Medical Billing and Coding Certification Guide

Medical billing and coding certification isn't legally required in most states, but it's become a de facto hiring standard. Employers use credentials to verify that you understand coding systems (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS), billing regulations, and compliance requirements. In practice, most job postings for medical coders and billers list at least one certification as preferred or required.

The financial case is straightforward. According to the 2025 AAPC Salary Survey, certified professionals earn an average of $66,979 per year, while uncertified peers average $55,721. That's a gap of over $11,000 annually, and it grows with each additional credential.

Beyond salary, certification signals competence to employers and reduces onboarding time. Certified coders produce fewer claim denials caused by coding errors, which directly affects a healthcare organization's revenue. The credential also gives you geographic mobility. A CPC or CCA is recognized nationwide, making it easier to relocate or transition to remote work.

Three organizations issue the credentials that matter most: the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Each takes a different approach to exam design and credentialing.

The right credential depends on three factors: your career goal, your budget, and your current experience level.

If you want to code in a physician's office or outpatient setting, the CPC is the industry standard. It's the most recognized credential among physician-practice employers and is often listed as a requirement in job postings. CPC holders report a median salary of $58,895 (AAPC, 2025).

If you're new to the field and want an affordable entry point, the CCA provides a nationally recognized AHIMA credential with minimal prerequisites. It's designed as a starting point, and many CCA holders later pursue the CCS or CPC.

If cost is your primary concern, the CBCS from NHA costs roughly one-quarter of what the CPC costs. It covers both billing and coding, making it a practical choice for career changers on a tight budget.

If you want to work in a hospital, the CCS is the credential hospital coding managers look for. It tests complex inpatient coding scenarios involving ICD-10-PCS, DRGs, and case-level documentation that outpatient-focused exams don't cover.

If your focus is billing rather than coding, the CPB is the only credential dedicated to claims processing, denial management, and revenue cycle operations. Billing-focused roles at large health systems and third-party billing companies favor this credential.

The 2025 AAPC Salary Survey provides clear evidence that certification pays. Certified professionals earn $66,979 on average compared to $55,721 for uncertified workers. That's a 20.7% premium just for holding one credential.

The premium compounds with additional certifications. Professionals holding two credentials average $71,130, and those with three or more average $81,227 per year. CPC holders specifically report a median salary of $58,895, while CPB holders report $56,981 (AAPC, 2025).

The BLS reports a national median of $50,250 for medical records specialists (SOC 29-2072) as of May 2024, but this includes uncertified workers. The AAPC data suggests certified professionals significantly outperform that median. For more detail on earning potential, see our salary guide.

Every credential requires renewal every two years. Keep in mind that each active certification carries its own continuing education requirements and fees. If you hold credentials from multiple organizations, you'll need to plan your CE budget accordingly.

• CPC and CPB (AAPC): 36 CEUs per cycle, at least 24 in core coding topics. Active AAPC membership required.
• CCA and CCS (AHIMA): 20 CEUs per cycle, at least 80% in health information topics. Recertification fee: $100 (members) or $218 (non-members).
• CBCS (NHA): 10 continuing education credits per cycle.