Top 11 Billing Manager Certifications

Certifications for a billing manager are important in the job market for several reasons. First, certifications provide proof that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to do the job effectively and efficiently. This can help employers quickly determine if an applicant is qualified for a position. Additionally, certifications can give an applicant an edge over other candidates who do not have them. Employers may view certified individuals as more reliable and experienced than those without certification, leading to better job prospects and higher salaries. Finally, certifications can open up new career opportunities by demonstrating professional competency in a specific field or area of expertise.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Billing Managers and explain how they can help advance a billing manager's career.

What are Billing Manager Certifications?

Billing Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to manage the billing process for organizations. This certification is offered through a number of different organizations and can be obtained by taking an accredited course or exam.

The billing manager certification program helps individuals gain the necessary skills to manage billing operations, including understanding the regulations, laws, and policies related to billing; understanding how to use various software programs in order to maintain accurate records; and developing strategies for improving customer service. Through this certification, individuals will become familiar with the latest trends in billing management and learn how to create efficient processes that meet organizational goals.

By obtaining Billing Manager Certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to their profession, as well as their ability to effectively manage billing operations for their organization. This demonstrates that they are knowledgeable about the industry and willing to stay abreast of changes in technology and trends. Obtaining this certification also provides a competitive edge when applying for jobs related to billing management. With this certification, professionals can prove their dedication and expertise in the field while proving that they are qualified for higher level positions within an organization.

Pro Tip: When considering a billing manager certification, make sure to research the certification requirements and look for programs that are accredited by a reputable organization. Additionally, be sure to confirm that the program you're considering is up-to-date with current best practices and industry standards.

Related: What does a Billing Manager do?

Top 11 Billing Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Billing Managers today.

1. Certified Professional Billing Manager (CPBM)

Certified Professional Billing Manager (CPBM) is a certification program offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in medical billing and coding. The CPBM certification requires applicants to have at least two years of professional experience in medical billing and coding, as well as passing a rigorous exam.

The CPBM exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, reimbursement methodologies, CPT and ICD-10 coding systems, HIPAA compliance, practice management software, and healthcare regulations. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

To become certified as a CPBM, applicants must first register with the AAPC and pay an application fee. After registering, applicants are required to pass the CPBM exam within one year of registration. Applicants must also maintain their membership with the AAPC in order to remain certified.

The cost for the application fee is $199 USD for members of the AAPC or $399 USD for non-members. Once registered for the exam, there is an additional fee of $299 USD for members or $499 USD for non-members which covers the cost of taking the exam.

2. Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS)

A Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CMBCS) is an individual who has been certified by a professional organization to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in medical billing and coding. This certification is typically obtained through the completion of a course or program that focuses on the principles, practices, and procedures related to medical billing and coding. The program usually takes between six months to two years to complete, depending on the type of program chosen.

The cost of obtaining this certification can vary depending on the institution providing the training. Generally, tuition costs range from $1,500 to $3,000 for a comprehensive program. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam required for certification.

To become certified as a CMBCS, individuals must pass an exam administered by either the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). The exam consists of multiple-choice questions that test an individual's knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic coding systems, reimbursement methodologies, and other related topics. After passing the exam, individuals must maintain their certification by completing continuing education credits annually.

3. Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP)

Certified Revenue Cycle Professional (CRCP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare revenue cycle management. It is administered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

The CRCP credential is designed to help healthcare organizations and professionals maximize their financial performance and improve patient access to care. The certification validates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities related to managing the revenue cycle process.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the requirements for the CRCP credential. To become certified, candidates must meet eligibility requirements, pass an exam, and complete continuing education credits every two years.

The cost of obtaining the CRCP credential varies depending on whether you are a member of HFMA or not. For non-members, it costs $495 to register for the exam and $195 annually for recertification fees. For HFMA members, it costs $395 for registration and $95 annually for recertification fees.

4. Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP)

Certified Healthcare Financial Professional (CHFP) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of healthcare finance. It is offered by the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA).

