Jobs and career pathways
ICD-10-CM/PCS Coding jobs, salary benchmarks, and career pathways
Coding credentials map most directly to the records role below. Note that BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as typical entry, not a degree.
Updated October 7, 2026
Where this exam tends to lead
These roles centre on related jobs and career pathways. The role targets below are the main search patterns this jobs page is built around.
This page is built around related job searches now, with room for richer direct-ingestion job feeds later.
Medical coding salary benchmark
Coding credentials map most directly to the records role below. Note that BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as typical entry, not a degree.
| Role / benchmark | Pay | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Medical records specialists | $51,140 median annual wage | May 2025 figure; typical entry is a postsecondary nondegree award rather than a degree BLS Medical Records Specialists |
Search live openings now
What the certifying bodies publish
| Fact | Current detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| What ICD-10-CM is here | A code set tested within coding credentials, alongside CPT and HCPCS Level II — not a standalone certification you can sit | AHIMA certification exams |
| AHIMA CCA — entry level | 105 questions in two hours: 90 scored items and 15 pretest items. Passing score 300. $199 for AHIMA members, $299 for non-members | AHIMA Certified Coding Associate |
| AHIMA CCA — eligibility | A high school diploma is required. AHIMA recommends but does not require six months of direct coding experience, an AHIMA-approved coding programme, or other training covering anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and basic ICD and CPT coding | AHIMA Certified Coding Associate |
| AHIMA CCS — experienced level | 107 questions in four hours: 97 scored items and 10 pretest items. Passing score 300. $299 for AHIMA members, $399 for non-members, with retakes at the same cost | AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist |
| AHIMA CCS — eligibility routes | One of: coursework across anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, reimbursement methodology, intermediate or advanced ICD coding and CPT/HCPCS, plus one year of direct coding experience; or two years of related coding experience; or the CCA credential plus one year of experience; or another organisation’s coding credential plus one year; or an existing CCS-P, RHIT, or RHIA credential | AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist |
| The wider AHIMA family | Beyond CCA and CCS, AHIMA offers CCS-P for physician-based coding, plus RHIT and RHIA for health information roles | AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist |
| AAPC CPC — what can be confirmed | AAPC awards the Certified Professional Coder, the most widely held coding credential. Its exam specification is not published on pages that render without an account, so question count, time limit, passing score, and code-book policy should be confirmed with AAPC directly rather than taken from a third-party summary | AAPC CPC certification |
| Pretest items on both AHIMA exams | CCA includes 15 unscored pretest items and CCS includes 10. They are not identified during the exam, so every question should be treated as scored | AHIMA Certified Coding Associate |
Fetched job listings
These listings come from the latest automated jobs update run. If a board blocks or limits retrieval, use the live search links above.
6 listings captured
The Muse
Store Associate
CVS Health
Litchfield, CT
The Muse
(USA) Tire and Battery Service Advisor
Walmart
Eau Claire, WI
The Muse
Café Associate
Walmart
Clive, IA
The Muse
Maintenance Custodian Associate
Walmart
Ellicott City, MD
The Muse
Retail Customer Service Associate
Walmart
El Paso, TX
The Muse
PRODUCE/CLERK
Kroger
Bowling Green, OH
Official resources
The entry-level credential, with its full published specification: 105 questions, two hours, passing score 300.
The experienced-level credential: 107 questions, four hours, and five distinct eligibility routes.
Go here directly for CPC specifications and pricing — they are not reliably reproduced elsewhere.
External resources and benchmarks
Neutral wage and employment data for the role coding credentials lead into.
Questions people ask before choosing this path
Is ICD-10 a certification?
No. ICD-10-CM is a code set tested within coding credentials alongside CPT and HCPCS Level II. The credentials themselves come from AAPC, which awards the Certified Professional Coder, or AHIMA, which awards the CCA, CCS, and CCS-P.
What does the AHIMA CCA exam involve?
105 questions in two hours, of which 90 are scored and 15 are pretest items. The passing score is 300, and the exam costs $199 for AHIMA members and $299 for non-members. Only a high school diploma is required.
What does the AHIMA CCS exam involve?
107 questions in four hours, of which 97 are scored and 10 are pretest items. The passing score is 300, and the exam costs $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for non-members. Retakes cost the same as the initial attempt.
Which coding certification should a beginner choose?
AHIMA’s CCA has the lowest barrier — a high school diploma, two hours, and $199 for members. CCS requires coding experience or an existing credential. AAPC’s CPC is the most widely held credential, but confirm its current requirements and pricing with AAPC directly.