Online Medical Billing & Coding Certifications: How to Get Certified Online
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HealthcareNursingAdv Nursing EditorialSenior CareDementia CareMedical billing & coding certifications open career doors and help industry professionals get noticed by employers. Learn which certifications matter, read FAQs from real students, and see what it takes to earn your certification 100% online.
How to Get Certified: What’s the Process?
If you’ve already graduated from a medical billing and coding program, you may wonder why you need to be certified, too. Here’s why:
Education programs can vary in quality, and certification provides employers with a standard by which to judge a person’s expertise. Plus, specific types of certification help distinguish between billers and coders with general knowledge and those with highly-valued specialized skills.
Certification can prepare you for more advanced medical billing and coding jobs that lead to increased salaries and greater job opportunities. Let’s take a look at how it all works and which online certifications may be right for you.
The Certification Process
Your first step in the certification process is getting the right education. Start by earning your high school diploma or GED and then applying for and completing an accredited billing and coding program.
The educational requirements for individual certifications vary. For example, the AAPC recommends an associate degree for its Certified Professional Coder designation, but that’s not a strict requirement.
Others (including the Certified Coding Associate from the AHIMA) suggest postsecondary education, but have no required minimum education requirements beyond a high school diploma.
Still other certifications allow applicants to substitute work experience for education. And some advanced designations require both a postsecondary education and work experience.
Once you’ve determined and achieved the right level of education and experience, the next step to certification is to take an examination.
To be eligible for your exam, you’ll need to register for the exam pay a registration fee. You may additionally be required to join the credentialing organization. For example, AAPC and AHIMA certifications require membership in their associations.
After passing the exam, you’ll likely need to renew your certification on a regular basis, which typically requires completion of a given number of continuing education credits.
Video Guide to Medical Coding Credentials
This EduMed video discusses the various credentials available in medical billing and coding, and provides key insight into which certifications employers value most. See Ashlie’s recommendations below:
Medical Coding Certification Online
There are two main certifying organizations in medical billing and coding, both of which offer several coding designations. Let’s take a closer look at each.
AAPC Coding Certifications
Founded in 1988 and originally known as the American Academy of Professional Coders, the AAPC today encompasses more than 300,000 members worldwide and currently offers two dozen different certifications for professionals working on the business side of health care.
There are four designations specifically for coders:
Certified Professional Coder (CPC) – AAPC describes this as the gold standard for coders working in doctor office settings. A CPC is expected to have mastery of all code sets – CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II – as well as a solid understanding of how to handle claims denials, charge captures and other issues.
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) – The COC is credential is for those with the expertise needed to work in outpatient facilities such as emergency departments, therapy offices and diagnostic centers. The AAPC anticipates career opportunities in outpatient facilities may rise as physicians move away from private practice and increasingly join hospital groups.
Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) – This relatively new certification is the only credential specific to inpatient medical coding. It’s intended for coders who work in hospitals or other inpatient facilities.
Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) – Another recently-added certification option, the CRC indicates a coder’s ability to read a medical chart and assign correct diagnosis codes. In addition to understanding medical coding guidelines, CRC applicants must know the audit process and documentation requirements for risk adjustment coding.
AHIMA Coding Certifications
The American Health Information Management Association has been serving health information management professionals since 1928. The group has more than 61,000 members (as of October 2024) which it serves through a variety of professional development opportunities.
For medical coders, it offers the following three certification programs:
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) – The CCA is a general certification offered by AHIMA and appropriate to coders working in both hospital and physician office settings.
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) – This certification is designed for those who will be classifying medical data, including those working in a hospital setting. AHIMA notes the skills of a CCS may also be needed by researchers and public health officials as they monitor health patterns and interventions.
Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P) – The CCS-P designation is for those who specialize in physician-based settings such as doctor offices, group practices or specialty clinics. Applicants for this credential must have an in-depth knowledge of the CPT coding system as well as an understanding of the ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II systems.
Specializing as a Medical Coder
In addition to the core medical coding certifications, coders also have a wide range of specialized certifications from which to choose. These AAPC-provided specialized certifications also require passing an exam and, in many cases, a stated level of experience.
Here are the 18 AAPC medical coding specialization options offered:
- Ambulatory Surgical Center (CASCC)
- Anesthesia and Pain Management (CANPC)
- Cardiology (CCC)
- Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (CCVTC)
- Dermatology (CPCD)
- Emergency Department (CEDC)
- Evaluation and Management (CEMC)
- Family Practice (CFPC)
- Gastroenterology (CGIC)
- General Surgery (CGSC)
- Hematology and Oncology (CHONC)
- Interventional Radiology and Cardiovascular (CIRCC)
- Obstetrics Gynecology (COBGC)
- Ophthalmology (COPC)
- Orthopaedic Surgery (COSC)
- Pediatrics (CPEDC)
- Rheumatology (CRHC)
- Urology (CUC)
Visit the AAPC’s page on specialty medical coding certifications for details on each, including how to prep for and schedule exams.
