CCDS Exam Cost, Requirements & How to Apply

Before you start studying for the CCDS exam, you need to know whether you're eligible, how much it costs, and how the application process works. This guide covers everything in one place so you can plan confidently.

CCDS Exam Fees

The ACDIS membership discount saves $100 on the exam fee. If you're not already a member and plan to take the exam, it's worth doing the math — ACDIS membership also gives you access to CDI resources, forums, webinars, and continuing education opportunities that support both exam prep and ongoing professional development.

Eligibility Requirements

ACDIS requires candidates to meet one of three education-and-experience pathways. All pathways require current employment as a concurrent or retrospective clinical documentation specialist.

Pathway 1: Clinical Credential + 2 Years Experience

Hold an RN, RHIA, RHIT, MD, or DO credential and have at least 2 years of experience as a concurrent or retrospective documentation specialist in an inpatient acute care facility using the U.S. Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS).

Pathway 2: Allied Health Degree + 3 Years Experience

Hold an associate degree (or equivalent) in an allied health field — other than those listed in Pathway 1 — with 3 years of inpatient CDI experience. Your education must include completed college-level coursework in medical terminology and human anatomy and physiology.

Pathway 3: Specialized Education or CCS Credential + 3 Years Experience

Have formal education in medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, and pathophysiology — or hold an AHIMA CCS or CCS-P credential — with at least 3 years of experience as a documentation specialist in an inpatient facility.

A "year of experience" is defined by ACDIS as full-time employment or more than 2,000 hours worked during that year.

How to Apply: Step by Step

1. Download and read the Exam Candidate Handbook. It's available on the ACDIS website and contains the full content outline, eligibility details, and testing procedures. Don't skip this step.
2. Verify your eligibility. Confirm that you meet one of the three pathways above. Have your education credentials and employment verification ready before starting the application.
3. Complete the online application. Log into the ACDIS certification site. ACDIS members can use their existing login credentials. Non-members need to register. Have your education and work history available — you'll need it for page 1 of the application.
4. Pay the exam fee. Payment can be made by credit card, personal check, or money order. ACDIS member discount is applied automatically when you log in with your member credentials.
5. Wait for approval. ACDIS reviews your application against eligibility requirements. If approved, Prometric will send you scheduling instructions.
6. Schedule your exam. You have 90 days from the date your name is submitted to Prometric to schedule and take your exam. Don't wait until the last minute — preferred dates and locations fill up.

Testing Options

You can take the CCDS exam at a Prometric testing center or via remote proctoring from home. Both options are available year-round.

If testing at a Prometric center, you'll need to bring valid government-issued photo ID. Your two reference books will be inspected at check-in — tabs and handwritten margin notes are allowed, but no loose papers, sticky notes, or inserts.

If testing remotely, you'll need a quiet, private room, a computer with a webcam, and a stable internet connection. The same reference book rules apply — you'll show them to the proctor via webcam.

What Happens After You Test

Exam results are typically available 4 to 6 weeks after your test date. You'll receive an email notification from ACDIS with your results. If you pass, you receive the CCDS designation and your name is added to the ACDIS directory of credential holders.

If you don't pass, you'll receive a score report showing your performance by content area. You must wait 90 days before retaking the exam. The first retake fee is discounted to $150.

Recertification

The CCDS credential must be renewed every 2 years through continuing education units (CEUs). You'll need to accumulate a specified number of CEUs through activities like attending conferences, completing webinars, publishing in CDI journals, or participating in ACDIS educational programs.

Total Cost: What to Budget

Here's a realistic budget for the entire CCDS certification journey:

Compare that to CCDS boot camps ($1,500–$2,000+) or other certification prep courses, and self-directed preparation with a quality question bank is significantly more affordable.