Professional Certificate Approval Program

Purpose:

The AHIMA PCAP sets the national benchmark for non-degree coding and health information certificate programs. Designed to ensure quality and workforce readiness, PCAP recognizes programs that meet rigorous standards in curriculum, instruction, and faculty qualifications. PCAP-approved programs offer real-world learning, access to industry professionals, and eligibility for AHIMA’s premier coding certifications (CCA, CCS, CCS-P). These programs empower students with in-demand skills, promote lifelong learning, and support a future-ready health information workforce.

Benefits of PCAP Approval

1. Credentialed and Qualified Faculty

• Programs employ experienced educators who hold relevant AHIMA credentials and meet quality standards in coding education.

2. Engagement with Professional Associations

• PCAP-approved programs demonstrate active involvement in local, regional, and national health information management and coding associations.
• These programs foster professional development and alignment with current industry needs and practices.

3. Experiential Learning with Authentic Coding Cases

• Students gain hands-on experience through access to a minimum of 150 real-world coding cases, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce.
• Inpatient and outpatient scenarios including clinic cases, same day surgery, Emergency Department, etc.

4. Real-World Experiences and Applied Learning

• Curricula are grounded in practical applications and can include traditional or virtual professional practice experiences (PPEs), where students/graduates can apply their learned competencies in real-world settings.

5. Access to Industry Professionals

• Programs offer valuable networking and mentorship opportunities by connecting students with established professionals across the health information landscape.

6. Industry-Wide Recognition of Excellence

• PCAP approval signifies national recognition for meeting or exceeding industry-defined quality standards in program design, instruction, curriculum, and graduate competencies.

7. Directory Visibility

• Approved programs are prominently listed in AHIMA’s Directory of PCAP Approved Programs, enhancing visibility and credibility with prospective students and employers.

8. Pathway for AHIMA Certification Exams

• PCAP offers students a pathway of to sit for AHIMA’s premier coding credentials:
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P)

9. Adherence to Rigorous Standards

• PCAP approval reflects a program’s commitment to maintaining high academic and professional standards set by leaders in coding education and practice.
• Programs receive confidential reports of certification exam results designed to support continuous improvement benchmarked against other programs.

10. Commitment to Workforce Development

• PCAP programs prepare graduates for long-term career success through competency-based instruction, applied practice, and alignment with evolving workforce demands.

Directory of PCAP Approved Programs

The Directory of PCAP Approved Programs is a trusted online resource for prospective students and employers alike. Students use the directory to find high-quality, AHIMA-approved coding certificate programs that meet rigorous educational and industry standards. Employers turn to it to identify programs producing well-prepared, credential-eligible candidates ready to meet the demands of today’s health information workforce.

Initial/Renewal Application Process

Step 1: Submit Payment

Contact arinfo@ahima.org to pay by credit card or to request an invoice for your initial application or renewal.

Invoices can be paid via ACH or check to:

AHIMA
Dept. 77-2735
Chicago, Illinois 60678

Once payment has been submitted, you will receive a payment confirmation number. Save this number, as it will be required during the application process as proof of payment.

Step 2: Request Application Materials

Contact pcap@ahima.org to request the required application materials, including:

• PCAP Competencies
• PCAP Manual
• Self-Study Template
• Self-Assessment

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Complete the required documents and gather all supporting materials before beginning the online application.

If you have questions while preparing your application, contact the PCAP Administrator at pcap@ahima.org.

Step 4: Complete the Online Application

Using the Self-Study Template as your primary guide:

1. Access the online PCAP application system through SmarterSelect.
2. Select Apply to begin a new application.
3. Enter your payment confirmation number.
4. Upload all required documents and supporting materials.
5. Complete all required narrative sections.
6. Submit your application.

Note: You may save your work and return later if you are not ready to submit.

Step 5: Notify AHIMA

After submitting your online application, email pcap@ahima.org to notify AHIMA that your application has been submitted.

You will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt of your application. Once confirmed, the formal review process will begin.

Attestation Process

Follow the steps below to annually renew PCAP approval:

Step 1: Submit Payment

Contact arinfo@ahima.org to pay by credit card or to request an invoice for your initial application or renewal.

Invoices can be paid via ACH or check to:

AHIMA
Dept. 77-2735
Chicago, Illinois 60678

Once payment has been submitted, you will receive a payment confirmation number. Save this number, as it will be required during the application process as proof of payment.

Step 2: Download Attestation Form

Download and complete the following document:

• PCAP Annual Attestation Form (Rev. 2026; Word)

Step 3: Submit Form

Email the Attestation Form and any supplemental documents to pcap@ahima.org.

• If you have any questions as you are preparing your renewal (attestation) materials, please contact AHIMA’s PCAP Administrator at pcap@ahima.org.

Upon submission of your Attestation Form, any other required documents, and full payment, the renewal review process will begin.