7/8/26, 7:32 FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM
AM
ACDIS CCDS & CCDS-O Certification Exam Study Guide
2026–2027 | Complete Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI)
Exam Prep | Practice Questions & Answers | Medical Record
Review, Coding Compliance & Documentation Excellence.
What is the mission of the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity
Specialists (ACDIS)?
To bring CDI specialists together and share tips, tools, and strategies for
successful CDI programs.
What are the two main certifications offered by ACDIS?
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) and Certified Clinical
Documentation Specialist—Outpatient (CCDS-O).
What is required for eligibility to take the CCDS or CCDS-O exam?
Candidates must have at least two years of experience in the profession
and some college-level education.
What does the CCDS certification aim to recognize?
Individuals with a proven ability to work as a CDI specialist, demonstrating
skills in medical record review and knowledge of documentation and coding
regulations.
What resources does ACDIS provide to its members?
A bi-monthly journal, quarterly conference calls, news updates, a resource
library, a community forum, a job board, and discounts on selected products.
What is the purpose of the CCDS and CCDS-O certification examinations?
To test the candidate's ability to abide by documentation and coding
regulations and apply their knowledge to scenarios encountered by CDI
specialists.
What should candidates do before applying for certification?
1/40
,7/8/26, 7:32 FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM
AM
Read and understand the contents of the candidate handbook.
What is the significance of the Statement of Nondiscrimination in the certification
process?
2/40
,7/8/26, 7:32 FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM
AM
It ensures that the opportunity to become a CCDS or CCDS-O is available to
all eligible candidates without discrimination.
What are some key areas of knowledge required for CDI specialists?
Healthcare and coding regulations, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology,
pathophysiology, medical record review, and communication techniques.
What does the term 'inclement weather/power failure/other emergency' refer to in
the context of the exam?
It outlines the procedures for handling unforeseen circumstances that may
affect the examination schedule.
What is the role of the leadership team in relation to CDI specialists?
To determine who shall serve as a CDI specialist in each hospital.
What is the format of the CCDS examination?
It tests the candidate's ability to apply their experience and knowledge to
typical scenarios faced by CDI specialists.
What is the importance of the practice examination for candidates?
It helps candidates prepare for the actual certification exam by familiarizing
them with the types of questions they may encounter.
What happens if a candidate fails to recertify?
They may lose their certification status and need to meet the recertification
requirements to regain it.
What is the purpose of the examination content outline?
To provide candidates with a clear understanding of the topics covered
in the examination.
What should candidates do if they require special accommodations for the exam?
Notify the program at the provided contact information.
What is the significance of the examination fees mentioned in the handbook?
3/40
, 7/8/26, 7:32 FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM
AM
They outline the costs associated with taking the CCDS and CCDS-O
certification exams.
What is the role of Prometric Testing Center in the certification process?
It serves as the location where candidates take their certification examinations.
What does 'remote proctoring' refer to?
It allows candidates to take their exams from a remote location under
supervision.
What are the consequences of misconduct during the examination?
It may lead to disqualification from the examination and potential revocation
of certification.
What is the purpose of the job board provided by ACDIS?
To help members find job opportunities in the field of clinical documentation
integrity.
What is included in the CCDS exam allowable resources?
Materials that candidates are permitted to use during the examination.
What is the importance of the identification requirements on the day of the
examination?
Candidates must present valid identification to verify their identity before
taking the exam.
What does the term 'scores cancelled by ACDIS or Prometric' imply?
It indicates that examination scores may be invalidated under certain
circumstances.
What is the significance of the community forum provided by ACDIS?
It allows members to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from peers
in the CDI field.
What is the purpose of the confidentiality statement in the handbook?
4/40
AM
ACDIS CCDS & CCDS-O Certification Exam Study Guide
2026–2027 | Complete Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI)
Exam Prep | Practice Questions & Answers | Medical Record
Review, Coding Compliance & Documentation Excellence.
What is the mission of the Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity
Specialists (ACDIS)?
To bring CDI specialists together and share tips, tools, and strategies for
successful CDI programs.
What are the two main certifications offered by ACDIS?
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) and Certified Clinical
Documentation Specialist—Outpatient (CCDS-O).
What is required for eligibility to take the CCDS or CCDS-O exam?
Candidates must have at least two years of experience in the profession
and some college-level education.
What does the CCDS certification aim to recognize?
Individuals with a proven ability to work as a CDI specialist, demonstrating
skills in medical record review and knowledge of documentation and coding
regulations.
What resources does ACDIS provide to its members?
A bi-monthly journal, quarterly conference calls, news updates, a resource
library, a community forum, a job board, and discounts on selected products.
What is the purpose of the CCDS and CCDS-O certification examinations?
To test the candidate's ability to abide by documentation and coding
regulations and apply their knowledge to scenarios encountered by CDI
specialists.
What should candidates do before applying for certification?
1/40
,7/8/26, 7:32 FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM
AM
Read and understand the contents of the candidate handbook.
What is the significance of the Statement of Nondiscrimination in the certification
process?
2/40
,7/8/26, 7:32 FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM
AM
It ensures that the opportunity to become a CCDS or CCDS-O is available to
all eligible candidates without discrimination.
What are some key areas of knowledge required for CDI specialists?
Healthcare and coding regulations, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology,
pathophysiology, medical record review, and communication techniques.
What does the term 'inclement weather/power failure/other emergency' refer to in
the context of the exam?
It outlines the procedures for handling unforeseen circumstances that may
affect the examination schedule.
What is the role of the leadership team in relation to CDI specialists?
To determine who shall serve as a CDI specialist in each hospital.
What is the format of the CCDS examination?
It tests the candidate's ability to apply their experience and knowledge to
typical scenarios faced by CDI specialists.
What is the importance of the practice examination for candidates?
It helps candidates prepare for the actual certification exam by familiarizing
them with the types of questions they may encounter.
What happens if a candidate fails to recertify?
They may lose their certification status and need to meet the recertification
requirements to regain it.
What is the purpose of the examination content outline?
To provide candidates with a clear understanding of the topics covered
in the examination.
What should candidates do if they require special accommodations for the exam?
Notify the program at the provided contact information.
What is the significance of the examination fees mentioned in the handbook?
3/40
, 7/8/26, 7:32 FAC-C CERTIFICATION EXAM
AM
They outline the costs associated with taking the CCDS and CCDS-O
certification exams.
What is the role of Prometric Testing Center in the certification process?
It serves as the location where candidates take their certification examinations.
What does 'remote proctoring' refer to?
It allows candidates to take their exams from a remote location under
supervision.
What are the consequences of misconduct during the examination?
It may lead to disqualification from the examination and potential revocation
of certification.
What is the purpose of the job board provided by ACDIS?
To help members find job opportunities in the field of clinical documentation
integrity.
What is included in the CCDS exam allowable resources?
Materials that candidates are permitted to use during the examination.
What is the importance of the identification requirements on the day of the
examination?
Candidates must present valid identification to verify their identity before
taking the exam.
What does the term 'scores cancelled by ACDIS or Prometric' imply?
It indicates that examination scores may be invalidated under certain
circumstances.
What is the significance of the community forum provided by ACDIS?
It allows members to connect, share experiences, and seek advice from peers
in the CDI field.
What is the purpose of the confidentiality statement in the handbook?
4/40
