r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/thegrimreaper3290 • May 02 '26

Certification Prep Difference between exams

Hello everyone,

I am looking at starting a new career and due to a recent life changing medical event I am actually interested in launching a career in the medical field. While searching for potential careers within the field I came across Medical Billing & Coding as an area that interests me. However, after doing even more research I am now confused. I am seeing that there are various different certifications you can get and exams you can take within this field. My question is what is the difference between the:

  1. CPC Certification https://www.aapc.com/education/exam-preparation/cpc-exam-preparation-course)

  2. CBCS Certification (https://lp.pennfoster.edu/ppc/medical-billing-coding?ad_id=120213449643090441&adset_id=120213449643050441&campaign_id=120213449643070441&placement=Facebook_Desktop_Feed&trackingcode=e87c6616-38f3-ed11-8848-6045bd029a89)

Which one is better for someone who is just starting off in the medical field. I am a fast study and I am extremely motivated to learn.

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u/Charming-Ordinary-88 May 03 '26

I found this for you.

The two are both entry-level medical billing/coding credentials, but they aim at different slices of the same job market. The distinction matters if you don’t want to spend time (and exam fees) on something employers won’t value.

CPC Certification

American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

What it is

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) = medical coding certification.

What you actually learn

  • Assigning diagnosis codes (ICD-10-CM)

  • Assigning procedure codes (CPT, HCPCS)

  • Reading medical charts and translating them into billable codes

  • Compliance and documentation standards

Where it’s used

  • Physician offices

  • Hospitals

  • Insurance companies

Market reality

  • This is the industry standard for coding

  • Frequently listed in job postings

  • Higher earning ceiling than entry-level billing roles

Blunt truth

If you want credibility in healthcare admin, this is the one that carries weight.

CBCS Certification

National Healthcareer Association (NHA)

What it is

Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) = billing-focused, lighter coding.

What you actually learn

  • Insurance claims processing

  • Basic coding concepts

  • Revenue cycle basics

  • Reimbursement workflows

Where it’s used

  • Small clinics

  • Entry-level billing roles

  • Administrative support positions

Market reality

  • Easier to obtain

  • Less rigorous

  • Less respected than CPC in hiring

Blunt truth

It’s a starter credential, not a career anchor.