Medical Billing Certification Online
There are a small number of online certification options for medical billing available. The two main options are:
Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
Offered by the AAPC, the CPB credential is awarded to billers who have demonstrated expertise in all aspects of the revenue cycle. To earn this certification, you must have knowledge of various type of insurance plans, coding guidelines and laws pertaining to health care billing (such as HIPAA, the False Claims Act and the Fair Debt Collections Act).
AAPC recommends CPB applicants possess an associate degree. Applicants must additionally be members of the AAPC and score at least 70 percent on the 200-question multiple-choice certification exam.
The current exam cost is $399 for one exam attempt or $499 for two exam attempts. The exam is open book allowing test-takers use of certain approved manuals.
Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS)
The CMRS is offered by the American Medical Billing Association (AMBA).
Unlike other coding and billing certifications, there are no education requirements for the CMRS exam. Any member of the association with current year code books is eligible to take the exam, although the AMBA recommends applicants use a study guide to prepare.
The CMRS exam is extensive and includes 710 questions spread across 16 sections. A score of 85 percent is needed to pass.
The current exam cost is $325 (includes both the exam and AMBA membership). Applicants have a 45-day enrollment period in which to complete the test.
Preparing for the Exam
A quality medical coding and billing program should cover all the major content areas tested by certification exams. However, it’s still wise to do some additional preparation to maximize your chances of earning a passing score.
Here are a few quality preparation options:
AAPC study guides: The AAPC offers study guides for all of its certifications. These guides won’t teach you coding but do offer a review of coding concepts you learned in your medical billing and coding program.
Each guide provides testing tips and techniques to help applicants maximize their opportunity for success. Also included are reviews of medical terminology and anatomy, practical examples and sample questions that are designed to mimic those on the exam.
Costs vary by guide. Discounts are available to AAPC members.
AAPC practice exams: The AAPC also offers practice exams for its certifications.
These 50-question exams are designed to replicate the content and difficulty of the official certification exams. They provide immediate feedback and you can take each practice exam as many times as you’d like.
Practice exam costs for core specializations (bundle of three exams) are $79.95 for AAPC members and $209.95 for non-members. Practice exams for specialized certifications are $39.95 for AAPC members and $69.95 for non-members.
No Cost Prep: In addition to official study guides and practice exams, you can find free test prep resources online. These include apps and websites with sample questions, webinars and practice quizzes.
The quality of free resources can vary. And be sure you are using study materials for the latest version of each coding system.
Here are a couple places to start looking for no cost prep.
FIND PROGRAMS NEAR YOU:
The Career & Salary Outlook for Medical Billers & Coders
| Area | 10th Percentile | Median | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $35,780 | $50,250 | $80,950 |
| Alabama | $28,300 | $38,540 | $62,660 |
| Alaska | $45,780 | $56,740 | $84,810 |
| Arizona | $37,460 | $49,790 | $68,890 |
| Arkansas | $32,430 | $39,920 | $67,010 |
| California | $41,740 | $59,700 | $104,560 |
| Connecticut | $37,310 | $58,250 | $85,140 |
| Delaware | $34,710 | $52,020 | $72,570 |
| District of Columbia | $44,850 | $64,690 | $123,410 |
| Florida | $33,250 | $45,990 | $76,220 |
| Georgia | $34,500 | $48,990 | $78,300 |
| Hawaii | $41,790 | $62,990 | $91,140 |
| Idaho | $37,310 | $48,940 | $74,930 |
| Illinois | $36,900 | $49,420 | $74,520 |
| Indiana | $36,380 | $47,170 | $70,860 |
| Iowa | $38,610 | $51,580 | $64,020 |
| Kansas | $36,140 | $48,670 | $76,430 |
| Kentucky | $34,150 | $48,020 | $67,440 |
