHDDS for inpatient, payer documentation rules)
Ensure confidentiality, privacy compliance (e.g. HIPAA), correct record-keeping
Maintain coding ethics and professional responsibility

Domain 5: Information Technologies

Domain 6: Confidentiality & Privacy

Adhere to privacy laws and ethical standards when handling health information
Maintain data security, confidentiality, and compliance in coding & record-handling

Serves as a recognized entry-level credential for medical coders — helps demonstrate foundational coding competence for hospitals, clinics, outpatient practices.
Allows coders to work with inpatient, outpatient, and physician-based records — versatile across settings.
Helps new coders or fresh graduates enter the medical coding profession — good for your academy’s target students (life-sciences graduates, freshers)
Adds credibility to resumes, distinguishing certified coders from non-certified; useful when placing coders in employment or outsourcing roles