Which Certification Is Right for You?
Compare the most in-demand healthcare coding credentials and find the right readiness path on the VLMS platform.
8 Certifications We Support
Certification Readiness Quiz
Answer 3 quick questions and we'll recommend the right credential starting point for your career stage.
Our Recommendation
Based on your answers, we recommend starting with the CPC track — it's the most broadly applicable credential for outpatient and physician office coding, and our CPC Prep Bootcamp has a 91% first-attempt pass rate.
Top 4 Certification Comparison
| Feature | CPC | CCS | CRC | CPMA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certifying Body | AAPC | AHIMA | AAPC | AAPC |
| Setting | Outpatient/Physician | Inpatient Hospital | Health Plans | All Settings |
| Experience Required | None | None | 2 Years | 2 Years + CPC |
| Exam Duration | 5h 40m | 4h | 4h | 4h |
| Exam Questions | 100 | 97 | 100 | 100 |
| Salary Premium | +18% | +22% | +25% | +30% |
| VLMS Track Available | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Exam Fee Covered by Valiant | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
CEU Requirements by Credential
Once certified, you must earn continuing education units each cycle to keep your credential active. VLMS automatically tracks your CEUs and sends renewal reminders.
CPC — 2-Year Renewal
36 CEUs required every 2 years. At least 1 CEU must be in HIPAA. VLMS tracks all automatically.
CCS — 2-Year Renewal
20 CEUs required every 2 years for AHIMA CCS credential maintenance via myAHIMA portal.
CRC — 2-Year Renewal
36 CEUs in a 2-year cycle. At least 36 must be in risk adjustment or HCC-related topics.
CPMA — 2-Year Renewal
36 CEUs required, with a minimum of 10 in audit-specific content. VLMS courses fully qualify.