What is the CCDS examination content?

The examination content is based on analysis of the activities of clinical documentation specialists in a wide range of settings, hospital sizes, and circumstances. Input from a survey taken by members of the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS), and the input and research of an advisory board comprised of experienced clinical documentation specialists, was used to identify seven core competencies with which clinical documentation specialists should have a strong working knowledge.

The examination is composed of 140 multiple-choice questions.

Each question on the examination is categorized by a cognitive level that a candidate would likely use to respond. These categories are:

  • Recall questions test the candidate's knowledge of specific facts and concepts relevant to the day-to-day work of clinical documentation professionals.
  • Application questions require the candidate to interpret or apply information, guidelines, or rules to a particular situation.
  • Analysis questions test the candidate's ability to evaluate and integrate a range of information in problem solving to address a particular challenge.

The current examination is designed so that approximately 40% of the questions will be of the recall type, 40% of the application type, and 20% of the analysis type.

Click here to read the Exam Candidate Handbook, which includes a content outline for the CCDS exam.

Note: The current version of the CCDS exam includes questions based on the following:

Interested in learning more about the certification process? Watch this free webinar with two of ACDIS' expert CDI education specialists on the topic!