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Best authorization specialist certifications
Authorization specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an authorization specialist to employers. However, not all authorization specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for an authorization specialist are Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
Below is a list of the best authorization specialist certifications. Obtaining an authorization specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
8 best certifications for authorization specialists
| Rank | Authorization specialist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) | NHA |
| 2 | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) | NHA |
| 3 | Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) | AHIMA |
| 4 | Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) | PMI |
| 5 | Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA) | NHA |
| 6 | Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | AAPC |
| 7 | Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA) | NCCT |
| 8 | Nationally Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS) | NCCT |
8 best authorization specialist certifications
1. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
2. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
3. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Coding accuracy is highly important to healthcare organizations, and has an impact on revenues and describing health outcomes. In fact, certification has become an implicit industry standard. Accordingly, the CCS credential demonstrates a practitioner's tested data quality and integrity skills, and mastery of coding proficiency. Professionals experienced in coding inpatient and outpatient records should consider obtaining this certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
4. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
5. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NHA)
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant is an unlicensed multi-skilled healthcare practitioner who is competent in both a wide variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. A CCMA may perform some or all of the following duties. However, they are not limited to just these responsibilities:Interviews patients and measures vitals signsPrepares treatment roomsGives injections or treatments and performs venipuncture and laboratory testsCleans and sterilizes equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
6. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is an individual of high professional integrity who has passed a coding certification examination sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (the AAPC). The examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of CPT, HCPCS procedure and supply codes and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes used for billing professional medical services to insurance companies.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
Medical Office Assistants typically perform administrative duties for health care providers in office settings, although some may also perform basic clinical tasks (as allowed by state laws). Their responsibilities will vary by employer, but may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing or bookkeeping.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Nationally Certified Insurance and Coding Specialist (NCICS)
The Insurance and Coding Specialist can find a rewarding position as a health insurance claims processor or coder in a medical office practice. The Examination content areas include medical billing procedures, insurance claims processing, medical terminology, CPT coding, ICD-9-CM Coding, and HCPCS Level II coding.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for an authorization specialist?
The best authorization specialist certification is Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) is awarded by the National Healthcareer Association. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this authorization specialist certification:
- To become a certified Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 2 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for authorization specialists?
The most in-demand authorization specialist certification is Certified Coding Specialist based on all active job postings. Having this authorization specialist certification will give you access to more authorization specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact an authorization specialist career and salary?
The Certified Billing and Coding Specialist certification will help you to secure an medical biller coder position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An medical biller coder's average salary is $36,595 whereas authorization specialists make an average salary of $36,518.
The most common combination of authorization specialist certifications include: Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), and Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
Online courses for authorization specialists to earn certifications
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