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Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

AHIMA Commonly Funded
$399 Exam Cost $299 for AHIMA members
$60,000 Average Salary
$48,000–$75,000 Salary Range
16-24 Prep Weeks
2 years / Free Renewal

About the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Hospital-focused medical coding certification validating expertise in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and inpatient coding for facility-based billing.

Prerequisites
Coding experience recommended; formal training preferred
Testing Format
In-person or online proctored

How VR&E Funds the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Approved in VR&E healthcare career plans targeting hospital and inpatient coding roles. Often paired with CPC for maximum career flexibility.

What VR&E Typically Covers:

  • Exam fee ($399) — funded through Purchase Orders
  • Preparation courses and training programs
  • Study materials, practice exams, and lab access
  • Exam vouchers and retake fees when approved

All funding is subject to individual VRC approval as part of your Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP).

Career Paths with the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Hospital CoderInpatient Coding SpecialistDRG ValidatorCoding Compliance Auditor

VR&E vs GI Bill® for the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

VR&E Chapter 31

  • Exam fee covered in full ($399) — no per-test cap
  • Prep courses and materials funded separately
  • No upfront payment — funded through Purchase Orders
  • Part of your career rehabilitation plan

GI Bill®

  • $2,000 per-test reimbursement cap
  • Veteran pays upfront, gets reimbursed
  • This exam ($399) falls within the GI Bill® cap
  • Does not cover prep courses or study materials

Related Certifications

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Commonly Funded
$399 Avg. $55,000
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Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
Commonly Funded
$210 Avg. $55,000
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Nationally Registered Paramedic (NRP)
Commonly Funded
$135 Avg. $50,000
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Ready to Get the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) Funded Through VR&E?

Get Your Free Eligibility Checklist VR&E Application Toolkit — $197
Need help preparing for your VRC meeting? Explore the Counselor Meeting Prep Session — $497

Pathfinder Benefits provides educational information only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. We do not prepare, present, or prosecute VA benefit claims. For claim assistance, contact a VA-accredited representative at va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation.

VR&E approval likelihood indicators are editorial assessments based on reported veteran experiences and are provided for educational purposes only. All certifications require individual approval by your Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (VRC) as part of your Individualized Written Rehabilitation Plan (IWRP). Past approvals do not guarantee future approvals.