2026 Medical Billing and Coding Certification: Specialty Certifications to Consider

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

Share

What is medical billing and coding certification?

Medical billing and coding certification is a credential awarded to professionals who have fulfilled a specific training program and passed an examination in medical billing and coding.

These certifications ensure that individuals are qualified to accurately process health insurance claims, assign the correct medical codes to diagnoses and procedures, and manage the billing processes for healthcare providers.

Much like how merger and acquisition accounting requires precise handling of financial transactions and regulatory compliance, medical billing and coding demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to strict rules.

The process requires in-depth knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, healthcare regulations, and coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS used to classify diagnoses, treatments, and medical services.

Certification confirms that a professional possesses the expertise to navigate the complexities of healthcare billing and coding.

What are the basic requirements to become a certified medical coder or biller?

Individuals must complete relevant coursework to understand medical terminology, coding systems, and healthcare regulations. Other basic requirements to become a medical coder and biller include undergoing necessary training, passing a certification exam, and completing continuing education. 

• Educational Requirements: Most certification programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates typically complete a formal training program, which may range from a certificate to an associate degree, like an accelerated respiratory care therapy associate's degree online.
• Training and Experience: Some programs may require work experience in a medical setting to qualify for certification. Other certifying organizations may accept a combination of education and practical experience.
• Certification Exam: To become certified, candidates must pass a certification exam. The exam tests knowledge of coding systems, as well as billing practices and healthcare regulations.
• Continuing Education (CE): Certified medical coders and billers must complete ongoing education to maintain their certification. CE helps them stay updated with changes in coding systems, regulations, and best practices in the healthcare industry.

Difficulty with health insurance claims, misdiagnosis, and an unexpected medical bill contributed to the patients' mistrust of the American healthcare system.

What are the top specialty certifications for medical billing and coding professionals?

Specialization allows professionals to develop expertise in certain healthcare areas. Just as an MD MPH dual degree equips physicians with specialized knowledge in both medicine and public health, specialty certifications help medical billing and coding professionals gain targeted expertise in specific healthcare settings. Here are some of the top specialty certifications for medical billing and coders.

Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

The CIC certification focuses exclusively on coding for inpatient hospital settings. Professionals with this credential are experts at navigating the complex and lengthy patient charts associated with hospital admissions, from diagnostics to surgical procedures.

They are highly skilled in using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding systems to accurately capture all inpatient diagnoses and procedures, which is critical for hospital billing and revenue cycle management.

Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)

The COC certification is geared towards outpatient services, which involve shorter patient visits and different coding requirements. Coders with this credential specialize in assigning codes for a wide range of outpatient procedures and diagnoses, including those performed in physician's offices, ambulatory surgery centers, and emergency departments.

They are proficient in using CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes to ensure accurate billing for these services.

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

The CPC certification is often considered the foundation of professional medical coding and one of the most popular credentials. It demonstrates a coder's proficiency in assigning codes for a broad range of physician services in outpatient and office settings.

Because of its wide recognition, the CPC is an excellent starting point for new coders and is highly respected by employers across the healthcare industry.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

The CCS certification is considered a gold standard for coders working in both inpatient and outpatient environments. It demonstrates mastery of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT coding systems, making it highly versatile.

Professionals often compare CPC vs CCS certification to determine which path better aligns with their career goals: the CPC suits those aiming for physician practice and outpatient roles, while the CCS is better tailored for coders seeking hospital-based or more complex coding environments.

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)

The CBCS certification is ideal for those who want to work on both the coding and billing aspects of healthcare. This dual-purpose credential entails not only assigning codes but also understanding billing procedures, claim submission, payment posting, and denial management.

This makes it a practical option for individuals working in a variety of small and large medical settings where a versatile skillset is required.

Certified Cancer Registrar (CCR)

Specializing in oncology, the CCR certification equips professionals with mastery in coding and managing cancer-related data. This is a highly specialized role focused on the collection, analysis, and maintenance of data from cancer patients.

This certification is important for those working in cancer registries and oncology departments, as the data they collect is critical for cancer research and public health initiatives.

How long does it take to get certified in a specialty area?

The time it takes to get certified in a specialty area of medical billing and coding depends on an individual's prior experience, the type of program they choose, and the certification itself.

For someone already holding a basic medical billing and coding certification, specializing in an area such as inpatient or outpatient coding can take an additional 3 to 6 months to complete.

Just as pursuing training and skills in certain fields helps candidates secure finance jobs in demand, completing a specialty certification ensures that medical coders are qualified for high-demand roles within healthcare settings, equipped with expertise in specific codes, regulations, and practices.

Individuals starting from scratch may spend a longer time. A full medical coding program can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, depending on whether the candidate is pursuing a certificate, diploma, or associate degree. Afterward, an additional 3 to 6 months of focused study on the specialty area is usually required to prepare for the certification exam. 

Overall, most professionals can anticipate the process to last 6 months to a year. This timeline can be expedited with the shortest medical billing and coding certificate online programs or extended based on personal commitment, study time, and field experience.

How much does it cost to earn a medical billing and coding certification?

