How to Prepare for the CBCS Exam: Insights from Instructors

“The CBCS certification shows employers that the individual has the knowledge to do medical billing and coding positions,” Diana Murphy, MSM, BSHM, ASHR, CPC, CPMA, CPC-I, CCA, CBCS, and Healthcare Program Instructor at Penn Foster, said. “It shows that the individual has the skills needed to accurately assign codes, process insurance claims and comply with healthcare regulations. It does make a difference in job prospects by helping individuals qualify for higher-paying positions. It also enhances credibility and demonstrates a commitment to career development. Additionally, certification can provide an advantage over other applicants who are not certified.”

Michelle Myers, LPN

Penn Foster Phlebotomy Instructor

What does a Certified Billing and Coding Specialist actually do?

A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist works behind the scenes of a medical office, hospital, or insurance company, making sure patient visits get translated into accurate codes and clean claims.

Day-to-day work often includes:

• Reviewing patient records and assigning CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes
• Submitting claims to insurance companies for reimbursement
• Following up on denied or delayed claims
• Working inside electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Acting as a go-between for clinicians and billing offices

This is precise work. A single wrong code can delay payment or trigger a compliance flag, which is part of why employers value the CBCS credential. It demonstrates that you have met the certification requirements and have knowledge in key areas of medical billing and coding.

Read more:Your Medical Billing and Coding Salary Guide

How difficult is the CBCS exam?

Medical billing and coding involves memorizing coding systems, understanding insurance rules, and applying both under time pressure. That’s a lot to learn and remember so the exam isn’t always the easiest.

The national pass rate for the CBCS exam is 73%.(3) It can be a tough exam, but if you give yourself time to study and prepare, you can get to test day with more confidence!

Students who complete formal medical billing and coding training before taking the test are often more prepared. That’s because you’ve taken the time to learn the essentials, from basic coding to advanced skills! Penn Foster learners, for example, have posted an 82% CBCS pass rate, which is higher than the national average.(1)

What makes the exam hard for some students?

There’s a lot of information to remember when you sit down to take the CBCS exam, so it can be intimidating for many students. You might find yourself overwhelmed if you’re not prepared and some students can find particular things difficult, including:

• The volume of codes and guidelines to memorize
• Applying rules to case-style questions instead of simple recall
• Time management during the actual test
• Studying without a clear structure or study plan

But these aren’t reasons to avoid taking the exam! If you give yourself enough time to study and come in prepared, you can make sure you’re ready to do your best.

Read more: Which Medical Coding & Billing Certification Exam Should You Take – the CBCS or CPC?

How do students prepare for the CBCS exam?

Preparation looks different for every student, but a few things can help you go into test day ready to pass.

• Working through practice exams under timed conditions
• Reviewing coding systems (CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS) repeatedly instead of cramming once
• Studying in short, consistent sessions rather than long cram sessions
• Using flashcards or practice questions for terminology recall
• Reviewing weak areas identified through practice test scores

Even if you’re enrolled in an online program it doesn’t mean that you’re alone when it comes to preparing for your exam. Penn Foster’s Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma, for example, not only covers the cost of the exam; you also get an exam prep package that can help you prepare!

A realistic study timeline

Most students don't prepare for the CBCS exam in a weekend. Generally, once you schedule your exam date, you’ll want to take time to fit in blocks of studying in the weeks leading up to it. Don’t try to cram everything in last minute! When you’re studying, make sure to take advantage of things like practice tests and make sure you get enough rest the night before you take your test.

What to expect on exam day

Before you even get to exam day, the first thing you’ll do is register to take the test. NHA offers the option to take the exam online or in-person at a testing center near you. Whatever option you choose, on test day, you’ll need to verify your identity so make sure you have your state ID or driver’s license available for verification.

Whether you've opted for the online test or are taking the exam at a testing center, it's a good idea to be at least 15 minutes early to make sure you are ready and aren't rushing to login or get started.

The test includes 100 multiple choice questions, and you’ll have three hours to fully complete everything. The exam will cover sections on:

• The Revenue Cycle and Regulatory Compliance (15 questions)
• Insurance Eligibility and Other Payer Requirements (20 questions)
• Coding and Coding Guidelines (32 questions)
• Billing and Reimbursement (33 questions)

Generally, whether you're taking the test in person or online, you won't be allowed study guides or reference materials to help you during the exam. If you have anything like a device, notebooks, or unauthorized textbooks, you will not be allowed to continue the exam.

Once you complete the exam, if you've passed, you'll get an email notifying you that you can print your certificate by logging into your NHA account. You'll also receive a score report that shows how well you did on each section of the exam. If you passed, this is just something you can reference to know where you should strengthen your skills when you're on the job. If you didn't pass, it's a good idea to check where you struggled most and focus on those areas when you study for a retake.

