How to Apply
Candidates may complete the application process for the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) credential online or by paper application (see below for specific instructions).Understand the program and its requirements
The other sections on this web site, including the Program Handbook, provide specific and detailed information about the CCDS credential and its requirements. It is the candidate's responsibility to read and understand the contents of the handbook before applying for certification.
Examination fee
The fee for the certification application process and examination is $295. If a candidate is a member of the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists (ACDIS), the application fee is reduced to $255. Payment may be made by credit card, personal check, or money order for the total amount, payable to HCPro, Inc. All fees are non-refundable.
Applying for the examination
There are two ways to apply for the CCDS examination.
1. Online application: The candidate may complete the application online by completing all required fields on the online application form and clicking the "submit" button. The computer screens will guide the candidate through the process. After the application information and payment have been submitted, the applicant will be contacted by AMP to schedule an examination. There are approximately 170 AMP Assessment Centers located nationwide. Click on your state for locations and directions.
2. Paper application: Candidates who do not want to apply online may complete the application process by fax or mail by following these steps (candidates may also call 800/650-6787 for assistance with the application):
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Download and complete the paper application (PDF document). Print the application and handwrite your responses. Please be sure to complete all required fields.
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Pay the application fee by providing complete credit card information or enclosing a personal check or money order (see “Examination fee” above for specific guidelines).
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Submit the application by fax or mail, using the contact information provided below.
Mail: HCPro, Inc.
Attn: Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist Program
75 Sylvan Street, Suite A-101
Danvers, MA 01923
Phone: 877/240-6586
Fax: 800/738-1553
ACDIS and HCPro will process the paper application and the applicant will be contacted by AMP to schedule an examination. There are approximately 170 AMP Assessment Centers located nationwide. Click on your state for locations and directions.
To request special accommodations, please complete the Request for Special Examination Accommodations form, and contact AMP at 888/519-9901.
After the application has been submitted
Upon receiving both the application and payment of the application fee, HCPro, Inc., will have its contracted partner, Applied Measurement Professionals, Inc. (AMP), e-mail to the candidate instructions on scheduling the certification examination at one of 170 nationwide secure Assessment Centers. As noted above, candidates will not be able to take the examination for certification until payment of the application fee has been received. Please allow two weeks for processing.
Please refer to the Program Handbook for more specific information regarding the examination.
Applying to re-take the examination after failing
If you fail the exam, you may take it again after waiting 90 days from the date of the failed exam. ACDIS will discount the exam fee to $100 for the first retake only. Subsequent attempts to pass the exam will be at full price. Contact Penny Richards to take the exam at the discounted price.
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