AMCA BCSC
AMCA Medical Coder and Biller Certification (MCBC)
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The Medical Coder and Biller Certification (MCBC) is one of the national healthcare certifications offered by the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA), listed alongside credentials such as the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC), Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC), and Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PTC). AMCA describes itself as committed to improving the quality of patient care while helping individuals become more competitive in today's workforce, and states that its certifications validate knowledge and skills in allied healthcare fields and demonstrate professional competency to employers. The MCBC is intended for individuals preparing for or working in medical coding and billing roles - translating clinical documentation into codes and managing the claims and reimbursement cycle - who want a credential that signals workforce readiness. Because AMCA publishes exam content outlines, candidate handbooks, eligibility requirements, and exam prep material through its Exam Candidate resources, candidates should treat those official documents as the authoritative source for the MCBC content outline, registration steps, and preparation materials. A practical preparation plan pairs the official outline with structured review of medical terminology and anatomy, coding conventions, billing and claims processes, and administrative compliance topics, followed by timed practice applying codes and claim scenarios rather than memorizing isolated definitions. This page is an independent study resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AMCA; always confirm current requirements on AMCA's own site before registering.
What you'll study
About AMCA BCSC preparation
What is the MCBC credential?
MCBC stands for Medical Coder and Biller Certification. It is one of the AMCA National Certifications, listed on AMCA's certification programs page alongside credentials such as the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) and Medical Administrative Assistant Certification (MAAC). It is designed to validate knowledge and skills for coding and billing roles in allied healthcare.
How many questions are on the exam and how long is it?
AMCA does not publish the MCBC item count or time limit on the certification programs page or homepage we reviewed, so we cannot state them. Check the AMCA Candidate Handbook and the MCBC-specific materials before you schedule, and plan your practice sessions around the official timing rather than a guessed figure.
What score do I need to pass, and what does it cost?
The passing score and exam fee are not stated in the AMCA source material available to us, so we do not list them. Both are typically covered in the AMCA Candidate Handbook and registration pages. Confirm the current fee and passing standard directly with AMCA before paying, since these details can change.
How hard is the MCBC?
Difficulty depends on your background. Candidates with coding coursework or on-the-job claims experience generally find terminology and code lookup manageable, while career changers often struggle with payer rules and claim sequencing. Because the exam spans coding, billing, terminology and anatomy, and administrative compliance, uneven preparation in any one area is the most common reason for a weak result.
What should I study first?
Start with medical terminology and anatomy, because coding and billing decisions depend on accurately reading clinical documentation. Then move to coding conventions and guidelines, followed by billing processes such as claim submission and reimbursement, and finish with administrative and compliance topics. Build in timed practice that requires you to apply codes to realistic scenarios rather than recall definitions.
Can I retake the exam if I fail?
AMCA's retake policy is not described in the source material we reviewed, so we cannot state the number of attempts, waiting period, or retake fee. Contact AMCA directly at the phone number or email listed on its site, or consult the Candidate Handbook, to confirm retake eligibility before you sit for the exam.
What are the eligibility requirements?
AMCA maintains a Credentials section and an Eligibility Requirements page under Exam Candidate resources. Those pages are the authoritative source for MCBC eligibility, including any training or education prerequisites. Review them before registering, and note that requirements can differ between AMCA's national certifications.
How do I register and where can I test?
AMCA publishes a How To Register page under Exam Candidate resources, plus information on test sites, scheduling exam dates, and Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). Registration steps and available testing options are described there. Follow AMCA's own instructions rather than third-party guidance, and confirm your test site or remote proctoring setup in advance.
Are there accommodations for testing?
Yes. AMCA lists Special Accommodations for Testing under its Exam Candidate resources. Candidates who need accommodations should review that page and follow AMCA's stated process, which generally requires requesting accommodations before the exam date rather than on the day of testing.
Why do candidates fail coding and billing exams?
The most frequent causes are skipping anatomy and terminology review, memorizing codes instead of learning guideline logic, and never practicing under time pressure. Another common error is ignoring the administrative and compliance portion because it feels less technical. Treat all four content areas as equally weighted and practice applying rules to unfamiliar scenarios.