How to Get Medical Billing and Coding Certification: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve Googled your way into a dozen tabs and still don’t know how to begin with a medical billing and coding program, this guide is for you.
The truth is: there is a direct path from zero experience to certified and job-ready. You just need to follow the right sequence—one that leads you to an accredited certification, teaches you the tools you’ll use on the job, prepares you to pass the exam, and supports your first job or freelance step.
This step-by-step breakdown gives you the exact actions to take, which certifications matter, what coursework is involved, how exams work, and how real hiring plays out. If you want to become certified in 2025, this is how to do it—without wasting time, money, or momentum.
Step 1: Choose the Right Certification
The first and most critical decision you’ll make is which medical billing and coding certification you pursue. This choice affects what jobs you qualify for, how much you’ll earn, how hard your exam will be, and which roles you can transition into later. A wrong choice can waste months—or worse, get ignored by employers entirely.
To make the right pick, you need to match your career goal with the credential that delivers credibility, job function relevance, and upward mobility.
CPC, CPB, CBCS — What They Mean and Who They Suit
1. CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
Offered by the AAPC, the CPC is the industry’s most in-demand certification for outpatient and physician-based coding. It’s built for those who want to:
Work in specialty clinics, private practices, or ambulatory surgery centers
Take on remote or hybrid coding roles
Grow into compliance, auditing, or consulting down the line
CPC focuses heavily on:
CPT (Current Procedural Terminology)
ICD-10-CM (diagnosis coding)
HCPCS (billing for non-physician services and supplies)
If you only get one credential, CPC has the broadest hiring impact.
2. CPB (Certified Professional Biller)
Also from AAPC, the CPB is the billing counterpart to the CPC, covering everything on the financial and reimbursement side of healthcare. You’ll learn:
How to submit and follow up on claims
Handle denials and appeals
Interpret payer requirements and billing regulations
The CPB is ideal for:
Medical billing specialists
Office managers or RCM assistants
Those aiming to freelance or build a home-based billing service
Together, CPC + CPB make you a dual-threat hire—someone who understands both documentation accuracy and revenue integrity.
3. CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Specialist)
Offered by the NHA, CBCS is often marketed to beginners because the exam is shorter and the training more general. It’s best suited for:
Entry-level candidates looking for fast access
Allied health staff adding billing/coding to their skillset
Roles in small practices, rural clinics, or assisted care facilities
However, CBCS lacks the employer pull that CPC or CPB offers, especially in competitive urban or remote job markets. It’s often seen as a stepping-stone certification, not a career anchor.
| Step | What You’ll Do | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Choose the Right Certification |
Decide between CPC (coding), CPB (billing), or CBCS (entry-level). Match credential to job goals. Consider AAPC (CPC/CPB) for broadest career potential or CBCS for fast entry. |
The credential you pick directly impacts job eligibility, salary range, and role flexibility. Picking the wrong one can delay or limit career growth. |
| Step 2: Pick an Accredited Training Program |
Choose programs backed by AAPC, NHA, or CPD. Ensure the course includes mock exams, case practice, instructor feedback, and exam-aligned content. |
Prevents wasted tuition on low-quality programs that don’t prepare you for real-world coding or billing challenges. |
| Step 3: Complete the Coursework |
Go through core modules (CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS, CMS-1500, claims, etc.). Attend live sessions, complete worksheets, and do EMR-based practice with feedback. |
Converts theory into job-ready skills. Builds exam confidence and speeds up real hiring eligibility. |
| Step 4: Register & Sit for the Exam |
Register early via AAPC or NHA portals. Bring allowed materials. Simulate exam timing beforehand. Aim to complete timed mock exams, SOAP note practice, and multi-step coding drills before testing. |
Secures your national credential and validates your readiness. Passing on the first try saves time and cost. |
| Step 5: Apply for Jobs or Start Freelancing |
Search for entry-level hospital, clinic, or payer roles—or launch a freelance billing service. Highlight certification, mock claim examples, software fluency, and EHR simulation in your application. |
Turns your credential into income. Job support tools and proper positioning make you stand out in a competitive market. |
Step 2: Pick an Accredited Training Program
Once you've chosen the right certification path, the next step is finding a training program that actually prepares you to pass—and to perform. The billing and coding space is filled with cheap, content-light courses that check the box but leave you unprepared when it matters most: the exam and your first day on the job.
