{"id":117532,"date":"2022-07-18T00:53:35","date_gmt":"2022-07-18T07:53:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/?p=117532"},"modified":"2025-11-07T09:58:35","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:58:35","slug":"medical-coding-certifications","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/careerkarma.com\/blog\/medical-coding-certifications\/","title":{"rendered":"Medical Coding Certifications: Highest-Paying Certification, Exam Preparation, and Job Outlook"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Medical coders are integral members of the healthcare industry who assist doctors and other health professionals across several areas. Medical coders oversee patient health records, analyze reimbursement terms, and review healthcare regulations compliance. If you’re looking to build a career in healthcare, getting medical coding certifications is an excellent place to start.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article examines some of the highest-paying medical certifications and the jobs you can get with them. Additionally, we discuss typical preparatory resources for the certification exams and how to use them. Keep reading to find out more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is a Professional Certification?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Professional certification is a designated credential or document that signifies an individual’s knowledge, skills, and competencies in a specific task or field of training. You can get one by passing a test or series of tests administered by a professional agency or educational institution. Depending on the program, you can complete your coding training and exam online or at a testing center.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s the Difference Between a Certification and a Certificate?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The difference between a certification and a certificate is that you get the former when you meet standard, predetermined criteria established by a professional credentialing organization. It involves paying an exam fee, writing the tests or exams, and renewing the certification after a specific period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A certificate is an academic document that demonstrates the completion of a course or series of lessons in one particular field. You can get one by enrolling in a certificate program at an accredited educational institution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Is Certification in Medical Coding Important? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Certification in medical coding is important because it proves your expertise in healthcare coding systems and health information technology. A medical coding career is relatively stable, with Bureau of Labor Statistics figures indicating that jobs in health information and medical records will grow by around 7%<\/a> over the next decade.1<\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Medical Coding Certifications by Salary<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Certification<\/th>\n Provider<\/th>\n Average Salary<\/th>\n Cost<\/th>\n <\/tr>\n <\/thead>\n
Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)\u00ae<\/td>\n Practice Management Institute<\/td>\n $73,0002<\/sup><\/td>\n $1,225\/exam<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Coding Specialist \u2013 Physician-based (CCS-P\u00ae)<\/td>\n American Health Information Management Association<\/td>\n $72,0003<\/sup><\/td>\n $399\/exam (non-member price); $299\/exam (member price)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC\u00ae)<\/td>\n American Association of Professional Coders<\/td>\n $71,0004<\/sup><\/td>\n $399\/exam (one attempt); $499\/exam (two attempts)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Professional Coder (CPC\u00ae)<\/td>\n American Association of Professional Coders<\/td>\n $67,0005<\/sup><\/td>\n $399\/exam (one attempt); $499\/exam (two attempts)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT\u00ae)<\/td>\n American Health Information Management Association<\/td>\n $64,0006<\/sup><\/td>\n $299\/exam (non-member price); $229\/exam (member price)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Medical Coder (CMC)\u00ae<\/td>\n Practice Management Institute<\/td>\n $64,0007<\/sup><\/td>\n $1,375\/exam<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Outpatient Coder (COC\u00ae)<\/td>\n American Association of Professional Coders<\/td>\n $61,0008<\/sup><\/td>\n $399\/exam (one attempt); $499\/exam (two attempts)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS\u00ae)<\/td>\n American Medical Billing Association<\/td>\n $61,0009<\/sup><\/td>\n $325\/exam<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Medical Insurance Specialist (CMIS)\u00ae<\/td>\n Practice Management Institute<\/td>\n $59,99410<\/sup><\/td>\n $1,099\/exam<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n
Certified Coding Associate (CCA\u00ae)<\/td>\n American Health Information Management Association<\/td>\n $50,00011<\/sup><\/td>\n $299 (non-member price); $199 (member price)<\/td>\n <\/tr>\n <\/tbody>\n <\/table>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n

Program and salary data has been gathered from Institution websites, PayScale, and ZipRecruiter as of October 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best Medical Coding Certifications to Further Your Career<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\r\n \r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/i><\/span>\r\n <\/span>\r\n Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC\u00ae) | American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC)<\/span>\r\n <\/div>\r\n
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This certification is ideal for high-level healthcare professionals looking to break into medical insurance and claims management. The four-hour exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions administered by a proctor and covers compliance, diagnostics coding, and risk adjustment.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Furthermore, candidates must register as AAPC members and score at least 70% on the exam to receive the certification. You must also complete 36 continuing education units every two years to renew it.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC\u00ae) Overview<\/b><\/h4>\n