Credentialing is an absolutely necessary step for a professional coder. In addition to the fact that the government recommends that only credentialed coders should be permitted to provide coding for Medicare patients, credentialing validates your skills and knowledge to the world. Coding credentials are currently offered by two professional associations: The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The credentials are the following:
| Credential | Offered by | Degree Required | Test Required | Continuing Education |
| CPC Certified Professional Coder |
AAPC | None | Yes | Yes |
| CPC-H Certified Professional Coder — Hospital |
AAPC | None | Yes | Yes |
| CPC-P Certified Professional Coder-Payer |
AAPC | None | Yes | Yes |
| CCA Certified Coding Associate |
AHIMA | None | Yes | Yes |
| CCS Certified Coding Specialist |
AHIMA | None | Yes | Yes |
| CCS-P Certified Coding Specialist — Physician |
AHIMA | None | Yes | Yes |
| RHIT Registered Health Information Administrator |
AHIMA | AS in HIT | Yes | Yes |
| RHIA Registered Health Information Technician |
AHIMA | BS in HIM | Yes | Yes |