The right training program should be accredited, structured around AAPC/NHA standards, and include actual case-based work—not just videos and quizzes.
AAPC, NHA, or CPD-Backed? Pros/Cons
1. AAPC-Backed Programs
AAPC not only issues the CPC and CPB exams but also offers its own training courses. These are structured, detailed, and exam-focused. The pros:
Aligned with exact certification content
Includes full-length mock exams and code book training
Trusted by employers across the U.S.
The con? AAPC’s direct courses are expensive, often don’t include live support, and may require you to buy exam prep or mentoring separately.
2. NHA-Approved Programs
These are aligned with the CBCS certification, which is more accessible but less recognized by large healthcare systems. NHA-approved courses work well if:
You want a fast-track introduction into billing and coding
You're targeting entry-level, small-practice roles
But: They often skip deep CPT and ICD-10 training, which limits your ability to work in specialist roles or sit for the CPC/CPB later without retraining.
3. CPD-Accredited Platforms
Courses that carry CPD (Continuing Professional Development) recognition—like AMBCI’s CPC + CPB dual certification—often provide:
Internationally recognized training standards
Built-in AAPC exam prep
Live instructor feedback, graded charting, and career support
These programs blend the flexibility of self-paced learning with real-world feedback, and often cost less than AAPC’s in-house programs. They also tend to include both certifications in a single streamlined course, reducing overlap and saving time.
Key Criteria to Look For
Don’t just rely on logos or promises. A credible training program must include:
Mock exams that mirror the actual CPC or CPB format
Real-world charting or claims work—not just theory
Instructor support (live or on-demand)
Built-in feedback loops to correct coding or billing errors
Exam registration support and codebook guidance
If your program doesn’t include these, you’re not buying training—you’re buying confusion.
Step 3: Complete the Required Coursework
Once you're enrolled in a certification program, it's time to engage with the real structure that builds your exam readiness and job fluency. Coursework is where theoretical knowledge turns into daily coding habits, fast decision-making, and billing comprehension that hiring managers can actually assess.
Whether you’re pursuing CPC, CPB, or a dual-cert path, this step determines whether you’ll pass the exam—or struggle to apply your certification in a real-world setting.
Modules, Live Sessions, Homework, EMR Practice
1. Core Modules That Match Certification Domains
The best programs don’t just “teach coding”—they map every section directly to the official exam blueprint of your target credential. This ensures you aren’t spending hours on topics that don’t actually show up on the test.
Expect breakdowns like:
CPT (procedure coding) modules including surgery, radiology, pathology, E/M services
ICD-10-CM (diagnosis coding) with deep practice on chronic vs acute coding, laterality, and specificity
HCPCS Level II for supplies, ambulance services, and Medicare-mandated claims
Modifiers and bundling logic, especially around global surgical periods
Claims processing fundamentals for those on the CPB track—CMS-1500 forms, payer communication, and clean submission strategy
Each module should come with review checkpoints, coding drills, and mini-scenarios pulled from real documentation errors.
2. Instructor-Led Sessions and Guided Feedback
Real-world coding is not learned passively. That’s why top-tier platforms like AMBCI’s CPC + CPB course include:
Live sessions or office hours with certified coders
Instructor-reviewed charting and claim submissions
Written feedback on what to fix—and how to do it correctly under test conditions
Without this layer of interaction, many students reach the final exam only to realize they’ve misunderstood modifier placement, code order sequencing, or HIPAA-triggered documentation practices. You don’t just need to learn—you need to be corrected along the way.
