Medical Billing & Coding Certification Guide (2026)

Let’s talk about what counts in your favor when pursuing a medical billing and coding certification in 2026. 

Why You Need to Be Medical Coding Certified 

You've heard that certification boosts your salary – certified professionals earn approximately 20% more than their non-certified counterparts, with the median reaching around $50,250 annually, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. But did you know that 94% of employers require or encourage certification for medical billing and coding specialists, according to the 2025 Industry Outlook? 

This means you're competing against an entire pool where certification is baseline. 

Certified coders reported significantly higher job satisfaction and career mobility. When AI-assisted coding tools inevitably become mainstream, certified professionals will be the ones validating, auditing, and managing those systems. 

Breaking Up the Certification Alphabet Soup 

Medical billing and coding certifications look like someone spilled a bowl of alphabet soup. CPC, CCS, CBCS, CCA, and CPB – each acronym represents a distinct pathway with its own focus, requirements, and career trajectory.  

Entry-Level Certifications: Where Everyone Starts 

CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist) 

The CBCS is designed for beginners who want to validate foundational skills across both billing and coding functions. It's the fastest route to employability – many programs prepare you for this exam in 3-4 months.  

A frontrunner example would be Health Tech Academy’s CBCS-accredited Online Medical Billing & Coding Specialist Bootcamp, which can be completed in just 12 weeks. 

Listen to One of Our Students 

Best for: Career changers, recent high school grads, or anyone wanting to break into healthcare administration quickly. 

CCA (Certified Coding Associate)  

CCA covers both inpatient and outpatient coding. It's particularly valuable if you're unsure whether you want to specialize in physician offices or hospital settings. 

Best for: Those seeking a versatile starting point with an eye toward advancement. 

Professional-Level Certifications 

CPC (Certified Professional Coder)  

The CPC exam tests your mastery of CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding across 17 different knowledge domains. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, and you'll have four hours to complete it – with your coding manuals in hand. 

If you pass the CPC exam without two years of professional coding experience, you'll initially receive the CPC-A (apprentice) credential. It's still valuable, but you'll need to log those experience hours to drop the "A." 

Best for: Anyone targeting physician offices, outpatient clinics, and ambulatory surgery centers. 

CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)  

This credential demonstrates your ability to abstract medical records and assign codes for complex inpatient cases. The exam covers both ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS – the procedural coding system used exclusively in hospital inpatient coding. 

Best for: Hospital coders, those interested in DRG validation, or anyone wanting to work with more intricate medical cases. 

CPB (Certified Professional Biller)  

Love the business side more than the clinical side? The CPB focuses on medical billing, reimbursement, and revenue cycle management. You'll examine claims processing, payer rules, denial management, and compliance issues. 

Best for: Those who prefer working with claims, appeals, and insurance companies over assigning codes. 

The Certification Pathway 

Most successful professionals stack credentials strategically. 

The Outpatient Track 

• Start with CBCS (12 weeks). 
• Advance to CPC (6-12 months of additional study). 
• Add specialty certifications like CEMC (emergency medicine) or COSC (orthopedic surgery). 
• Consider CPMA (auditing) for six-figure potential. 

The Inpatient Track 

• Begin with CCA (entry-level). 
• Progress to CCS (1-2 years' experience). 
• Pursue CCS-P (physician-based inpatient coding). 
• Specialize in risk adjustment coding (CRC) for maximum earning potential. 

The Billing & Revenue Cycle Track 

• Launch with CBCS (entry-level). 
• Earn CPB (professional billing). 
• Add CPPM (practice management) for leadership roles. 

Continuing Medical Billing and Coding Education Requirements 

Certifications require ongoing education to maintain them. The requirements vary by organization: 

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certifications 

• 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. 
• At least 30% must be in your specialty area if you hold specialty credentials. 
• Reported on your membership renewal date. 

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certifications  

• 20 continuing education credits every two years. 
• Must include specific domains depending on your credential. 
• Self-reported through your AHIMA account. 

National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certifications 

• 10 continuing education credits every two years. 
• NHA offers free Continuing Education (CE) courses to current certification holders. 
• Available 24/7 through their online CE library. 

Most professional organizations offer free or low-cost CE opportunities. AAPC members can earn CEUs by completing quizzes in their monthly magazine. Many conferences offer CE credits. Even some webinars qualify. 

