to schedule and take the CPC exam? Or is the CCS? Still get those confused.
You can start looking into scheduling your CPC somewhere around Section 7 or 8, though some students wait longer, around Section 10-12. It's up to you, how confident you feel in estimating when you will finish Module III, and how often the exam is offered in your area.
I do not recommend taking the CPC exam until after you've finished all of Module III, so that you have all the feedback from this module to prepare with. Ideally, about 2 weeks after you finish Module III is the best time to take the exam - you've finished the module, and you have a couple of weeks to review and get ready for the exam, without so much time you work yourself into a frenzied mess over it! - but since the AAPC chapters don't offer the exam every weekend, it doesn't always work out quite that nicely for students. Some take it further into Module IV, some wait until they graduate, and some don't take it at all. A rare few take it while they are still in Module III, but those students have a higher failure rate on the first try than students who finish Module III beforehand.
Most students aren't eligible for the CCS exam until they've graduated from the entire course, but you can schedule it as soon as you are ready after you've graduated. You'll cover more about it at the end of Module IV.
-Glenda
As a new student I'm still unsure of the CPC, CCS difference. Which is the most comprehensive and marketable/desired credential? Where should I read more about this? Thank you.
From what i understand.
The CCS is offered through AHIMA. The CPC is offered through the AAPC. The CPC is more directed towards physician coding, and the CCS is more directed towards Facility coding
. Also the CPC will tend to entail more outpatient coding. And the CCS and RHIT entail more Inpatient coding.