This is especially crucial for passing:
Audit-style questions, which require judgment
Case-based simulations, which reflect your ability to apply knowledge in multi-step logic chains
Payer-specific decision trees, especially in CPB exams where every insurance type comes with different claim rules
3. Worksheets, EMR Simulation, and Graded Scenarios
A program that doesn’t challenge you with realistic application will leave you unprepared. Look for:
Worksheets based on flawed provider notes, where your job is to code accurately from incomplete or ambiguous inputs
EMR-style practice labs where you mimic tasks like:
Pulling diagnosis and treatment notes from clinical entries
Entering procedural and supply codes
Matching codes to payer eligibility and claim fields
These drills simulate what you’ll do in a real job. You’ll learn how to identify:
Improper documentation that prevents billing
Code sequencing errors that delay reimbursements
Missing modifiers that trigger audits or denials
These aren’t just academic tasks. They’re employer-aligned exercises that show whether you can operate in a live workflow.
Step 4: Register and Sit for the Certification Exam
Once your coursework is complete and you've built speed and confidence through practice tests, the next step is to formally register for your certification exam—and walk into it ready to pass on the first attempt.
While the exam content varies by certification (CPC, CPB, or CBCS), the process follows a predictable structure. The smartest move you can make at this point is to avoid last-minute confusion by handling registration early and preparing like it’s your job—because soon, it will be.
How to Register, What to Bring, How to Pass
1. How to Register
If you're pursuing the CPC or CPB, you'll register directly through the AAPC website. Here's what you’ll need:
Your AAPC member ID (membership is required to sit for the exam)
Choice of online or in-person testing
Selection of your exam date, time, and preferred proctor method
Payment for the exam (typically $399–$499 depending on offers or bundled prep)
If you're taking the CBCS via NHA, you’ll register through your training provider or the NHA portal. These exams are often held at local testing centers or online using a proctoring tool like PSI.
Important: Don't wait until you're "perfect"—schedule your exam as soon as your final course modules are complete. Without a set date, most learners delay indefinitely and lose testing momentum.
2. What to Bring
For in-person CPC/CPB exams, bring:
Your approved code books (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS) with no notes beyond allowed guidelines
Valid government-issued photo ID
Multiple #2 pencils, erasers, and a manual (non-programmable) calculator
For online exams, test your webcam, microphone, and system 48 hours in advance. A locked-down browser will be used, and no one else can be in the room during testing.
3. How to Pass on the First Try
By this point, your prep should include:
3–5 timed mock exams with similar question structure
EHR-based case studies or SOAP charting drills
A strong understanding of code sequencing, bundling rules, and audit risk
Most CPC/CPB exams last 4 to 5.5 hours and consist of 100–150 questions. Time management is critical—aim to finish each question in under 2.5 minutes, marking tough ones for review.
The biggest reasons people fail:
Poor pacing and running out of time
Misreading multi-step case scenarios
Lack of exposure to how test questions are framed
If you’ve trained through AMBCI or another high-quality course, your practice should mirror the real thing—so the test feels like a formality, not a surprise.
Step 5: Apply for Jobs or Start Your Practice
Once you’ve passed your certification exam, it’s time to turn your credential into income. This is where most learners freeze—not because they lack skills, but because they don’t know how to position themselves in the job market or start offering services. The next step depends on your goal: full-time employment or independent practice.
A strong certification program—like AMBCI’s CPC + CPB course—will have already prepped you with resume help, portfolio development, and interview coaching. But if not, here’s how to do it right.
Freelancing, Hospital Roles, Telehealth Coding
1. Apply for Hospital, Clinic, or Insurance Company Roles
Your first job options might include:
Outpatient coder (CPC)
Medical billing specialist (CPB)
Revenue cycle associate
Denial management or claims follow-up assistant
Remote coding assistant for telehealth firms or payer partners
For each of these roles, you’ll want to:
Highlight your certification prominently on your resume and LinkedIn
List software experience (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Availity, Kareo)
Include your exam score and any mock claims, audit worksheets, or chart reviews you completed
If your course included EHR simulation or charting practice, showcase that in your application. That’s often more valuable to hiring managers than unpaid internships or clinical shadowing.
