100+ Free CCS Practice Questions
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Per PCS guideline B3.4a, when a procedure's intended root operation is not completed, code:
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Key Facts: CCS Exam
107
Total Items
97 scored + 10 pretest
4 hrs
Exam Time
AHIMA
84%
First-Time Pass Rate
2025 data
$299
Member Fee
$399 non-member
~36,925
Active Certificants
AHIMA
The AHIMA CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) is the flagship hospital inpatient coder credential. 107 MCQ items (97 scored + 10 pretest) over 4 hours. Fee $299 member / $399 non-member. ~36,925 active certificants with 84% first-time pass rate (2025). Heavy emphasis on ICD-10-CM PDX selection, ICD-10-PCS root operations, MS-DRG assignment, and CC/MCC capture.
Sample CCS Practice Questions
Try these sample questions to test your CCS exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.
1A patient is admitted with chest pain. After workup, the physician documents that the chest pain is due to a confirmed acute non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Per UHDDS, what is the correct principal diagnosis?
2An inpatient is admitted with severe sepsis due to a urinary tract infection (UTI) with associated acute kidney injury. Which is the correct PDX sequencing?
3A POA indicator of 'W' for a diagnosis code on an inpatient claim signifies what?
4A patient is admitted for repair of a fractured femur sustained in a fall at home. While inpatient, the patient develops a stage III pressure ulcer of the sacrum. The pressure ulcer's POA indicator should be:
5A patient is admitted with possible pulmonary embolism. Workup is inconclusive, and the discharge diagnosis remains 'possible PE.' For inpatient coding, how is this coded?
6A patient is admitted with acute systolic (congestive) heart failure exacerbation due to non-compliance with prescribed loop diuretics (not due to financial hardship). Which codes capture this scenario, properly sequenced?
7A trauma patient is admitted following a motor vehicle accident with multiple injuries: closed traumatic brain injury with loss of consciousness 45 minutes, fractured pelvis, and lacerated spleen requiring splenectomy. Which is sequenced as principal diagnosis?
8A patient with a known history of breast cancer (treatment completed 3 years ago, no current disease) is admitted for a left hip fracture due to a fall. Which code best represents the cancer history?
9A patient is admitted with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic chronic kidney disease stage 4. Long-term insulin use is not documented. Which codes are required?
10A patient is admitted with metabolic encephalopathy due to hyponatremia. The provider documents both conditions clearly. For an inpatient admission specifically aimed at treating both, sequencing should be:
About the CCS Exam
AHIMA's flagship hospital inpatient coder credential. Validates expertise in ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding (UHDDS principal diagnosis selection, POA indicators, sequencing rules), ICD-10-PCS procedure coding (7-character structure, 31 root operations), MS-DRG and APR-DRG assignment, CC/MCC capture, hospital outpatient CPT/HCPCS, AHIMA/ACDIS-compliant provider queries, and inpatient compliance/audit risks (HACs, two-midnight rule, OIG focus areas).
Questions
107 scored questions
Time Limit
4 hours
Passing Score
Scaled
Exam Fee
$299 AHIMA member / $399 non-member (AHIMA)
CCS Exam Content Outline
ICD-10-CM Inpatient Diagnosis Coding
PDX (UHDDS), POA, sequencing, sepsis, AKI, encephalopathy, HF, MI
ICD-10-PCS Procedure Coding
7-character structure, 31 root operations, CABG, joint replacement, mechanical ventilation
MS-DRG Assignment & Reimbursement
MDC, CC/MCC, relative weight, CMI, HACs
CPT/HCPCS Outpatient Coding
E/M (2023), surgery, radiology, pathology, modifiers
Coding Guidelines & Conventions
ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines, AHA Coding Clinic
Compliance, HIPAA & Audit
AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding, OIG audit work plan, MAC/RAC
How to Pass the CCS Exam
What You Need to Know
- Passing score: Scaled
- Exam length: 107 questions
- Time limit: 4 hours
- Exam fee: $299 AHIMA member / $399 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
CCS Study Tips from Top Performers
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between AHIMA CCS and AAPC CPC?
Both are coder credentials. AHIMA CCS focuses on hospital INPATIENT coding (ICD-10-CM PDX selection, ICD-10-PCS, MS-DRG). AAPC CPC focuses on PHYSICIAN OFFICE coding (CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM diagnosis). Both are recognized by employers; some coders hold both. AAPC CIC is a closer competitor — also inpatient hospital coder. CCS is broader, including hospital outpatient + inpatient.
What is the CCS pass rate?
AHIMA reported an 84% first-time pass rate in 2025 — relatively high for a coder credential. Active certificants total ~36,925. Most candidates have prior coding experience or hold an entry-level credential like CCA before attempting CCS.
What ICD-10-PCS knowledge is essential?
Master the 7-character structure (Section, Body System, Root Operation, Body Part, Approach, Device, Qualifier) and the 31 Medical/Surgical root operations. Distinguish Excision (portion) vs Resection (entire body part), Bypass vs Reposition, Replacement vs Insertion, Drainage vs Extraction. Common procedures: CABG, hysterectomy, joint replacement (0SRC0J9 or similar), mechanical ventilation 5A1945Z.
How should I study for the CCS?
Plan 100-150 hours over 12-16 weeks. Focus heaviest on ICD-10-CM PDX selection per UHDDS, ICD-10-PCS root operations, and MS-DRG assignment with CC/MCC capture (sepsis MCC, AKI CC, encephalopathy MCC, severe PCM MCC, acute respiratory failure MCC). Use the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting + AHA Coding Clinic + AHIMA's CCS exam content outline.