Navigation and Timing Strategy Under Current AHIMA Instructions
Key Takeaways
- For CCA exams scheduled 2026-05-01 or later, current AHIMA scheduling instructions say candidates can navigate back and forth between questions.
- Candidates should still follow their current ATT and AHIMA instructions because older page text may conflict.
- The 105-question, 2-hour format gives about 69 seconds per question on average.
- A practical strategy is to answer every question, mark uncertain items, and return if time remains.
Current Navigation Rule
AHIMA's older CCA page text still says candidates cannot move back and forth. AHIMA scheduling instructions updated 2026-02-11 state that for CCA, each question previously had to be answered before moving forward, but if the exam is scheduled 2026-05-01 or later, the candidate can navigate back and forth between questions.
Because this guide is updated after 2026-05-01, use the current back-and-forth rule for CCA strategy. Still, follow the current Authorization to Test letter, Pearson VUE instructions, and AHIMA scheduling instructions for your specific appointment.
Timing Method
The exam has 105 questions and 2 hours. That is about 69 seconds per question if time is divided evenly. Some recall questions may take 20 seconds, while coding or reimbursement scenarios may need more time.
Use a first pass to answer every question. Mark questions that need review, especially when a code-book lookup or domain distinction is slowing you down. Return only after all questions have an answer.
Guessing is better than leaving a blank because there is no penalty for guessing. If time is tight, eliminate clearly wrong options, choose the best supported answer, and move on.
Exam Tie-In
Navigation rules affect pacing. Because the current post-May 1, 2026 instructions allow back-and-forth navigation, candidates can use a flagged-review strategy only if the live exam instructions permit it. Still answer every item, since there is no penalty for guessing and blank items cannot help.
For a CCA exam scheduled on 2026-05-10, which navigation rule should guide the candidate's current strategy?
A candidate has 2 hours for 105 CCA questions. Which pacing estimate is most useful?
During the exam, a candidate is unsure between two answers and has already spent too long on the item. What is the best exam strategy?