CPC vs CCA Certification: Which Should You Choose?

Choosing the right certification is the first step toward a successful career in medical coding. Two of the most recognized entry-level credentials are the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

While both certifications can get you started in this growing field, they have key differences. This guide will break down the costs, requirements, and career benefits of the CPC and CCA to help you decide which path is right for you.

AAPC vs. AHIMA: An Overview

Before diving into the certifications, it’s helpful to understand the organizations behind them.

• AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders): Founded in 1988, the AAPC is the nation’s largest training and credentialing organization for the business side of healthcare. It focuses primarily on certifications for medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance, and practice management. The CPC is its most popular credential and is widely recognized for physician-based (outpatient) coding.
• AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association): Established in 1928, AHIMA is a well-respected association focused on health information management. Its certifications cover a broader scope, including both inpatient (hospital) and outpatient coding, as well as health data analytics and privacy. The CCA is their entry-level coding credential.

Head-to-Head Comparison: CPC vs. CCA

Let’s look at how these two certifications stack up in several key areas.

Cost Breakdown: Investing in Your Future

The cost of certification is more than just the exam fee. You’ll also need to factor in membership dues, study materials, and potentially a training program.

AAPC’s CPC:

• Membership: Mandatory to take the exam. As of 2025, an individual membership costs $222. A student membership is available for $157.
• Exam Fee: $399 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts.
• Total Initial Cost (with membership): Around $621 for one attempt.

AHIMA’s CCA:

• Membership: Not mandatory, but it provides a discount on the exam. Professional membership is $149.
• Exam Fee: $299 for non-members and $199 for members.
• Total Initial Cost (with membership): Around $348 for members.

Career and Salary Outlook

The demand for medical coders is strong. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for medical records specialists will grow 7 percent from 2024 to 2034, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This translates to about 14,200 job openings each year.

So, what can you expect to earn? While salaries vary by location, experience, and employer, certification plays a significant role in your earning potential.

• According to AAPC’s 2024 Salary Survey, the average salary for a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) was $66,415. First-year medical records specialists earned an average of $48,204.
• A 2023 ZipRecruiter report indicated that professionals with the CPC-A (apprentice) credential earned an average of $29 per hour, while those with the CCA credential earned $22 per hour.

This suggests that while both are entry-level, the CPC may offer a higher starting salary. The CPC is often preferred for outpatient settings like physician offices, which make up a large portion of the job market. AHIMA’s certifications are highly respected, particularly in hospital (inpatient) settings.

Education and Training Programs

While it’s possible to self-study for these exams, most people benefit from a structured training program. These programs teach you the fundamentals of medical terminology, anatomy, and the different code sets (ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II).

Here are some examples of program costs:

On-Campus Programs:

• North Central Michigan College - Medical Billing and Coding: $10,545
• Alaska Career College - Medical Insurance Coding and Billing: $17,795
• Herzing University-Kenosha - Medical Billing & Coding: $16,286

Online Programs:

• MedCerts - Medical Billing and Coding: $4,199
• Herzing University Online - Medical Billing and Insurance Coding Certificate: $13,750
• Purdue University Global - Health Information Management Certificate: $8,784

Choosing a program is a big decision. Consider factors like cost, schedule flexibility, and whether the curriculum aligns with your chosen certification.

Maintaining Your Certification

Earning your credential is just the beginning. Both AAPC and AHIMA require you to maintain your certification by earning Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

• CPC: Requires 36 CEUs every two years.
• CCA: Requires 20 CEUs every two years.

Pros and Cons: Which is the Best Fit?

Let’s summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each certification to help you make your final decision.

CPC (AAPC)

• Pros:
  • Higher reported starting salary for apprentices.
  • Strong focus on outpatient coding, which is a large part of the job market.
  • No formal education or experience prerequisites to sit for the exam.
• Cons:
  • Higher initial cost for membership and the exam.
  • Apprentice (CPC-A) designation for those without two years of experience, which can be a hurdle for some new coders.

CCA (AHIMA)

• Pros:
  • Lower initial cost for the exam and membership.
  • No apprentice status after passing the exam.
  • Provides a broad foundation for both inpatient and outpatient coding.
• Cons:
  • Lower reported starting salary on average.
  • AHIMA recommends prior experience or completion of a formal program before taking the exam.

The Final Verdict

Neither the CPC nor the CCA is definitively “better”—the right choice depends on your career goals and circumstances.

• If you’re new to healthcare and want to work in a physician’s office or clinic, the CPC is likely your best bet. It’s highly recognized in the outpatient world and may offer a higher starting salary.
• If you’re interested in working in a hospital or want a broader foundation in health information that could lead to different career paths, the CCA is an excellent starting point.

Before you decide, research job postings in your area to see which certification employers prefer. Consider your budget and how you plan to get your training. You can also explore how to become a medical coder to learn more about career advancement opportunities.