If you don't pass the first time, don't stress! It happens. You'll have a chance to sign up for a retake after 30 days of your original test date. Retakes do cost, so you'll need to pay for another exam attempt. You're allowed to take the exam up to three times, with a minimum of 30 days between each attempt.

Is CBCS certification worth it?

Yes, getting CBCS certification is worth it!/p>

Certified billers and coders can earn 8.5% more than those who aren’t certified.(2) Besides the potential for a higher salary, there could be other benefits! Sixty-six percent of certified medical coders report working remotely, according to the same AAPC report.

Read more: 6 Tips for Going Back to College or Career School as an Adult

What do instructors recommend before taking the exam?

Instructors who work with billing and coding students often see learners repeating the same mistakes. When you’re preparing for the exam, you want to make sure you consider the following:

• Don't skip the foundational courses on medical terminology and body systems. Coding accuracy depends on understanding what's actually being coded.
• Practice tests aren't optional extras. They reveal exactly where more review is needed.
• Build a habit of reviewing coding guidelines regularly instead of memorizing them once.
• Treat the electronic health records (EHR) coursework as seriously as the coding modules, since real jobs require both.

“Complete your Medical Billing & Coding Program and make use of all the resources included with the program, some of which are housed in our Learning Resource Center. Attend our weekly open office hours, and if you have questions, schedule an appointment with your instructor,” Diana advised.

Michelle Myers, LPN

Penn Foster Phlebotomy Instructor

Besides that advice, confidence exam day comes from repetition, not last-minute review. Students who space out their studying and revisit material multiple times tend to walk into the test feeling steadier than those who try to absorb everything in a short window.

How does Penn Foster College help students prepare for CBCS certification?

Penn Foster College's Medical Billing and Coding Career Diploma Program is designed to align with the content areas tested on the CBCS exam. Students learn to apply CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS coding guidelines, work with electronic health records (EHR) software, and understand the medical billing and reimbursement process from start to finish.

“The program at Penn Foster provides key areas needed for the exam like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS coding, insurance claims, billing reimbursement, and medical regulations,” Diana said. “Students have a support system with one-on-one instructor support as well as open office hours. Students taking the program have a better understanding of the subject matter to be prepared for the CBCS exam.”

Michelle Myers, LPN

Penn Foster Phlebotomy Instructor

The program includes:

• 37 exams and 3 graded projects across the curriculum
• Core courses covering body systems and medical terminology, electronic medical records, and both basic and intermediate medical coding
• CBCS exam cost and exam prep materials included in tuition

Because the online training is asynchronous, meaning you can decide when and where you study, you are in charge of how quickly you move through the program. Students can finish in as little as 10 months on a fast track, with most students completing in about 14 months.(4)

Tuition starts as low as $59 per month, with a low down payment option, and current promotions may reduce the total program cost. Depending on where you live, you may be charged taxes in addition to the total cost of your program. Details on current pricing are available on the program's tuition page.

Beyond the CBCS credential, the program also prepares students to sit for two additional certification options: the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Exam costs for these two are not included in tuition.

Licensing and certification requirements for medical billing and coding roles vary by state and may include educational, testing, and experiential requirements beyond what any single program offers. Prospective students may want to check with their state's professional licensing board before enrolling.

Read more: Medical Coding Professional vs. Medical Billing and Coding: What’s the Difference?

Taking the next step toward CBCS certification

Preparing for the CBCS exam comes down to consistent study, realistic practice, and a clear understanding of what's actually being tested.

“My journey began with the Medical Administrative Assistant program, where I gained valuable skills and knowledge that laid the foundation for my career. Now, I am proud to say that I have completed the Medical Billing and Coding course as well. I am incredibly grateful to Penn Foster for their supportive education and guidance throughout my studies, which have led to these significant achievements in my professional development in healthcare!”

Jennifer K.

2026 Medical Billing and Coding Graduate

If you’re considering whether or not becoming a medical billing and coding specialist is the right step for you, checking out the program details and tuition information can allow you to really think about what makes sense for your life.

Ready to get started? You can enroll online 24/7 or call 1-800-275-4410 to speak with an Admissions Specialist.

• ¹ Based on reporting and data of Penn Foster graduate test results obtained from NHA for 2025.
• ² AAPC. 2025 Medical Coding and Billing Salary Report. https://www.aapc.com/resources/medical-coding-salary-survey
• ³ National Health Career Association. "2025 Industry Outlook." nhanow.com. January 22, 2024. https://info.nhanow.com/learning-leading-blog/nhas-industry-outlook-2025-the-latest-trends-in-allied-health-professions
• ⁴ With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from May 2021 - April 2022, excluding withdrawals.

Popular Posts