The CHFP certification requires that applicants have at least five years of experience in healthcare finance, and demonstrate their knowledge by passing an exam. The exam covers topics such as financial planning, budgeting, reimbursement, cost accounting, financial analysis, and other related areas. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours.

To get the CHFP certification, applicants must complete an online application form and pay a fee of $395 for HFMA members or $495 for non-members. Applicants must also submit proof of their healthcare finance experience, such as a resume or letter from an employer. Once approved, applicants will receive a study guide and access to practice exams to help them prepare for the actual exam.

Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will receive their CHFP certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

5. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional credential offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). It is the most recognized coding certification in the healthcare industry. The CPC credential demonstrates proficiency in medical coding and billing, as well as expertise in insurance regulations and compliance.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the CPC exam. During this time, it is recommended that candidates study the AAPC’s official CPC Study Guide and take practice exams. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, ICD-10-CM coding, HCPCS Level II coding, and CPT coding.

To become a CPC, you must first join the AAPC and pay an annual membership fee. Then you must pass the CPC exam with a minimum score of 70%. After passing the exam, you will receive your official CPC certification from the AAPC.

The cost of becoming a Certified Professional Coder varies depending on how long it takes to prepare for the exam and whether or not you decide to purchase additional materials or take classes. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$500 for all necessary materials and fees associated with taking and passing the test.

6. Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who has demonstrated proficiency in the use of electronic health records (EHRs). The CEHRS certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To become certified, an individual must pass an exam that covers topics such as patient data management, security and privacy, clinical decision support systems, and health information technology.

The exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. It costs $189 to register for the exam. In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have completed at least one year of experience working with EHRs or have completed a formal training program in EHRs.

Once certified, CEHRS professionals are expected to stay up-to-date on changes in technology and healthcare laws and regulations. They must also renew their certification every two years by completing continuing education credits or retaking the certification exam.

7. American Academy of Professional Coders Certification (AAPC)

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is a professional organization that provides certifications for medical coders. The AAPC certification is the most widely recognized credential for medical coding and billing professionals. It is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the field and a commitment to continuing education.

To become certified, an individual must pass an exam that covers topics such as anatomy, medical terminology, coding systems, reimbursement systems, and regulatory compliance. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the exam, individuals must first become members of the AAPC by paying a one-time fee of $99. After becoming a member, they can then register for the exam which costs $399 for non-members or $299 for members. Once registered, individuals can access study materials such as practice exams and online courses to help them prepare for the exam.

Once an individual passes the exam, they will receive their certification from the AAPC which is valid for two years. During this time they must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education in order to maintain their certification status.

8. American Health Information Management Association Certification (AHIMA)

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the highest standards of knowledge and expertise in the field of health information management. It is designed to ensure that healthcare providers, administrators, and other professionals working in the field have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage patient data.

The AHIMA certification process typically takes 6-12 months to complete. To become certified, applicants must first pass an online exam which covers topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, data analysis, and healthcare regulations. Following successful completion of the exam, applicants must complete a series of courses related to health information management. These courses are offered through accredited universities or AHIMA-approved training programs.

Once all coursework has been completed, applicants can apply for certification by submitting an application form along with proof of completion of all required coursework and passing scores on the online exam. The cost for AHIMA certification varies depending on the type of certification being pursued but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

9. National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity Certification (NAHRI)

The National Association of Healthcare Revenue Integrity (NAHRI) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of healthcare revenue integrity. This certification is designed to help organizations ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, reduce costs, and improve patient satisfaction.

It takes approximately six months to complete the NAHRI Certification process. To get certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

- Have at least two years of experience in healthcare revenue integrity or related field;

- Complete an online application and submit it to NAHRI;

- Pass an online exam;

- Submit a portfolio demonstrating knowledge in healthcare revenue integrity topics such as coding, billing, reimbursement, fraud and abuse prevention, audit processes, etc.; and

- Participate in an interview with a panel of experts.