According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), students should expect to invest between $1,329 and $3,699 for online courses. Certification exam fees also vary: the CPC exam costs $399 for one attempt and $499 for two attempts.

Meanwhile, training programs cost $2,295 to $3,095, which include study materials and practice exams. Some specialized certifications may have different pricing structures, normally requiring additional coursework or exams.

While some programs offer payment plans or discounts, federal financial aid is generally not available for these certifications. Therefore, prospective candidates should plan their finances accordingly. 

What factors should you consider when selecting a medical billing and coding certification program?

How should you prepare for a medical billing and coding certification exam?

Preparing for a medical billing and coding certification exam necessitates focused study, practice, and familiarity with the exam format. Effective preparation involves the following:

• Review the exam outline and syllabus. This will give you a clear grasp of the topics covered and the scope of each section.
• Use customized study guides and practice tests. These materials will help reinforce key concepts and acquaint you with the types of questions you’ll encounter.
• Focus on medical terminology and coding systems. Regularly practicing coding exercises and reviewing anatomy can strengthen your ability to quickly and correctly assign codes during the exam.
• Set a consistent study schedule. Break the material into manageable chunks and study daily as the exam date approaches.
• Join study groups or forums. Exchange tips and resources with fellow exam candidates. Engaging with others can impart new perspectives and solidify your learning through discussion.

What are the most common mistakes students make when preparing for exams?

During exam preparation, many students make avoidable mistakes that can lead to stress and low scores. Address these mistakes early on to improve your exam results:

• Procrastination: Waiting until the last minute to start studying is not advisable. Cramming can result in poor retention and heightened anxiety, leaving little time for review and comprehension of the material.
• Lack of focused study sessions: Trying to study for long periods without breaks or focusing on too many topics at once can be overwhelming. Short, focused study sessions with actionable goals are better for retaining information.
• Ignoring practice exams: Failing to take practice exams or review past questions can leave you unprepared for the actual exam format. Practice tests help you become accustomed to question types and time constraints.
• Not prioritizing weak areas: Some students pay attention solely to areas they already feel comfortable with, neglecting weaker subjects. Allocate more time to challenging topics for well-balanced exam preparation.
• Underestimating the importance of rest: Skipping sleep or breaks can cause burnout and reduced cognitive function. Adequate rest is vital for memory consolidation and peak performance on exam day.

Can you get medical billing and coding certification completely online?

Yes, you can get a medical billing and coding certification entirely online. Most accredited organizations deliver programs with 100% online lectures, coursework, and exams. With the fastest online medical billing and coding certificate programs today, students can study from the comfort of their homes.

Some online courses may offer hybrid options that mandate in-person labs or practicum experiences. These programs also give access to practice tests, discussion forums, instructor support, and other study sources.

This makes online learning a viable alternative for students seeking convenience and a self-paced learning environment.

Are online certifications accepted by employers in the healthcare industry?

Online certifications in medical billing and coding are accepted by employers in the healthcare industry, as long as they come from reputable organizations. These certifications indicate that the individual has attained the knowledge and skills needed to perform medical billing and coding tasks, regardless of whether the program was fulfilled online or in person.

Employers in healthcare are more observant of the quality of the certification and the aptitude of the candidate, rather than the mode of education. The industry is increasingly embracing technology, and online education has also become a standard method of training for many professions, including medical coding and billing.

In fact, just as students now pursue the top communication sciences and disorders degree online for flexibility and accessibility, medical coding certifications earned online are gaining widespread acceptance as equivalent to traditional pathways.

Select a program from an accredited provider and acknowledge that hands-on experience, practical application, and other elements may play a role in hiring decisions.

What is the average salary for certified medical coders?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that medical records and health information specialists, including medical coders, earned a median annual wage of $50,250 in 2024.

Salaries, however, can vary significantly by geographic location, employer type, and experience. The lowest 10% of workers in this field made less than about $35,780, while the top 10% earned more than $80,950. Professionals employed in hospitals, government agencies, or larger health-tech organizations often earn higher wages compared to those in smaller practices.

Those with multiple certifications or specialized expertise may earn on the higher end, between $54,000 and $81,000, and bonuses or profit-sharing can further increase total compensation.

For comparison, if you're wondering what is a patient care technician salary, related roles such as patient care technicians earn a median salary of about $39,610 per year, which shows how coding positions can offer a stronger earning potential within the healthcare industry.

Notably, the AAPC-Approved Instructor credential ranks as one of the highest-paying positions in the field.

What is the long-term career outlook for medical billing and coding specialists?

According to the BLS, employment of medical records specialists is expected to grow 7% from 2024 to 2034. It translates to an estimated 16,700 new job openings annually.

This growth is driven by an aging population, refined healthcare access, and the digitization of health records. This is also a sign that certification credentials are rewarded with job stability and opportunity.

The call for professionals with medical billing and coding certification is further fueled by the escalating intricacies of medical procedures and the expansion of health insurance coverage. The rise of electronic health records (EHRs) and health information technology also makes competent medical billers and coders as indispensable as ever.

Here’s What Graduates Have to Say About Their Medical Billing & Coding Certifications

Other Things You Should Know About Medical Billing & Coding Certifications