Some Medical Coding and Billing Certification Exam Hard Truths 

Preparing for a medical billing and coding certification exam isn't like studying for a college test. The challenge of these exams is knowing where to look for codes, understanding the guidelines, and working fast enough to finish on time. 

Most certification exams are deliberately time pressured with 2.4 minutes per question, including time to look up codes, read operative reports, and select the best answer.  

"The practical application in coding education is everything. Certification goes beyond rote memorization to real-world problem-solving skills."

– Rhonda Buckholtz, President of the AAPC National Advisory Board

How to Fast-Track Your Certification

Health Tech Academy's Medical Billing and Coding Bootcamp is designed to get you job-ready in 12 weeks with comprehensive training that covers: 

• Manual and electronic claims filing. 
• ICD-10 and CPT coding systems. 
• Medical terminology and anatomy. 
• Inpatient and outpatient coding procedures. 
• Practice with medical records. 

Program Highlights

• Self-paced online learning that fits your schedule. 
• 1-on-1 coaching sessions with industry experts. 
• CBCS certification exam fee included. 
• Career services and resume-building support. 
• $2,000 tuition (or flexible payment plans starting at $190/month). 

Health Tech Academy vs Community and Online Colleges  

Want to test your knowledge before the certification exam? Enroll and take the free practice exam to see where you stand. 

Certification Facts That Could Change Your Strategy 

• Geographic location impacts certification value: Washington, D.C. pays medical billing and coding specialists a median salary of $62,810 – over $12,000 more than the national median. If you're certified and willing to relocate (or work remotely for D.C.-based employers), your certification's ROI multiplies. 
• Specialty certifications pay off fast: The CPC-P (CPC Payer) credential showed a 21.8% salary increase in 2025 data, which is the highest bump among all specialty certifications.  
• Virtual internships can replace experience requirements: Some organizations now accept completion of virtual coding platforms like Practicode as a substitute for the experience requirement to drop the CPC-A designation. This can shave months off your credential progression. 

The 2026 Medical Coding and Billing Job Market  

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8-9% growth for medical records and health information specialists through 2033 – faster than the average for all occupations. But not all medical billing and coding jobs are created equal. 

• Hospital-based positions typically require at least one specialty certification.  
• Physician office positions are more accessible with a CBCS or entry-level CPC. 
• Remote positions usually require a certification plus 2-3 years of experience because you won't have senior coders down the hall to ask questions. 
• For new graduates, small to mid-size physician practices and revenue cycle management companies are ideal. These employers often hire certified candidates with limited experience and provide on-the-job training. After 12-18 months, you'll have the experience needed to command higher salaries or transition to remote work. 

Your Next Steps: From ‘Here’ to Hired 

• Month 1-4: Enroll in an accredited training program like Health Tech Academy's Bootcamp. Study consistently (plan for 15-20 hours per week if you're working full-time). 
• Month 3-4: Register for your certification exam. Most organizations recommend scheduling your exam 2-3 months out to create deadline pressure. 
• Month 4-5: Sit for your exam. Bring approved coding manuals, a stopwatch, and confidence earned through practice. 
• Month 5-6: Start applying for positions while you wait for results. Many employers will interview you based on your training completion; certification results are a formality. 
• Month 6-12: Work your first position, gain practical experience, and identify your specialty interests. 
• Year 2: Pursue your second certification or add a specialty credential to boost your earning potential by 15-20%. 

The healthcare industry needs 16,700 new medical billing and coding specialists annually to keep pace with demand.  

Get certified.  

Get hired.  

Get paid what you're worth. 

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers 

• How long does it take to get certified in medical billing and coding: Most entry-level certifications can be completed in 3–6 months, while professional credentials may take 6–12 months. Accelerated online programs can shorten the timeline to 12 weeks. 
• Do you need a degree to become a certified medical biller or coder: No. Most certifications require only a high school diploma or GED. A certification – not a degree – is the primary hiring requirement for entry-level roles. 
• What is the best medical billing and coding certification for beginners: The CBCS is widely recommended for beginners because it covers both billing and coding fundamentals. The CCA is another strong entry-level option with hospital and clinic flexibility. 
• Can you work remotely with a medical billing and coding certification: Yes, but most remote roles require a certification plus 1–2 years of experience. Many professionals start onsite before transitioning to remote work. 
• Is medical billing and coding a good career long-term, or will AI replace it: Medical billing and coding remain a strong long-term career. AI supports coders, but certified professionals are still needed for audits, compliance, complex cases, and code validation.