Free Practice Questions for CCS

AHIMA's CCS assesses coding across inpatient and outpatient records, including ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT/HCPCS, reimbursement, documentation, and compliance. AAPC's CPC is oriented primarily toward professional-fee coding for physician and outpatient services. Job duties still depend on an employer's setting and experience requirements.

The CCS exam contains 107 items: 86 multiple-choice and 21 medical-scenario items. Ninety-seven items are scored and 10 are unscored pretest items. The appointment is 4 hours, including a 5-minute agreement and 3 hours 55 minutes of testing. AHIMA reports scores on a 100-400 scale and requires 300 to pass.

For exams taken on or after May 1, 2026, AHIMA requires one approved 2026 ICD-10-CM book, one approved 2026 ICD-10-PCS book, and the AMA CPT 2026 Professional Edition. Confirm the exact approved publishers and book-preparation rules on AHIMA's current required-codebook list before the appointment.

Candidates must master the 7-character PCS structure (Section, Body System, Root Operation, Body Part, Approach, Device, Qualifier) and all 31 Medical/Surgical root operations. Key testable distinctions include Excision (cutting out part) versus Resection (cutting out entire body part), Bypass (altering route of passage) versus Reposition, Replacement (putting in biologic/synthetic substitute) versus Supplement, and Mechanical Ventilation coding by documented consecutive duration and distinct episodes.

A 100-to-150-hour plan over 12 to 16 weeks is one practical starting point, not an AHIMA requirement. Adjust it to diagnostic results and keep practice proportional to the current domain ranges: 39-41% Coding Knowledge and Skills, 18-22% Coding Documentation, 9-11% Provider Queries, 18-22% Regulatory Compliance, and 9-11% Information Technologies.