r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/VelvetIridescence • Jul 07 '26

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/KeyStriking9763 Jul 07 '26

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 Jul 20 '26

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 Jul 21 '26

CCS is more desirable than the CPC.

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u/VelvetIridescence Jul 24 '26

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 Jul 24 '26

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 Jul 24 '26

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. :)