Online CCS Preparation Courses
The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is issued by AHIMA and is aimed at coders with more experience, particularly in hospital settings. AHIMA recommends, but does not strictly require, prior coding experience; many CCS courses are exam review for people who already code, not beginner career training.
8 programs
Default order: provider name, A–Z. No paid placement affects it.
| Program & provider | Focus & award | Certification preparation & exam voucher | Delivery & duration | Published cost | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Medical Coding Dual Certification Course (MCDC) AMCI Quick factsOnline coding course preparing for the CPC, CCS-P and CCS exams, with independent coursework and optional live instructor-led group studies. Includes medical terminology and A&P instruction. Credit: Noncredit · Pacing: Mixed · Audience: Beginners Other compulsory charges may exist that the provider does not publish. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Medical coding Not published |
| Fully online · Mixed not stated | $3,365 Other costs may apply | |
Clinical Coding Certificate CT State Community College (Middlesex campus) Academic programQuick factsCredit certificate offered only by the Middlesex campus, delivered fully online, AHIMA PCAP-approved and in CAHIIM candidacy; stackable into the HIT associate degree. Credit: Credit-bearing · Pacing: Not published · Audience: Not published No price is published on the program page. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Medical coding Academic certificate |
| Fully online Three or more semesters | Not published | |
Medical Coding Diploma Program Online Herzing University Academic programQuick facts25-credit online diploma covering ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT/HCPCS coding, patient privacy, insurance claims and anatomy, with a certification review course. Credit: Credit-bearing · 25 credits · Pacing: Not published · Audience: Beginners Other compulsory charges may exist that the provider does not publish. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Medical coding Diploma |
| Fully online As little as 8 months; listed length 10 months | $13,250 Other costs may apply | |
Medical Coding Intermediate Technical Certificate Idaho State University Academic programQuick factsA 38-credit intermediate technical certificate in medical coding that ISU describes as fully online, with Spring and Fall entry. Credit: Credit-bearing · 38 credits · Pacing: Not published · Audience: Not published No price is published on the program page. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Medical coding Academic certificate |
| Fully online Not published | Not published | |
Medical Insurance Coding Diploma Indian Hills Community College Academic programQuick factsA 4-term (12-month) online diploma in medical insurance coding with Fall and Spring entry. Credit: Credit-bearing · Pacing: Not published · Audience: Not published Other compulsory charges may exist that the provider does not publish. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Medical coding Diploma |
| Fully online 4 Terms or 12 Months | $12,316 Other costs may apply | |
Medical Coding Technical Certificate Ivy Tech Community College Academic programQuick factsA 34-credit-hour technical certificate in medical coding, 2-3 semesters, available 100% online, with selective admissions. Credit: Credit-bearing · 34 credits · Pacing: Not published · Audience: Not published Other compulsory charges may exist that the provider does not publish. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Medical coding Academic certificate |
| Fully online 2-3 semesters | $6,065 Other costs may apply | |
Medical Billing and Coding Certificate Purdue University Global Academic programQuick factsCredit-bearing online undergraduate certificate of 44 quarter credits covering medical billing, coding, terminology and insurance, with virtual labs; AHIMA PCAP approved. Credit: Credit-bearing · 44 credits · Pacing: Instructor-led · Audience: Beginners Tuition is published per credit; the total depends on the credits required. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Billing & coding Academic certificate |
| Fully online · Instructor-led 1 year average completion (full-time schedule) | $371 / credit Total not published | |
Certificate in Medical Coding Rutgers School of Health Professions Academic programQuick facts21-credit, seven-course online certificate in medical coding taught in sequence over about 1 year 4 months part-time; Fall start only; credits transfer to the BS in Health Information Management. Credit: Credit-bearing · 21 credits · Pacing: Instructor-led · Audience: Not published No price is published on the program page. Reviewed October 18, 2026 | Medical coding Academic certificate |
| Fully online · Instructor-led 1 year and 4 months, part-time | Not published |
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Issuing organization
- AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) · official site
- Intended audience
- individuals skilled in classifying medical data from medical records; coders with inpatient and outpatient experience
- Current eligibility requirements
- Eligibility recommended, not required: 2 years related coding experience directly applying codes (or CCA plus 1 year of hands-on coding) (source)
- Exam format
- 107 questions (97 scored, 10 pretest), computer-based at Pearson VUE, 4 hours (source)
- Exam fee
- $299 AHIMA members, $399 non-members (source)
- Official credential information
- https://www.ahima.org/certification-careers/certifications-overview/ccs/
- Last reviewed
- October 18, 2026
Beginner training versus exam review
4 of the 12 programs for this exam are advanced exam preparation, intended for people who already work in coding or billing. They are filed under “Advanced exam preparation” and are not presented as beginner career programs.
Vouchers and memberships
Of 12 programs that state CCS preparation, 1 state that a CCS exam voucher is included. A voucher pays for an exam attempt; it does not make you eligible and does not guarantee a pass. The number of included attempts is shown only where the provider publishes it; “not confirmed” is not “no”.
Published tuition among these programs ranges from $395 to $13,250 (7 with a published price).
Certificate vs certification · How we verify preparation claims





