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

157 questions available

Build your confidence for CBCS - Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (NHA). Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
120 Exam questions
2 hours 30 minutes Time Limit
Your practice
157 Practice questions
2 hours 37 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear 390 Published passing score for this certification.
Explore exam topics Official objectives from NHA
NHA157 practice questions
Blueprint verifiedChecked against NHA official objectivesMetadata verified 2026-09-26How we verify

Exam overview and details

The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) credential, offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), is a nationally recognized certification validating the essential competencies required for success in medical billing and coding. This certification demonstrates a professional's mastery of the critical processes that bridge clinical care and healthcare reimbursement. CBCS-certified individuals are proficient in accurately translating medical procedures, diagnoses, and services into standardized alphanumeric codes (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS) for billing and insurance purposes. They possess a foundational understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology, enabling precise code assignment. Furthermore, the certification encompasses expertise in billing processes, insurance claim lifecycle management, compliance guidelines, and the effective use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems. Earning the CBCS signifies a commitment to accuracy, integrity, and adherence to the complex regulatory landscape of healthcare finance, making certified professionals invaluable assets in physician offices, hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Revenue Cycle and Regulatory Compliance

On 2025-06-19, a 58-year-old patient with commercial coverage is being registered or audited at a multi-specialty group. The record shows that practice receives a payer overpayment notice for a claim paid twice because of duplicate submission. The chart includes a preferred pharmacy, but no prescription billing is being submitted. Which compliant revenue-cycle action?

Revenue Cycle and Regulatory Compliance

On 2025-01-05, a 29-year-old established patient is being registered or audited at a family medicine clinic. The record shows that front desk notices a new Medicare patient has no signed assignment of benefits while the visit is still in progress. The intake note also mentions a flu vaccine last year, which is not central to the billing decision. Which step should be completed before the claim is released?

Billing and Reimbursement

On 2025-01-06, the billing specialist at a urgent care center reviews an account where outpatient hospital claim pays under a Medicare ambulatory payment classification methodology. The intake note also mentions a flu vaccine last year, which is not central to the billing decision. Which payment system?

Coding and Coding Guidelines

On 2025-01-07, a 67-year-old Medicare beneficiary is seen in a surgical practice. The provider documents that procedure starts but is discontinued due to patient safety after preparation and sedation in an outpatient setting. The account has a $0 prior balance, which does not resolve the issue in front of the specialist. Which modifier concept is likely?

Coding and Coding Guidelines

On 2025-04-20, a 29-year-old established patient is seen in a family medicine clinic. The provider documents that decision for major surgery is made at an E/M visit the day before the operation. The chart includes a preferred pharmacy, but no prescription billing is being submitted. Which modifier may be appropriate?

Exam insights and study advice

Achieving the CBCS certification is a strategic career investment that signifies professional credibility and technical expertise to employers. In an industry where coding accuracy directly impacts revenue cycle integrity and regulatory compliance, this credential serves as a trusted benchmark of competency. It enhances job prospects, often leading to higher earning potential and increased consideration for advanced roles. For healthcare organizations, hiring CBCS-certified professionals mitigates financial risk, reduces claim denials, and ensures adherence to evolving coding standards. This certification provides a distinct competitive advantage, establishing the holder as a dedicated specialist committed to the highest standards of practice in the critical field of healthcare administration.

Your Path Forward

You are here CBCS - Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (NHA) Practice Test Step 1 of 3 – Foundation
Medical Billing and Revenue Cycle

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01Compliance and Ethics

20%

02CPT and HCPCS Coding

20%

03Healthcare Reimbursement

20%

04ICD-10-CM Coding

20%

05Medical Terminology

20%

Exam Details CBCS | $117 USD | 2 hours 30 minutes

Exam Code CBCS
Vendor NHA
Exam Cost $117 USD
Passing Score 390
Time Limit 2 hours 30 minutes
Exam questions 120
Question TypesMultiple Choice (single best answer)
Retake Policy Full exam fee charged for each retake. No limit specified beyond waiting period.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the eligibility requirements to sit for the CBCS exam?

How does the CBCS certification differ from other coding credentials like the CPC?

What is the format and length of the CBCS exam?

What topics are covered in the CBCS exam, and what is the weighting?

How long is the CBCS certification valid, and what are the renewal requirements?