There isn’t a simple answer to this – you can start by getting your coding certificate. But that said; many AHIMA members who are professional coders are also RHITs, and RHIAs, and others hold master’s degrees.  One common misunderstanding is that you will be ready to take the CCS exam once you complete your academic training and that is incorrect.  You will be qualified to sit for the CCA exam upon completing your training program.  The CCS and CCS-P are mastery credentials and reflect two to three years of full time coding experience beyond the academic preparations that you will receive in school.