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Exam Overview
An Overview of the CCA Exam
Format, scoring, and the official content outline
The CCA examination assesses competency in applying coding guidelines, using clinical classification systems, abstracting data from health records, and handling coded data accurately for reimbursement, reporting, and compliance. AHIMA builds the exam from a job analysis of entry-level coding practice, and each domain's weight reflects how much of an entry-level coder's work falls in that area.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Administered by | American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) |
| Total questions | 105 multiple-choice questions: 90 scored and 15 unscored pretest questions |
| Question format | Four answer options, one correct answer; pretest items are not identified |
| Testing time | 2 hours |
| Scoring | Scaled score from 100 to 400; a scaled score of 300 is required to pass |
| Navigation | Questions are answered in sequence; candidates cannot move back between questions or flag items for later review |
| Delivery | Computer-based testing at Pearson VUE test centers in the United States and internationally |
| Reference materials | None permitted; closed-book exam |
| Fee | $199 for AHIMA members; $299 for non-members (retakes are charged the same fee) |
| Eligibility | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Recommended preparation | Six months of coding experience, completion of an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program, or other formal coding training |
| Certification cycle | Two years; maintained by earning the required continuing education units (CEUs) and paying the recertification fee |
Always Confirm Current Details
Fees, scheduling policies, and testing rules are set by AHIMA and Pearson VUE and can change. Confirm current details on AHIMA's CCA certification page before you register.Official Content Domains and Weights
| Domain | Weight | Approx. scored items* |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Clinical Classification Systems | 30–34% | 27–31 |
| 2. Reimbursement Methodologies | 21–25% | 19–23 |
| 3. Health Records and Data Content | 13–17% | 12–15 |
| 4. Compliance | 12–16% | 11–14 |
| 5. Information Technologies | 6–10% | 5–9 |
| 6. Confidentiality and Privacy | 6–10% | 5–9 |
*Approximate counts are calculated from the 90 scored questions and the published weight ranges.
Domain weight (midpoint of published range, %)
Why the CCA Matters
Career Entry
Many hospitals and physician practices prefer or require a recognized credential for coding positions.
Earning Potential
Credentialed coders generally qualify for higher-paying roles than non-credentialed coders.
Professional Credibility
The credential shows a commitment to accurate, ethical coding and to staying current with annual code-set changes.
Pathway to Advancement
The CCA is a foundation for AHIMA's mastery-level CCS and CCS-P credentials and for HIM career growth.
What the Exam Rewards
CCA questions rarely ask for a definition alone. Most present a short documentation scenario and ask which code, sequence, modifier, query, or action is correct. Study guidelines as rules you apply, not as terms you recognize.Finished reading?
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