Attend a medical billing program via online or through a community college in your state. The medical billing course will consist of basic medical terminology, the specific coding technique for your state, usually ICD-9; general knowledge about health care; and how to complete and submit documents to insurance companies. Although the program varies by state, the average length is between six months and one year.
Once you complete the course, register for your certification. Most schools usually arrange a date and time for you to take your certification. However, individuals who are taking online classes or have on-the-job experience will need to arrange this specific task themselves. Contact an approved medical certifying company such as the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) to complete the test for certification. The AAPC has approved instructors who administer medical billing certifications in every state in the United States.
Locate your testing location by searching the AAPC website under the "Get Certified" link. Select your state and a location. Before you can take the test, you must submit a completed exam application to the AAPC with a check or money order for the test fee. The fee is non-refundable, however, they will allow you to retest one time for free. In addition to the fee, you must submit proof that you have successfully completed at least 80 hours of coursework in the appropriate field. However, if you have on-the-job experience you may submit a letter from your employer on company letterhead detailing how long you have been actively working in medical billing. In order to gain certification you must have two or more years of on-the-job experience. This process usually takes approximately four weeks.
Visit the testing location to complete the exam. You may bring your manual with handwritten notes along to reference. After successfully completing the exam with a passing score, you will receive your certification in the mail in approximately 30 days. The certification is valid for four years.