CBCS - Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (NHA) Practice Test

Candidates must meet one of the following prerequisites within the past five years: 1) Successful completion of an approved training program, 2) One year of supervised work experience in the field, or 3) Completion of a relevant medical billing and coding program of study. The NHA requires candidates to complete an application providing proof of eligibility prior to scheduling the exam.

The CBCS, offered by the NHA, provides a strong foundation in both billing processes and diagnostic/procedural coding, making it an excellent entry-point certification. It is often favored in outpatient settings like physician offices. The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) from the AAPC has a deeper focus on procedural (CPT) coding and is widely recognized across all settings. Many professionals start with the CBCS to enter the field and later pursue the CPC for specialization and career advancement.

The CBCS exam is a computer-based test consisting of 100 scored multiple-choice questions and 20 pretest questions, for a total of 120 questions. Candidates are allotted 2 hours (120 minutes) to complete the exam. The questions are based on the domains outlined in the official NHA CBCS test plan and assess knowledge and practical application.

The exam is structured around key domains: Insurance and Reimbursement (25%), ICD-10-CM Coding (20%), CPT and HCPCS Coding (20%), Billing Processes (15%), Medical Terminology (10%), Anatomy and Physiology (5%), and Electronic Health Records (5%). This weighting reflects the relative importance of each area in the daily work of a billing and coding specialist.

The CBCS certification is valid for two years. To maintain active status, certificants must complete 10 continuing education (CE) credits every two years and pay a renewal fee. The CE credits must be relevant to the billing and coding field and can be earned through approved courses, webinars, conferences, or other NHA-accepted activities.