Coding certificate programs which have earned formal approval under AHIMA’s Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP) adhere to quality standards in programming, instruction and curriculum for non-degree granting academic coding certificate programs. PCAP approved coding certificate programs offer a comprehensive curriculum which meets or exceeds rigorous PCAP coding competencies and have been evaluated for compliance with faculty qualifications for coding education and program standards.

Benefits of formal PCAP approval:

• Industry-wide recognition for compliance with quality standards in programming, instruction, curriculum and competencies for non-degree granting academic coding certificate programs.
• Prominent listing in the Directory of PCAP Approved Programs, an online resource which is frequently visited by prospective students who are specifically seeking coding education programs which meet rigorous coding education standards, as well as employers who are looking for well-trained job candidates.
• Student eligibility to sit for AHIMA’s Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P) certification exams.
• Demonstrated adherence to rigorous standards set by industry leaders in coding practice and coding education.
• Demonstrated commitment to coding practice workforce development through practical application and competency demonstration via required professional practice experiences.

The Directory of PCAP Approved Programs is an online resource which is frequently visited by prospective students who are specifically seeking coding certificate programs which meet rigorous coding education standards, as well as employers who are looking for well-trained job candidates.

An academic coding certificate program is eligible to apply for PCAP approval ONLY if:

1. The sponsoring institution has had students enrolled in the coding certificate program for a minimum of six months; AND
2. The sponsoring academic institution is accredited by a national US Department of Education (USDE) accreditor or comparable international accrediting authority.

There are no exceptions to these eligibility criteria.

Follow the steps below to formally apply for PCAP approval:

1. Download and review the following preparatory documents:
   • PCAP Manual (Rev. 2020; PDF)
   • PCAP Self-Study Template (Rev.2020; Word)
   • 2018 PCAP Coding Certificate Competencies
   • 2018 PCAP Self-assessment (Rev.2020; Word)
   • 2014 PCAP Coding Certificate Competencies
   • 2014 PCAP Self-assessment (Rev.2020; Word)
   • See the 2018 PCAP Coding Competencies Implementation Timeline below
2. The documents above detail all of the PCAP initial application requirements. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with them. Ensure that all required documents are prepared as directed so they can be easily uploaded during the online application process.
3. Should you have any questions as you are preparing your application materials, please contact AHIMA’s PCAP Liaison John Richey, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA at [email protected] or 312-233-1149 or email [email protected].
4. Using the Self-Study Template as your primary tool, click the SmarterSelect link to access the online PCAP application system, click the Apply button to create your initial online PCAP application, upload all required documents, enter required narrative text, and submit your application. Once you create your initial online application, you will be able to save your work, exit and return to it later to complete and submit.
5. Submit full payment.
6. Upon submission of the online application and full payment, email [email protected]. You will receive an email confirmation to verify receipt of your application and payment, after which the formal application review process will begin.

Annual Renewal (Attestation) Process

Follow the steps below to annually renew PCAP approval:

1. Download and review the following preparatory documents:
   • PCAP Manual (Rev. 2020; PDF)
   • PCAP Annual Attestation Form (Rev. 2020; Word)
2. The documents above detail all of the PCAP renewal (attestation) requirements. Thoroughly familiarize yourself with them. Ensure that all required documents are prepared as directed so they can be easily forwarded via email.
3. Should you have any questions as you are preparing your renewal (attestation) materials, please contact AHIMA’s PCAP Liaison John Richey, MBA, RHIA, FAHIMA at [email protected].
4. Email your Annual Attestation Form and any other required documents to [email protected].
5. Submit full payment. Email [email protected] that you have done so.
6. Upon submission of your Annual Attestation Form, any other required documents and full payment, you will receive an email confirmation to verify receipt of your renewal materials and payment, after which the formal renewal review process will begin.

2018 PCAP Coding Competencies Implementation Timeline

SmarterSelect Link