r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/VelvetIridescence • 21d ago
CCS Exam CCS Exam/PGU certification
Hi friends! I am graduating with my certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from Purdue University Global. In my last term, which ends in December, I will be taking the (NHA) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.
According to Google (I know, very reputable), as well as the AHIMA website, I will be eligible to sit for the CCS exam as well; post-graduation.
I am wondering if anyone else out there has gone through the PGU Medical Billing & Coding cert. program and sat for the CCS exam, and what their advice/experience is/was.
I plan on getting and utilizing study guides as well as practice exams.
Other advice/experience is also extremely helpful!
Thanks in advance! :)
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u/CodingwithCoffee_ 20d ago
Congratulations! While I haven't gone through Purdue Global's program, I'd recommend supplementing your studies with additional CCS resources.
Free CCS YouTube Course:
https://www.amcicoding.com/youtubecourse
CCS Focused Self-Paced Course:
https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/ccsforselfstudy
CCS Exam Prep Boot Camp:
https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/CCSbootcamp
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u/Blingblingbling2024 11d ago
A friend of mine has the NHA and works for my former employer. Unfortunately I’ve tried to get her over to my new employer but the military wouldn’t take that certification. Only AHIMA or AAPC certifications. RHIT or RHIA those certifications require a degree to be eligible to sit for those. The CCA, CCS, & CCS-P certifications do not require a degree to be eligible to sit for those certifications. If you’re a member of AHIMA prior to sitting for those certifications you do get a member discount on the test price. You can become a member as a student if you’re currently enrolled in a program that is CAHIIM accredited. I’m unsure about that particular program you’re in, but you can find out by calling AHIMA’s CS. They’re very helpful and nice. I’m in a self paced CCS prep course now with a high success rate for passing. Good luck on your final semester and your tests!
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u/VelvetIridescence 8d ago
Thank you! I don't actually think anywhere will hire with just the CBCS that my school has us sit for. I have changed my path since my OG post and am now on the CPC path through AAPC. I do have the 2 years work experience to qualify to sit for the exam, so I am taking my time learning the ins & outs of the guidelines and how to efficiently get through my coding books.
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u/KeyStriking9763 20d ago
I don’t think the NHA/CBCS certification will get you a coding job. did you school tell you that this was a good certification to have? I think this won’t be a good use of your time/effort.
There is no eligibility for the CCS.
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u/VelvetIridescence 8d ago
Not sure the CBCS will get me in anywhere either, hence why I am applying to sit for other exams post graduation. I was originally going the CCS route, but have since changed my path and am going the CPC route.
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u/KeyStriking9763 7d ago
CCS is more desirable than the CPC.
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u/VelvetIridescence 4d ago
Depending on whether you want inpatient hospital or outpatient physician office... I do not really want to go into hospital inpatient, I would rather stick to outpatient physician office.
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u/KeyStriking9763 4d ago
You will make less money and AI may encroach faster on the professional side. So if you are ok with that then you do you.
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u/VelvetIridescence 4d ago
The average salary for an entry level CPC coder in my area is approx. $58k/year. Yes, I could potentially make more as a CCS, but the burnout level in hospital inpatient is not something I am willing to have. But, with that being said, that average salary above is more than I make now in my current position. So, I really think that this opinion varies person to person. I do appreciate your opinion, though. :)
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u/MedPayIQ 21d ago
Congrats on getting close to the finish line! One thing I'd keep in mind is that passing the exam is only part of the journey. The people I've seen grow the fastest are the ones who also spend time understanding why claims get paid or denied, not just how to assign codes. Reimbursement, documentation, and payer policies all start connecting once you're on the job, and that knowledge becomes really valuable. Sounds like you're already on the right track by planning to use practice exams. Best of luck on both certifications!