AHIMA’s updating of the Coding Credential exams lags behind changes to the coding sets. Typically, AHIMA coding credential exams use the current year guidelines and code sets until May 1 of the following year.
Which year CCS Exam Review will I need?
It depends on when you will be sitting for your credential:
- If you are planning to take the exam prior to May 1, 2026, you should study the FY2025 guidelines and codes and prepare with the 2025 CCS Exam Review.
- If you are planning to take the exam May 1, 2026 or later, you should study the FY2026 guidelines and codes and prepare with the 2026 CCS Exam Review.
Please refer to the AHIMA website (www.ahima.org) for updates on the exam status and the list of allowable code books for your exam. Refer to the PearsonVue website (https://home.pearsonvue.com/ahima) for the specifics of what you need to know when registering for an exam.
CCS Exam Review
Introduction and Overview
- Overview of the CCS Exam
- What to expect from the course
- Navigating the course
Lesson 1: ICD-10-CM Coding
- ICD-10-CM Organization
- Key Points
- Official Conventions
- Official Guidelines
- Coding Scenarios
Lesson 2: ICD-10-PCS Coding
- ICD-10-PCS Organization
- Official Conventions
- Official Guidelines
- Coding Scenarios
Lesson 3: CPT Coding
- Official Conventions
- Official Guidelines
- Anesthesia
- Surgical Package
- Imaging and Destruction
- Surgery
- Radiology
- Pathology and Laboratory
- Medicine
- Parenthetical Instructional Notes
- Sequencing Rules
- Evaluation and Management (Facility Rules)
- National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI)
- Coding Scenarios
Lesson 4: Auxiliary Coding Considerations
- POA indicators
- Reimbursement Classifications
- CPT Modifiers
Lesson 5: Coding Documentation for Diagnoses
- General Key Documentation Elements
- Key Documentation Elements for Injuries
- Clinical Indicators
- Documentation discrepancies
- Coding Scenarios
Lesson 6: Coding Documentation for Procedures
- Surgical Key Documentation Elements
- Evaluation and Management Key Documentation Elements
- Anesthesia Key Documentation Elements
- Radiology Key Documentation Elements
- Pathology and Laboratory Key Documentation Elements
- Medical Terminology
- Diagnoses (CPT code Selection)
- Discrepancies
- Coding Scenarios
Lesson 7: Provider Queries and Regulatory Compliance
- Queries
- Regulatory Compliance
Lesson 8: Information Technology
- Electronic Medical Records
- Encoder
- Groupers
- Computer-Assisted-Coding
- HITECH Act Guidance
Exam Preparation and Test Taking Strategies
- AHIMA Resources Pertaining to the CCS Exam
- Applying for the CCS Exam
- Scheduling the CCS
- Preparation
First things first! Before attempting to earn a coding credential, candidates should be well versed in the knowledge essential to the work of a medical record coder.
Foundational Sciences: Medical record coders require foundational knowledge in certain key areas. Course work in these topics is essential prior to commencing a program of study in coding.
The Libman Education’s Medical Coding Foundational Skills program provides access to all four foundational sciences. Buy them together and save!
Coding Systems: There are three primary code sets used in healthcare organizations. It is essential to master the code set and guidelines prior to attempting to earn a coding credential. The following Libman Education courses provide foundational studies in the code sets.
- ICD-10-CM: Diagnosis Coding – A comprehensive program on the structure, function, and application of ICD-10-CM organized by body system. ICD-10-CM is used to code diagnoses in all healthcare settings.
- ICD-10-PCS: Medical and Surgical Coding – Education on assigning codes within the medical and surgical section of ICD-10-PCS, with complete education on the 31 root operations used in the coding process. ICD-10-PCS is used to code inpatient procedures.
- CPT: Procedural Coding – Course covers format and organization of CPT code system including modifiers and evaluation and management codes, with detailed instruction organized by body system. CPT is used to code procedures in the outpatient setting and physician practices.
Libman Education’s eLearning Library: Coding Essentials provides these essential foundational coding courses and many others plus hands-on practice applying codes to ensure you are truly prepared for your credential exam.
The level of effort to complete this course, start to finish, is equivalent to 9 CEUs. Remember: You have access to the course materials for the full 16 week enrollment period and we encourage you to re-review any materials that are helpful to you as you prepare for the exam.
Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion of the course work, student will be able to download a Libman Education Certificate of Completion.
AHIMA
AHIMA does not award CEUs for credential preparation or review courses.
AAPC
AAPC will not grant CEUs for courses related to non-AAPC credentials.
Eligibility
Eligibility to sit for the CCS is set by AHIMA. While not required, one of the following is recommended to sit for the CCS examination:
- Complete courses in all the following topics: anatomy & physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate/advanced ICD diagnostic coding, and procedural coding and medical services (CPT/HCPCS) plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Minimum of two (2) years of related coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Hold the CCA® credential plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Hold a coding credential from another certifying organization plus one (1) year of coding experience directly applying codes; OR
- Hold a CCS-P®, RHIT®, or RHIA® credential
To enroll in Libman Education’s CCS Practice Exam, candidates should already be proficient in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT coding systems. Libman Education’s eLearning Library: Coding Essentials provides essential foundational coding courses and many others plus hands-on practice applying codes to ensure you are truly prepared for your credential exam.
“I took my CCS Exam today and I passed scoring 375. Your CCS Exam Review really helped a lot. Thanks.” — Indu Kumar, CCS
“I passed my AHIMA CCS EXAM last Thursday. I thank Libman Education for their coaching, handholding, and their teaching method. You contributed immensely to my success.” — Dipo Olabumuyi, MD, FRCS(Ed), FWACS(Ortho), CBSC, CCS
“Yay!! Thank you so much! The course is fabulous.” — Colleen Parr, RN, CCDS
“Thank you so much for your amazing CCS Prep tutorial! I did pass the Exam and your review deserves much of the credit.” — Richard Gordon, RHIA, CCS(!)
“I asked one of my instructors for a review course to study for preparing to take my CCS exam and she recommended this course. It definitely helped me study and get ready to take the exam and I definitely recommend doing this course to get ready for the CCS exam!” — Misty McNeil
“I’m pleasantly surprised at your response … really didn’t think I would receive anything at all, so, thank you! I believe that alone says a lot for Libman Education. I would recommend you to other coding professionals.” — Jennifer Jones, CPC
“Thank you! Your company provides outstanding service and we appreciate it!” — Jim Herren, RHIA, CCS, Parkland Health & Hospital System
“LOVEEE Libman! Very happy with the classes I’ve taken.” — Linda C.
“I love the courses at Libman Education.” — Joanne S., CCS
“Any of Libman Education’s courses are worth time and cost. Always walk away with a useable, clarity or reinforcement of subject matter.”
“I greatly appreciate this support and outstanding customer service!” — former student
Required resources to prepare for the 2025 CCS Exam Review:
Required resources to prepare for the 2026 CCS Exam Review:
* Please note: It is important that each participant have the correct edition and date of each publication as specified. Failure to have the correct edition and date will result in not being able to complete assignments.
Candidates for the CCS exam are required to bring the correct edition of code books to the test center. Candidates who do not bring the correct code books to the test center will not be allowed to test and will forfeit their exam fees. The allowable code books will be listed on the AHIMA website.
Please refer to the AHIMA website (www.ahima.org) for updates on the exam status and the list of allowable code books for your exam. Refer to the PearsonVue website (https://home.pearsonvue.com/ahima) for the specifics of what you need to know when registering for an exam.
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