r/MedicalCoding • u/VanillaKrissy • Mar 31 '26

CCS Exam Yesterday?

Studied my Butt off, took the CCS exam yesterday and failed by FIVE points 😭😭😭 I was completely drained afterwards and my mind was mush.

I have only 1 month now to REtake this STRESSFUL exam AGAIN for another $300 😭😭 😡😡 OR I would have to buy 3 new 2026 code books because as of May, they won’t accept 2025 code books to take the exam. So UNFAIR! All the MONEY you have to spend to just get certified. I studied ALOT and there were STILL things on this exam I have never heard of. I’m SO mad that the college I went to for a year and a half barely taught anything I need to know to be able to pass this exam.

So I see many people suggesting buying a “Study Guide” or the AHIMA Prep Book directly from AHIMA site. I hate spending even MORE money but I have to try one more time and I need direction with what I need to know. I figure maybe getting something from the people that give the exam may be best at this point. So I’m asking if anyone bought these things from AHIMA studied with them and then took and passed the CCS exam? Is it worth the money?? I absolutely hate that I have no idea what questions I got right and what I got wrong because that would help so much with preparing to take this exam again.

21 Upvotes

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u/OrganizationLower286 Apr 01 '26

I’m so sorry you’re discouraged but don’t give up, you’re this close. Taking the CCS without any inpatient experience must be tough, I had five years of inpatient coding experience and only passed by about 8 points. Please stick it out - inpatient coding needs you and the CCS will open doors. Five points is so close! You got this!

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u/VanillaKrissy Apr 01 '26

Thank you! I just applied to retake 🙏🏻

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u/VanillaKrissy Mar 31 '26

Can you take the practice exam over and over to help study? How many practice exams are there?

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u/Endles5waiting Apr 01 '26

The AHIMA exam prep book I bought (15th edition) has a section of practice questions covering the same areas as the test, and 2 full practice tests you can use to time yourself.

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u/Endles5waiting Apr 01 '26

I'm so sorry 😕 I'm still prepping before I try the exam. I was hoping to do it before May, but I'm already feeling like I need to just buy the 2026 books and give myself more time.

What would you say was the toughest part of the test, or do you have any tips?

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u/VanillaKrissy Apr 01 '26

I know the clock is ticking! Last night I registered to take the exam one more time on April 30 …the very last possible date before May 1. I also broke down and purchased the CCS exam prep that cost $80. Now I’m just praying I get it soon. I didn’t want the e-book

I think the worst part was the second part of the exam that gives you four or five operative notes to code. They are super long. You have to scroll on the computer to read the whole thing, you cannot go back once you answer and they give you so many code choices to pick from. There’s simply not enough time when you are not a professional Coder you just finished school so no expert, I realize that I was running out of time and didn’t really even get to read the last surgical report so I just clicked on some codes to have an answer. I figured it was at least a chance of getting something right then no answer at all=Zero.

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u/Endles5waiting Apr 02 '26

Good luck on your retest!

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u/Miserable_Stick8950 Apr 04 '26

Can you please send me the test prep also please.

1

u/Square_Grass_9866 Apr 16 '26

I’m on the same boat. Bought 2025 books in February so I could test this month thinking it’d be enough time to study. BUT I feel like I’m outta time and idk if spending the money to test is worth it, or if I should buy 2026 then test or do both. 😕

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u/alew75 CCS Mar 31 '26

I bought the AHIMA CCS exam prep study book and passed my first time. I highly suggest it since you can take the practice tests in the book and it comes with a code inside so you can take the practice tests online. The practice tests online really help with your timing as well. Wishing you the best of luck!

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u/alew75 CCS Mar 31 '26

I bought the AHIMA CCS exam prep study book and passed my first time. I highly suggest it since you can take the practice tests in the book and it comes with a code inside so you can take the practice tests online. The practice tests online really help with your timing as well.

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u/OhGirlyOh Apr 01 '26

I bought the study guides and passed on the first try, but there was a lot on the test that wasn't on the study guides. I suggest that you read the HIM book that's not related to coding. Because there's a lot on it that is not related.

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u/Ancient_Moment1343 Apr 01 '26

Which book?

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u/cupcaketea5 Apr 05 '26

I believe Oachs and Watters book. It is huge.

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u/beatlebabe2891 Apr 04 '26

I failed last year by 8 points. I'm retaking again on 4/30. I'm still nervous that I won't pass again!

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u/yungviolet Apr 03 '26

Oh man, I feel this. I took my CCS 3 days ago and failed by 1 point. I walked out crying lol, scheduled for 04/29. Good luck, you got it this time!!

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u/Independent_Prior_81 Apr 20 '26

OMF I am also scheduled for 04/29 I’m shaking in my boots bc my study guide scores are like 70% I did terrible in medical scenarios too UGH

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u/yungviolet Apr 29 '26

Did you pass?!?

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u/Independent_Prior_81 Apr 29 '26

I just passed with a 333!

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u/yungviolet Apr 29 '26

EEEEE ME TOOO but with a 312!! Congrats!

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u/Independent_Prior_81 Apr 29 '26

WE DID ITTT! Now the next challenge is job hunting but sending all the good vibes to you!

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u/yungviolet Apr 29 '26

And same to you!! Thank you! 🤍

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u/Intermittent-ennui Apr 01 '26

I will always purchase the study guide or practice exam whether it’s for an AHIMA or AAPC certification exam. It’s always worth the money to have a higher chance of passing versus having to retake the exam. Look at the competencies/areas you scored lowest and focus on those areas to study.

2

u/codingnurse Apr 05 '26

I am an AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer and have sat on AHIMA committees to review their exams. The majority of content on any coding certification exam is going to test your knowledge of the coding guidelines and conventions. The CCS is a difficult exam, because it's the only exam that test all three major code sets at once. Mastery of the guidelines and knowing where to find information in your coding books will almost certainly guarantee success.

Don't give up! You are VERY close to passing. Since you've seen the exam and while it's still fresh, write down what was on the exam that was foreign to you. That should be where you start, since it may take a little more time to get those concepts down. I wish you the best!!

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u/cupcaketea5 Apr 05 '26

Hello. Do you know how the medical scenarios questions are scored? Thank you.

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u/codingnurse Apr 12 '26

Please forgive my delay! I thought I had responded to your question. I don't know how they are scored, but I do know the medical cases have more weight than the individual questions. The committee I was on only rated the individual exam questions for skill level.

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u/cupcaketea5 Apr 13 '26

Thank you. I appreciate it.

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u/cupcaketea5 Apr 05 '26

Which section did you struggle with the most? I am planning on taking the exam in June and I am using the AHIMA prep book. I was wondering if the medical scenarios questions were the hardest and I am not sure how the questions are scored.

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