Look for jobs using filters like:
“AAPC certified”
“Remote CPC or CPB”
“Entry-level medical coder”
“Billing associate – certification required”
2. Build a Freelance or Contract Practice
If you’re entrepreneurial—or need schedule flexibility—you can start as a freelance medical biller, especially if you hold the CPB. You’ll need:
Business registration (in most states, a sole proprietorship is enough)
Billing software like Kareo, PracticeSuite, or AdvancedMD
HIPAA-compliant cloud storage
A strong intake form and fee structure
Start by:
Offering services to small clinics or solo practitioners (chiropractors, dermatologists, therapists)
Positioning yourself as a cost-saving claims expert who reduces denials
Creating a basic website or digital profile that shows your credentials and outcomes
You don’t need 20 years of experience to land your first client. You just need to prove that your CPC or CPB training translates into clean claims, fewer errors, and faster payouts.
How AMBCI’s Dual Cert Course Simplifies All Steps
The process of getting certified in medical billing and coding can feel overwhelming: choosing the right credential, finding a reputable course, building real skill, passing the exam, and actually getting hired. AMBCI’s Dual CPC + CPB Certification Program exists to make that entire journey simple, direct, and job-focused—without cutting corners.
Instead of piecing together multiple providers, mock tests, and prep books, AMBCI gives you everything in one place—backed by AAPC-aligned training, CPD recognition, live mentoring, and real-world practice labs.
One Dashboard, One Exam Flow, One Career Kickstart
With AMBCI, you don’t need to juggle platforms or wonder if you're covering the right material. The entire course is delivered through a single dashboard that walks you through every required topic across both certifications:
CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS coding for outpatient services
Claims processing, denials, appeals, and payer rules for billing
EHR-based charting tasks with downloadable claim worksheets
Full exam strategy, pacing drills, and multiple timed mock exams
Unlike generic courses, AMBCI doesn’t just show you videos—it tracks your learning, gives real assignments, and offers exam-relevant correction along the way. Your dashboard includes:
Progress tracking toward CPC and CPB content mastery
On-demand quizzes and graded simulations
Clear direction on when you’re ready to register for the exam
Resources to complete your AAPC application, choose exam dates, and prep materials
It’s not just “pass the test.” It’s pass the test, prove your skill, and walk into the job market ready.
Live Help, Real Cases, 200+ Medical Specialties
AMBCI’s system includes real human support—not just a forum or chatbot. When you’re stuck, confused, or want feedback, you can book:
1-on-1 live coaching with certified coders and billers
Essay-based charting feedback (yes, they review your actual claims)
Weekly Q&A access so you never stall during the course
You also don’t just learn from general examples. The program walks you through 200+ specialty-based medical scenarios including:
Dermatology, cardiology, orthopedics, psychiatry, OB/GYN
Pediatric and geriatric coding
Remote-friendly telehealth and mental health billing workflows
Why does this matter? Because employers want coders and billers who’ve worked across diverse scenarios, payer rules, and documentation types. You won’t be thrown off by niche claims or bundled services in interviews—because you’ve already trained for them.
Once certified, you’ll also get:
Resume templates tailored to dual-certified roles
LinkedIn keyword optimization guides
Access to a curated list of job leads across telehealth, RCM companies, and specialty clinics
Lifetime support and course access—even after you’re hired
AMBCI doesn’t just teach the material—it walks you through every step of the process from no experience to employable professional. And because it’s aligned with AAPC’s CPC and CPB exams, your credentials are industry-standard and nationally recognized.
What Employers Actually Look For After Certification
Earning your medical billing and coding certification is the starting point—not the finish line. Once you're certified, the next question becomes: What are hiring managers actually looking for when they scan your resume or LinkedIn?
Here’s what gets attention—fast:
Proof of practical training: Employers don’t just want a certificate. They want to know you’ve practiced SOAP formatting, submitted mock claims, and worked inside EHR systems.
Specialty exposure: If you’ve trained in high-volume or high-complexity specialties (like orthopedics, cardiology, or dermatology), mention it. It shows you can handle real-world billing intensity.
Dual credentialing: CPC + CPB together signal that you understand both documentation and reimbursement—a major advantage over coders or billers who specialize in just one.
On average, students from full-scope programs like AMBCI’s dual-certification course land jobs within 30–60 days post-certification—especially when they apply with a resume that includes graded charts, mock audits, and software fluency.
The hiring bar is high—but if your training mirrors the real job, you’ll clear it faster than most.