The cost of obtaining the NAHRI Certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen. The basic membership fee is $295 per year for individuals or $495 per year for groups. Additional fees may apply for taking the exam or submitting a portfolio.

10. National Healthcareer Association Certification (NHA)

The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) is a non-profit organization that offers certification programs to healthcare professionals. The NHA provides certifications in the areas of medical coding, billing, and transcription. Certification through the NHA is recognized by employers and health care organizations as evidence of a professional’s knowledge and skills in the healthcare industry.

In order to receive an NHA certification, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and skills within their chosen field. The length of time it takes to complete the certification process depends on the individual's preparation for the exam and how quickly they are able to complete it. Generally, it takes between one and three months to prepare for the exam and take it.

To get started with the NHA certification process, individuals must first register for an exam online or by phone. Once registered, they can access study materials such as practice exams, textbooks, webinars, and other resources to help them prepare for the test. After completing all required study materials, individuals can then schedule their exam date at a local testing center.

The cost of taking an NHA certification exam varies depending on which type of certification you are seeking. For example, Medical Coding Certification costs $199 while Medical Billing & Coding Certification costs $299. There may also be additional fees associated with registering for an exam or purchasing additional study materials.

11. American Medical Billing Association Certification (AMBA).

The American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) certification is a professional credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and experience in medical billing. It is designed to demonstrate proficiency in the areas of coding, reimbursement, compliance, and other related topics.

It typically takes about 4-6 months to complete the certification process. The first step is to become a member of AMBA by completing an application and paying the membership fee. Once you are a member, you will have access to all of the resources needed to prepare for the certification exam. This includes study materials, practice exams, and online courses.

To get certified, you must pass the AMBA certification exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as coding guidelines, reimbursement policies, compliance regulations, and more. You must also meet certain prerequisites such as having a minimum of two years of experience in medical billing or equivalent education or training.

The cost for AMBA certification varies depending on your membership status and other factors. For example, if you are already an AMBA member then it may cost less than if you were not a member at all. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam or enrolling in any necessary courses prior to taking it.

Do You Really Need a Billing Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the field in which you work. If you are looking to become a Billing Manager, then having a billing manager certificate may be beneficial in helping you stand out from other job candidates. A billing manager certificate can provide valuable insight into the industry, as well as demonstrate your commitment to the profession.

However, if you already have experience working in the billing management field, it may not be necessary for you to obtain a formal certification. Employers often look for applicants who have an understanding of the industry and possess both technical and interpersonal skills that are applicable to their roles. Having a certificate may give you an edge over other job candidates, but it’s important to recognize that employers will also consider your prior experience and qualifications when making hiring decisions.

In short, having a billing manager certificate may help open doors for those seeking employment opportunities in this field, but it is not necessarily required for success. Ultimately, it’s important to weigh your own career goals and decide whether obtaining a certification is right for you.

Related: Billing Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Billing Manager Certifications

1. What type of certifications are available for Billing Managers?

Answer: There are a variety of certifications available for Billing Managers, including Certified Medical Biller & Coder (CMBC), Certified Professional Medical Biller (CPMB), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), and American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

2. How do I become a certified Billing Manager?

Answer: To become a certified Billing Manager, you will need to complete an accredited training program and pass the corresponding certification exam. Depending on the certification, the exam may include topics such as medical terminology, coding systems, billing processes and procedures, reimbursement systems, health insurance regulations, and more.

3. What is the cost of getting certified in Billing Management?

Answer: The cost of getting certified in Billing Management typically depends on the type of certification you choose. Some certifications require an enrollment fee or membership fee in addition to the cost of taking the exam.

4. How long does it take to become a certified Billing Manager?

Answer: It typically takes 3-6 months to complete an accredited training program and pass the corresponding certification exam. However, this timeline can vary depending on your individual learning style and ability to commit time to studying for the exam.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified Billing Manager?

Answer: Generally speaking, there are no prerequisites for becoming a certified Billing Manager; however, some certifications may have additional requirements such as prior work experience or education in related fields like healthcare or finance.