• 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
• 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:

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

There are no exceptions to these eligibility criteria.

1. Download and review the following documents for application requirements:

• 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. Ensure that all required documents are prepared as directed so they can be easily uploaded during the online application process.

If you have any questions as you are preparing your application materials, please contact AHIMA’s PCAP Liaison John Richey at john.richey@ahima.org or 312-233-1149.

3. Using the Self-Study Template as your primary tool,

• Go to the SmarterSelect website to access the online PCAP application system.
• Select the Apply button to create your initial online PCAP application.
• Upload all required documents.
• Enter required narrative text.
• Submit your application. If you are not ready to submit your application, you will also have an option to save your work and submit it later.

4. Submit full payment.

5. Upon submission of the online application and full payment, email academic.affairs@ahima.org. You will receive an email confirmation to verify receipt of your application and payment, after which the formal application review process will begin.

Follow the steps below to annually renew PCAP approval:

1. Download and review the following documents for the PCAP renewal (attestation) requirements:

• PCAP Manual (Rev. 2020; PDF)
• PCAP Annual Attestation Form (Rev. 2020; Word)

2. Ensure that all required documents are prepared as directed so they can be easily forwarded via email.

• If you have any questions as you are preparing your renewal (attestation) materials, please contact AHIMA’s PCAP Liaison John Richey at john.richey@ahima.org or 312-233-1149.

3. Email your Annual Attestation Form and any other required documents to academic.affairs@ahima.org.

4. Submit full payment. Email academic.affairs@ahima.org after payment has been submitted.

5. 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.