Castleport Test Prep

AHIMA CCA Exam Requirements

To take the AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam, you need a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience, a degree, a coding program and AHIMA membership are all optional.

CCA eligibility: what you need and the answer
Do you need… Answer
High school diploma or equivalent Yes. This is the only eligibility requirement. (Candidate Guide, p. 5)
A college degree No. None is listed for the CCA.
Coding work experience No. Six months of directly applying codes is recommended, not required. (AHIMA CCA page)
An AHIMA-approved coding program (PCAP) No. Recommended preparation only.
Other coding coursework No. Also recommended only: anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD and basic CPT coding.
AHIMA membership No. Membership is optional, but members pay $199 instead of $299 for the exam. (AHIMA membership FAQ, exam fees)
College transcripts No routine requirement. AHIMA's standard official-transcript procedure is for RHIT and RHIA applicants. It can still request evidence of CCA eligibility during an audit. (Candidate Guide, pp. 7–8)

By Castleport Test Prep Editorial Team · Last verified October 22, 2026 against AHIMA and Pearson VUE's published CCA requirements.

What you need to actually take the exam

Qualifying is the easy part. These are the requirements that can delay testing or cost you your exam fee, in the order you'll meet them.

Requirements to actually take the exam: when, requirement and consequence if missed
When Requirement If you miss it
When you apply The name on your application matches your ID exactly You can be turned away on test day and lose the fee
When you apply Pay the fee online by credit card: $199 (AHIMA member) or $299 (non-member) No authorization to test
When you apply, if needed Submit any testing-accommodation request with your application Missing documentation can delay approval; booking outside AHIMA's approved process can leave accommodations off your appointment
After approval Watch for your Authorization to Test (ATT) email, then schedule and take the exam within your 120-day window Your eligibility expires; you reapply and pay again
Test day Bring the three approved 2026 code books (see the ISBN list) Not allowed to test; fee forfeited
Test day Bring two valid, original IDs whose names match your ATT Not allowed to test; fee forfeited
Test day Arrive 30 minutes early More than 15 minutes late counts as a no-show; fee forfeited

Sources: AHIMA Apply page, AHIMA scheduling instructions, CCA 2026 code book list.

Do you need experience or a coding course?

No. If you have a high school diploma or equivalent, you can apply today. AHIMA recommends at least one of these three preparation routes, but none is an eligibility requirement:

  1. Six months of experience directly applying codes.
  2. An AHIMA-approved coding program (PCAP).
  3. Other coding training that covers anatomy & physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural coding and basic CPT coding.

The reason AHIMA recommends them is simple. Being eligible doesn't mean you're ready. The CCA expects you to assign and sequence real codes, apply payment rules and handle compliance and privacy questions. AHIMA also says it doesn't require or endorse any particular training or prep resource (certification FAQ). The best free starting point is AHIMA's own CCA content outline. Read it and mark anything you can't do yet, before you pick a test date.

Not sure whether your diploma or credential counts as "equivalent"? Ask AHIMA certification support before you pay. Applicants found ineligible get a refund minus a $75 processing fee (Apply page). AHIMA can also audit any application and ask for proof of eligibility, so keep your diploma or equivalency paperwork handy (Candidate Guide, p. 7).

The 2026 code books you must bring

For CCA exams delivered on or after May 1, 2026, you must bring exactly three books:

  • one 2026 ICD-10-CM book from AHIMA's approved list
  • one 2026 ICD-10-PCS book from the approved list
  • the AMA CPT® 2026 Professional Edition

Test-center staff check your books against the list. Match the ISBN, not just the title or year. Bring the wrong books and you won't be allowed to test, and you lose the fee (CCA 2026 code book list).