Why Dual Certification Is Becoming the New Standard
Healthcare employers no longer want specialists—they want professionals who understand the full revenue cycle. That’s why dual certification in CPC (coding) and CPB (billing) is fast becoming the new hiring standard.
When you’re certified in both areas, you can:
Interpret provider notes and translate them into accurate CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes
Submit clean claims, handle rejections, and ensure full payer compliance
Work across roles—from coder to biller to RCM analyst
More importantly, dual certification gives you job flexibility and leverage. You’ll qualify for more openings, negotiate higher starting pay, and adapt faster to shifting healthcare demands.
Programs like AMBCI’s dual-cert course simplify the process by combining both credentials into one unified path—with no duplicated content or separate fees. One course. Two certifications. Endless opportunities.
What matters most to you when picking a billing & coding course?
The Take Away
Getting certified in medical billing and coding isn’t about finding a shortcut—it’s about following a focused, proven path that moves you from zero to job-ready without guesswork. Whether your goal is to work in a hospital, from home, or start your own billing service, every step matters: choosing the right certification, enrolling in an accredited program, completing practical coursework, passing your exam, and launching your career with clarity.
You now know the exact roadmap. The difference between stuck and successful isn’t more research—it’s execution. The right certification opens doors. The right training program teaches you how to perform inside those doors—with CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS, clean claims, and audit-proof documentation.
If you want speed, support, and full-scope billing + coding fluency, AMBCI’s CPC + CPB program is designed to take you all the way.
No more scattered resources. No more confusion. Just one system that delivers certification, confidence, and career control—from your first lesson to your first paycheck.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Two common examples include:
Outpatient physician coding: A patient visits a dermatologist for a mole removal. The coder assigns CPT for the procedure and ICD-10-CM for the skin condition. The biller then submits the claim to insurance and tracks payment.
Insurance claim denial and resubmission: A cardiology office submits a claim for a stress test. It’s denied due to a missing modifier. The billing team corrects the CPT code, attaches documentation, and resubmits.
These scenarios illustrate the critical roles of both coding and billing: one ensures accurate documentation; the other ensures clean claim submission and reimbursement. Both work together to avoid denials and delays.
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The basis of medical coding is translating clinical documentation into standardized alphanumeric codes. These codes:
Identify procedures (CPT)
Classify diagnoses (ICD-10-CM)
Capture supplies/services (HCPCS)
This coding structure enables hospitals, clinics, and providers to bill insurance companies, meet compliance standards, and analyze care trends. Medical coding isn’t just paperwork—it determines how providers are reimbursed, how accurate their patient data is, and whether they pass insurance audits.
The best coding is precise, specific, and compliant, built directly from physician notes and patient records. It ensures that care is reflected properly in claims and legal documentation.
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Medical billing is the process of turning a healthcare provider’s services into financial claims submitted to insurance. It involves:
Creating accurate, payer-compliant claims using coding data
Submitting those claims to private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid
Following up on denials, partial payments, or rejections
Managing appeals and revenue reporting
Billing ensures that providers get paid for services rendered. It’s not just administrative—it involves understanding payer policies, documentation rules, and submission deadlines.
Professional billers use software tools, denial management strategies, and payer protocols to keep claims moving and revenue stable. They work closely with coders to ensure everything matches clinical intent.
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CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) is the coding system used to describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures in outpatient care. It’s published by the American Medical Association (AMA) and is essential for:
Identifying services rendered
Linking procedures to diagnoses
Determining reimbursement rates
For example, CPT 99213 refers to a standard office visit, while CPT 11042 covers skin debridement. If the CPT code doesn’t align with the diagnosis or is missing a modifier, the claim may be denied.
Mastery of CPT is critical for certified coders and billers, especially those pursuing CPC certification or working in multi-specialty environments.
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Medical billing generally involves eight key steps:
Patient registration and insurance verification
Superbill creation (clinical service data)
Medical coding (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS)
Claim creation in billing software
Claim submission to payer or clearinghouse
Payer adjudication (claim processing)
Payment posting or denial management
Patient billing or appeal handling
These steps span both front-end and back-end billing. Each one affects the accuracy, speed, and compliance of the revenue cycle. Trained professionals—especially those with CPB certification—learn to manage every stage efficiently.