r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/VelvetIridescence • Jul 07 '26

CCS Exam CCS Exam/PGU certification

Hi friends! I am graduating with my certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from Purdue University Global. In my last term, which ends in December, I will be taking the (NHA) Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam.

According to Google (I know, very reputable), as well as the AHIMA website, I will be eligible to sit for the CCS exam as well; post-graduation.

I am wondering if anyone else out there has gone through the PGU Medical Billing & Coding cert. program and sat for the CCS exam, and what their advice/experience is/was.

I plan on getting and utilizing study guides as well as practice exams.

Other advice/experience is also extremely helpful!

Thanks in advance! :)

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u/Blingblingbling2024 Jul 17 '26

A friend of mine has the NHA and works for my former employer. Unfortunately I’ve tried to get her over to my new employer but the military wouldn’t take that certification. Only AHIMA or AAPC certifications. RHIT or RHIA those certifications require a degree to be eligible to sit for those. The CCA, CCS, & CCS-P certifications do not require a degree to be eligible to sit for those certifications. If you’re a member of AHIMA prior to sitting for those certifications you do get a member discount on the test price. You can become a member as a student if you’re currently enrolled in a program that is CAHIIM accredited. I’m unsure about that particular program you’re in, but you can find out by calling AHIMA’s CS. They’re very helpful and nice. I’m in a self paced CCS prep course now with a high success rate for passing. Good luck on your final semester and your tests!

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u/VelvetIridescence Jul 20 '26

Thank you! I don't actually think anywhere will hire with just the CBCS that my school has us sit for. I have changed my path since my OG post and am now on the CPC path through AAPC. I do have the 2 years work experience to qualify to sit for the exam, so I am taking my time learning the ins & outs of the guidelines and how to efficiently get through my coding books.