Approved 2026 CCA code books: book, publisher, approved title and ISBN
Book Publisher Approved 2026 title ISBN
ICD-10-CM AHIMA ICD-10-CM Code Book, 2026 (softbound) 978-1-939635-88-4
ICD-10-CM AHIMA ICD-10-CM Code Book, 2026 (spiral) 978-1-939635-31-0
ICD-10-CM AMA ICD-10-CM 2026: The Complete Official Codebook (spiral) 978-1-64016-326-3
ICD-10-CM Elsevier Buck's 2026 ICD-10-CM for Hospitals 978-0-44340-948-6
ICD-10-CM Elsevier Buck's 2026 ICD-10-CM for Physicians 978-0-44338-078-5
ICD-10-CM Optum360 2026 ICD-10-CM Expert for Hospitals with Guidelines (spiral) 979-8-88952-037-5
ICD-10-CM Optum360 2026 ICD-10-CM Expert for Physicians with Guidelines (spiral) 979-8-88952-039-9
ICD-10-CM AAPC ICD-10-CM 2026: Expert (spiral) 979-8-89258-098-4
ICD-10-CM Decision Health ICD-10-CM Expert for Hospitals/Payers, 2026 978-1-963512-31-1
ICD-10-CM PMIC ICD-10-CM 2026 (softbound) 978-1-57066-809-8
ICD-10-CM PMIC ICD-10-CM 2026 (spiral) 978-1-57066-813-5
ICD-10-PCS AHIMA ICD-10-PCS Code Book, 2026 (softbound) 978-1-58426-997-7
ICD-10-PCS AHIMA ICD-10-PCS Code Book Professional Edition, 2026 (spiral) 978-1-58426-999-1
ICD-10-PCS AMA ICD-10-PCS 2026: The Complete Official Code Book (softbound) 978-1-64016-328-7
ICD-10-PCS Elsevier Buck's 2026 ICD-10-PCS 978-0-44340-952-3
ICD-10-PCS Optum360 2026 ICD-10-PCS Expert (spiral) 979-8-88952-049-8
ICD-10-PCS Optum360 2026 ICD-10-PCS Professional (softbound) 979-8-88952-050-4
ICD-10-PCS AAPC ICD-10-PCS: Expert 2026 979-8-89258-100-4
ICD-10-PCS Decision Health ICD-10-PCS Expert, 2026 978-1-963512-32-8
CPT AMA CPT® 2026 Professional Edition (spiral) 978-1-64016-322-5
CPT AMA CPT® Professional 2026 and CPT QuickRef App Bundle 978-1-64016-332-4

Source: AHIMA, CCA 2026 Exam Required Code Books, effective May 1, 2026, updated January 13, 2026. Check the CCA page for the book list that applies to your actual exam date before you buy.

The CPT bundle is on the list as a book. Its app doesn't come into the testing room with you, because phones and other electronic devices aren't allowed (Candidate Guide, p. 13).

Can you write in or tab your code books?

You can write in them, within limits. AHIMA's Candidate Guide allows handwritten notes and comments, as long as they don't contain coding rules or guidelines copied from other references such as Coding Clinic or CPT Assistant. These are not allowed:

  • Post-it notes
  • loose pages or inserts
  • handmade tabs

The guide doesn't separately address tabs printed by the publisher. If your annotations are unusual, check with AHIMA before test day rather than at the check-in desk (Candidate Guide, p. 13).

ID and arrival rules

Bring two original, unexpired IDs. The first and last name on both must match your ATT exactly. AHIMA's CCA exam follows Pearson VUE's Global ID Policy 2S. If you're testing in Japan, follow the separate policy linked at the top of that document.

  • Primary ID must show your name, a recent recognizable photo and your signature. Examples: a driver's license, passport, state or national ID card, military ID or green card. It normally must be issued by the country you're testing in; EU cards are accepted within the EU Zone. If you don't have an eligible local primary ID, bring an international travel passport from your country of citizenship, with information in Roman characters.
  • Secondary ID must show your name plus either a signature or a recent photo. Examples: a bank card, school ID, employer ID, or anything that would qualify as a primary ID. A secondary ID issued outside the testing country must use Roman characters.
  • Not accepted: photocopies and digital IDs.

AHIMA's own instructions say to bring valid, non-expired ID (scheduling instructions). Pearson's published policy permits an expired ID accompanied by renewal paperwork; confirm acceptance with AHIMA/Pearson before relying on that allowance for your appointment. Any exception to Pearson's ID policy must be pre-approved by AHIMA at least five business days before your appointment. Don't count on an exception at the door.

If your name changes, or is wrong on your ATT, contact AHIMA through its secure inquiry form well ahead of time. Follow the name-change instructions and ask AHIMA to confirm the deadline for your appointment and update the testing vendor's record before you test.

Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. AHIMA's scheduling instructions treat arriving more than 15 minutes late as a no-show, and a no-show forfeits the exam fee. At check-in, the test center:

  • takes your digital signature, a palm-vein scan and a photo
  • checks your code books
  • has you store your phone, watch, bag, food and drinks as directed, outside the testing room

(Scheduling instructions; Candidate Guide, pp. 12–13, 18)

How to apply and schedule

  1. Read AHIMA's Candidate Guide.
  2. Apply online through your MyAHIMA account. Use the exact name on your ID and pay by credit card.
  3. Need testing accommodations? Personally submit AHIMA's Request for Accommodation form and supporting documentation together with your exam application. Follow the submission instructions on the request form, which directs you to AHIMA's secure contact form. AHIMA won't accept requests sent by a third party such as an employer or evaluator. Allow 14 business days for its email response (accommodations FAQ). If you're approved, don't schedule online. Wait for AHIMA's confirmation email and use the phone number it gives you, or your accommodations won't be attached to the appointment (scheduling instructions).
  4. Wait for your ATT. The receipt email you get after paying is not your authorization. AHIMA says the ATT email usually arrives within five business days after your application is processed (application FAQ).
  5. Schedule at a Pearson VUE test center through MyAHIMA ("My Exams" → Schedule) or Pearson VUE's AHIMA page. Seats aren't guaranteed, so book early in your window.

Your eligibility window is 120 calendar days from application approval. You must schedule and sit for the exam inside it (Apply page). Use the exact start and end dates on your ATT rather than counting days yourself. AHIMA also notes that the window is meant for choosing a seat, not for studying, so apply when you're close to ready (Candidate Guide, p. 10).

Your eight-check CCA application worksheet

Use this checklist to identify your next action. Completing it does not establish that you are ready to pass or replace AHIMA's application decision.

Eight-check CCA application worksheet: check, stage and status, action and source
Check Stage / status Check and next action Source
1 Before applying — required Confirm your education fits the stated qualification; resolve an uncertain equivalency with AHIMA. Candidate Guide, pp. 5, 7
2 Before choosing a date — recommended Review the outline and write down the coding topics you still need to study. CCA content outline
3 Before submitting — required Match your application name to the identification you will bring. Apply page, ID policy
4 Before paying — fee required; budgeting optional Verify the CCA fee in your application. Optionally record separate book/preparation expenses. Apply page, required books
5 With your application — conditional If needed, submit the accommodation request and wait for approval and the approved scheduling instructions. Accommodation form, scheduling instructions
6 After approval — required Read the ATT dates and secure an appointment you can actually attend within the window. Eligibility period, Pearson AHIMA page
7 Before test day — required Compare all three books with the official list and check their annotations. Required books, Candidate Guide, p. 13
8 Before travel — required Recheck your IDs, appointment confirmation, location, and early-arrival plan. Scheduling instructions, ID policy

My next action: ____________________
My ATT end date: ____________________
My appointment date/time and center: ____________________

Deadlines and fees: where candidates lose money

CCA deadlines and fees: situation, AHIMA rule and cost
Situation AHIMA rule Cost
Exam fee Paid online when you apply $199 member / $299 non-member
Found ineligible, or eligible withdrawal request Refund subject to AHIMA's refund policy below; a processing fee is retained $75 kept
Need more time in your window Cancel any existing Pearson appointment before an extension can be authorized. Request the extension at least 14 business days before your exam date or eligibility end date, under the Candidate Guide procedure incorporated by the current extension form 30 days: $50; 60 days: $100; 90 days: $150. Nonrefundable; 90 days maximum
Reschedule or cancel Make the change through Pearson. The fee depends on timing; confirm the cutoff for your appointment because AHIMA's day labels differ (see below) $0 early; $30 late-change fee, nonrefundable
Cancel after the final change deadline, or do not attend Treated as a no-show Full fee lost
Want a refund Cancel the Pearson VUE appointment first, then make a separate request through AHIMA's secure inquiry form at least 14 business days before your test date or eligibility end date $75 processing fee, plus any applicable cancellation fee
Denied admission for late arrival, wrong books, wrong ID or wrong test center You can't test Full fee lost
Fail and retake Submit a new application and pay the full fee. CCA retake approval requires at least a 30-day wait; schedule only after the new ATT arrives Full exam fee again

Before you change an appointment: The CCA page says changes at least 15 business days before the exam are free, but its table says “15 days.” AHIMA's scheduling instructions describe the final cutoff as “one full business day (24 hours).” Those day labels are not interchangeable across weekends and holidays. Confirm the applicable free-change and final-change deadlines with Pearson for your appointment; don't calculate them from an assumed 24-hour rule.

Sources: AHIMA CCA page (cancellation, refund, retake); Apply page (fees, ineligible applications, retake approval); extension request form and its incorporated Candidate Guide procedure, p. 11; scheduling instructions (late arrival, $30 fee, refunds).