| Louisiana | $31,960 | $43,820 | $71,770 |
| Maine | $38,780 | $48,990 | $66,960 |
| Maryland | $40,740 | $59,140 | $107,870 |
| Massachusetts | $40,830 | $57,220 | $83,540 |
| Michigan | $36,990 | $48,220 | $70,570 |
| Minnesota | $46,630 | $59,310 | $77,200 |
| Mississippi | $29,440 | $39,970 | $63,290 |
| Missouri | $36,590 | $49,150 | $75,230 |
| Montana | $38,610 | $49,930 | $62,200 |
| Nebraska | $37,200 | $48,420 | $65,500 |
| Nevada | $36,730 | $60,530 | $94,990 |
| New Hampshire | $38,640 | $48,250 | $66,190 |
| New Jersey | $33,280 | $49,910 | $85,380 |
| New Mexico | $35,310 | $50,340 | $70,570 |
| New York | $40,260 | $59,750 | $98,910 |
| North Carolina | $35,170 | $47,840 | $79,250 |
| North Dakota | $37,160 | $53,550 | $77,820 |
| Ohio | $37,470 | $51,420 | $82,080 |
| Oklahoma | $34,510 | $48,590 | $70,590 |
| Oregon | $40,670 | $57,260 | $80,720 |
| Pennsylvania | $35,040 | $46,730 | $74,680 |
| Rhode Island | $43,110 | $63,330 | $81,290 |
| South Carolina | $35,740 | $58,510 | $67,930 |
| South Dakota | $34,150 | $50,320 | $77,030 |
| Tennessee | $35,930 | $49,740 | $78,830 |
| Texas | $31,550 | $47,230 | $77,140 |
| Utah | $35,360 | $47,710 | $82,740 |
| Vermont | $40,160 | $48,610 | $64,430 |
| Virginia | $35,560 | $51,780 | $76,560 |
| Washington | $44,100 | $62,250 | $96,740 |
| West Virginia | $30,260 | $43,710 | $66,960 |
| Wisconsin | $41,140 | $55,270 | $74,590 |
| Wyoming | $35,600 | $53,550 | $77,950 |
Source: Medical Records Specialists, Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2024, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
| Area | Curr. Jobs | Proj. Jobs | New Jobs | Growth % | Avg. Ann. Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 194,300 | 210,900 | 16,600 | 8.50% | 15,000 |
| Alabama | 2,540 | 2,740 | 200 | 7.90% | 190 |
| Alaska | 340 | 370 | 30 | 8.80% | 30 |
| Arizona | 4,010 | 5,080 | 1,070 | 26.70% | 410 |
| Arkansas | 1,810 | 1,950 | 140 | 7.70% | 140 |
| California | 20,000 | 23,000 | 3,000 | 15.00% | 1,710 |
| Colorado | 2,360 | 2,820 | 460 | 19.50% | 220 |
| Connecticut | 1,610 | 1,770 | 160 | 9.90% | 130 |
| Delaware | 450 | 520 | 70 | 15.60% | 40 |
| District of Columbia | 290 | 310 | 20 | 6.90% | 20 |
| Florida | 15,350 | 17,920 | 2,570 | 16.70% | 1,350 |
| Georgia | 4,820 | 5,630 | 810 | 16.80% | 430 |
| Illinois | 5,690 | 6,030 | 340 | 6.00% | 420 |
| Indiana | 3,680 | 3,980 | 300 | 8.20% | 280 |
| Iowa | 2,430 | 2,760 | 330 | 13.60% | 200 |
| Kansas | 2,000 | 2,130 | 130 | 6.50% | 150 |
| Kentucky | 4,400 | 4,760 | 360 | 8.20% | 340 |
| Louisiana | 2,110 | 2,280 | 170 | 8.10% | 160 |
| Maine | 1,280 | 1,320 | 40 | 3.10% | 90 |
| Maryland | 3,070 | 3,400 | 330 | 10.70% | 250 |
| Massachusetts | 1,220 | 1,330 | 110 | 9.00% | 100 |
| Michigan | 4,110 | 4,370 | 260 | 6.30% | 310 |
| Minnesota | 3,480 | 3,740 | 260 | 7.50% | 270 |
| Mississippi | 2,080 | 2,220 | 140 | 6.70% | 160 |
| Missouri | 3,310 | 3,620 | 310 | 9.40% | 260 |
| Montana | 820 | 960 | 140 | 17.10% | 70 |
| Nebraska | 2,060 | 2,230 | 170 | 8.30% | 160 |
| Nevada | 1,420 | 1,640 | 220 | 15.50% | 120 |
| New Hampshire | 860 | 930 | 70 | 8.10% | 70 |
| New Jersey | 1,530 | 1,620 | 90 | 5.90% | 110 |
| New Mexico | 1,230 | 1,460 | 230 | 18.70% | 110 |
| North Carolina | 5,370 | 6,230 | 860 | 16.00% | 470 |
| North Dakota | 490 | 540 | 50 | 10.20% | 40 |
| Ohio | 8,260 | 8,770 | 510 | 6.20% | 610 |
| Oklahoma | 2,480 | 2,630 | 150 | 6.00% | 180 |
| Oregon | 2,440 | 2,790 | 350 | 14.30% | 210 |
| Pennsylvania | 7,280 | 7,930 | 650 | 8.90% | 570 |
| Rhode Island | 600 | 650 | 50 | 8.30% | 50 |
| South Carolina | 2,860 | 3,380 | 520 | 18.20% | 260 |
| South Dakota | 1,150 | 1,310 | 160 | 13.90% | 100 |
| Tennessee | 3,350 | 4,070 | 720 | 21.50% | 320 |
| Texas | 19,530 | 23,450 | 3,920 | 20.10% | 1,810 |
| Utah | 1,390 | 1,860 | 470 | 33.80% | 150 |
| Vermont | 420 | 460 | 40 | 9.50% | 30 |
| Virgin Islands | 20 | 20 | – | 0.00% | – |
| Virginia | 4,710 | 5,330 | 620 | 13.20% | 390 |
| West Virginia | 1,190 | 1,270 | 80 | 6.70% | 90 |
| Wisconsin | 4,110 | 4,570 | 460 | 11.20% | 330 |
| Wyoming | 370 | 420 | 50 | 13.50% | 30 |
Source: Projections Central
Data based on national numbers, not school-specific information.
