190+ Free CCA Practice Questions
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A patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy. Which ICD-10-CM code(s) should be assigned?
Key Facts: CCA Exam
105
Exam Questions
AHIMA format guidance
2h
Exam Time
AHIMA format guidance
300
Passing Score (scaled)
AHIMA format guidance
$199/$299
Member/Non-Member Fee
AHIMA pricing page
200
Practice Questions Here
OpenExamPrep CCA bank
6
Content Domains
AHIMA content outline
AHIMA's CCA exam is a 105-question, 2-hour exam with a scaled passing score of 300. It covers 6 domains: Clinical Classification Systems (30-34%), Reimbursement Methodologies (21-25%), Health Records and Data Content (13-17%), Compliance (12-16%), Information Technologies (6-10%), and Confidentiality & Privacy (6-10%). CCA is the entry-level pathway into medical coding careers and a stepping stone to CCS certification.
Sample CCA Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CCA exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 190+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A patient is diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy. Which ICD-10-CM code(s) should be assigned?
2According to ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, what is the correct 7th character for the initial encounter of a closed fracture being treated by a physician?
3A 45-year-old patient is admitted with pneumonia due to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). What is the correct ICD-10-CM code assignment?
4When coding a malignant neoplasm of the descending colon with metastasis to the liver, which codes should be assigned?
5A patient is admitted for acute respiratory failure due to acute exacerbation of COPD. How should this be coded?
6Which ICD-10-CM code should be assigned for a sequela (late effect) of a cerebrovascular accident with hemiplegia affecting the right dominant side?
7What CPT code is assigned for a diagnostic colonoscopy with biopsy of a single lesion in the sigmoid colon?
8A patient undergoes an appendectomy for a ruptured appendix with peritonitis. Which CPT code should be assigned?
9Which E/M code level would be appropriate for an established patient office visit that requires a medically appropriate history and examination, and straightforward medical decision making?
10A patient receives a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP). Which CPT code should be assigned?
About the CCA Exam
The CCA is AHIMAs entry-level medical coding certification, validating foundational knowledge of clinical classification systems (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS), reimbursement methodologies, health records and data content, compliance, information technologies, and confidentiality & privacy.
Questions
105 scored questions
Time Limit
2 hours
Passing Score
300 (scaled)
Exam Fee
$199 member / $299 non-member (AHIMA (Pearson VUE))
CCA Exam Content Outline
Clinical Classification Systems
ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding guidelines and conventions, CPT coding principles, HCPCS Level II coding, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and diagnostic/procedural coding scenarios
Reimbursement Methodologies
Inpatient prospective payment system (IPPS), MS-DRG assignment, outpatient prospective payment system (OPPS), APCs, physician fee schedule, RBRVS, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, commercial payers, managed care, claims processing, denial management, chargemaster maintenance, and revenue integrity
Health Records and Data Content
Health record documentation standards, data quality and integrity, record retention and destruction, abstracting, registration and admission processes, Master Patient Index (MPI), data standards (LOINC, SNOMED CT, RxNorm), and discharge planning
Compliance
HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules, HITECH Act, fraud and abuse regulations, Stark Law, Anti-Kickback Statute, False Claims Act, coding compliance programs, audit processes, query practices, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), and AHIMA Code of Ethics
Information Technologies
Electronic health record (EHR) systems, encoder and CAC software, health information exchange (HIE), interoperability, clinical decision support (CDS), computerized physician order entry (CPOE), telemedicine, mHealth, data exchange, and system security
Confidentiality & Privacy
Patient privacy protections, minimum necessary standard, authorization and consent, breach notification, business associate agreements (BAAs), de-identification, psychotherapy notes protections, research privacy, marketing and fundraising restrictions, release of information, and disclosure accounting
How to Pass the CCA Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: 300 (scaled)
- Exam length: 105 questions
- Time limit: 2 hours
- Exam fee: $199 member / $299 non-member
Keys to Passing
- Complete 500+ practice questions
- Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
- Focus on highest-weighted sections
- Use our AI tutor for tough concepts
CCA Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CCA exam format?
The CCA exam is 105 questions (90 scored + 15 pretest) administered over 2 hours at Pearson VUE testing centers. The exam includes multiple-choice questions covering six domains of medical coding and health information management.
How is CCA different from CCS?
CCA is AHIMA entry-level coding credential requiring foundational coding knowledge. CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) is the advanced credential requiring deeper expertise in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding. CCA covers broader HIM topics while CCS focuses heavily on inpatient coding. Many coders earn CCA first, then pursue CCS after gaining experience.
What jobs can I get with CCA?
CCA credential holders work as Medical Coding Specialists, Coding Analysts, Health Information Technicians, Reimbursement Specialists, and Coding Quality Reviewers in hospitals, physician practices, outpatient clinics, insurance companies, and healthcare consulting firms. CCA demonstrates competency for entry-level coding positions.
What education do I need for CCA?
AHIMA recommends completion of a coding certificate program or associate degree in health information management, though it is not strictly required. Many candidates prepare through AHIMA-approved coding programs or equivalent training in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and coding (ICD-10-CM, CPT).
How hard is the CCA exam?
CCA is considered moderately challenging with estimated first-time pass rates of 62-70%. The exam requires knowledge across six domains with the heaviest emphasis on clinical classification systems (30-34%). Success requires solid understanding of coding guidelines, reimbursement methodologies, and HIPAA regulations.
What is the salary for CCA professionals?
According to BLS (May 2024), the median annual wage for medical records specialists is $50,250. Entry-level coding positions for CCA holders typically start at $35,000-$45,000, with experienced coders earning $50,000-$65,000. Geographic location, specialty (inpatient vs. outpatient), and additional credentials affect earning potential.