What the CCA exam looks like

CCA exam snapshot: item and detail
Item Detail
Questions 105 total: 90 scored, plus 15 unscored pretest questions you can't identify (CCA page)
Question style Traditional multiple choice (four options, one correct answer). Multiple-response questions are used only on the CCS and CCS-P (About the Exams)
Time 2-hour appointment: 5 minutes for the confidentiality agreement, then 1 hour 55 minutes for instructions and questions. There are no scheduled breaks, and the clock keeps running if you step out (timing FAQ)
Moving between questions For exams on or after May 1, 2026, AHIMA says you can move back and forth between questions (scheduling instructions)
Where In person at a Pearson VUE test center, in the U.S. or internationally. There's no at-home option for the CCA; AHIMA's online testing covers only the CHDA, CHPS and CDIP (Pearson VUE AHIMA page)
Passing score A scaled score of 300 on AHIMA's 100–400 scale. It isn't a percentage, so you cannot convert 300 into a fixed number of correct answers. Wrong answers don't cost points, so never leave a question blank (About the Exams)

Pacing, by our math: 115 minutes ÷ 105 questions ≈ 66 seconds per question. That time also has to cover the on-screen instructions, so the real budget is a little tighter.

What the CCA covers

CCA content outline domains and share of questions
Domain Share of questions
1. Clinical Classification Systems 30–34%
2. Reimbursement Methodologies 21–25%
3. Health Records and Data Content 13–17%
4. Compliance 12–16%
5. Information Technologies 6–10%
6. Confidentiality & Privacy 6–10%

Source: CCA Exam Content Outline, effective May 1, 2022.

Domain 1 is the biggest. It covers assigning and sequencing inpatient, outpatient and physician codes, E/M leveling by medical decision making or time, and modifiers. Domain 2 covers DRG and APC methods, NCCI edits, LCD/NCD medical necessity, HCC/risk adjustment and bundling rules.

After the exam

Results. You get a pass/fail score report as soon as you finish. It shows your scaled score and your percent correct in each domain. The domain percentages can't be averaged into your scaled score (results FAQ; Candidate Guide, Appendix D, pp. 21–22).

Retakes. If you don't pass, there is a 30-day retake waiting period, and you must submit a new application and pay the full fee again. You can apply during the waiting period, but you can't schedule until a new ATT arrives (Candidate Guide, p. 14). AHIMA can't waive the wait (CCA page).

Keeping the credential. The CCA runs on a two-year recertification cycle. If this is your first AHIMA credential, the initial cycle starts the day you pass. If you hold only the CCA, each cycle you need 20 continuing education units (CEUs), reported in your MyAHIMA CEU Center, plus a recertification fee. The fee for a single credential is $100 for standard member categories, $50 for emeritus members and $249 for non-members (AHIMA Recertification Guide, September 2026, pp. 4–6, 14).

Moving up. If you later pass the CCS or CCS-P, it replaces your CCA, and you stop maintaining the CCA (Recertification Guide, p. 5).

CCA first-time pass rates

CCA first-time pass rates by year with number of first-time testers
Year First-time testers First-time pass rate
2025 2,101 62%
2024 2,490 67%
2023 2,445 70%

AHIMA reports 7,753 CCA holders as of December 31, 2025 (CCA page). These rates cover first-time testers only. They describe past groups, not your odds.

Quick answers

Can I take the CCA online from home? No. The CCA is delivered only at Pearson VUE test centers.

Can I take the CCA outside the United States? Yes. AHIMA offers it at Pearson VUE centers worldwide, under the same policies and with no special testing window (certification FAQ). Follow the ID and arrival rules, including the international-document conditions and the separate instructions for Japan.

Is the CCA a license? No. It's a voluntary national certification from AHIMA (Candidate Guide, pp. 2, 7).

How is this different from the AAPC CPC? It's a different organization with different books, rules and fees. For the separate AAPC route, read our CPC exam requirements page.

More coding certification guides are on our health information exam resources page.

Sources and how we checked

Source checks completed October 22, 2026. This guide was developed and checked with AI assistance against the official documents below; source checking is not credentialed professional review. See our Editorial Standards.

The pacing figure is our own arithmetic from AHIMA's published timing. We did not submit an application, book an appointment or decide anyone's individual eligibility. AHIMA makes that call.

Castleport Test Prep is an independent exam prep publisher. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by or approved by AHIMA, its Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM) or Pearson VUE. Exam and credential names identify their subjects, and trademarks belong to their respective owners.