Can You Bring Notes in Your Code Books to the CCS Exam?

The short answer

Yes, with limits. AHIMA allows code books with handwritten notations or comments, as long as the notes do not contain coding rules or guidelines copied from other reference materials such as Coding Clinic or CPT Assistant. Handmade tabs, sticky notes, and loose papers are not allowed (AHIMA Candidate Guide). Testing center staff can refuse books with excessive writing.

Which books you must bring

For exams on or after May 1, 2026, CCS candidates must bring three 2026 code books from AHIMA’s approved list (AHIMA CCS 2026 code book list):

• One ICD-10-CM code book.
• One ICD-10-PCS code book.
• The AMA CPT 2026 Professional Edition.

Check the ISBN numbers against the list. Candidates who bring the wrong books are not allowed to test and forfeit the exam fee. The CCS-P and CCA have their own lists; the CCS-P uses ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II.

Exam time

The CCS appointment is four hours: five minutes for the agreement and 3 hours 55 minutes for the exam (AHIMA FAQ).

What this means for your study method

• Notes in your own words that point you to a guideline or remind you of a convention are generally fine.
• Do not copy text from Coding Clinic, CPT Assistant, or other publications into the margins.
• If you use printed publisher tabs, check the current candidate guide before exam day; handmade tabs are not allowed.

For how the CCO BHAT method fits these rules, see Can I Use the BHAT Method on AHIMA Exams?.

Refreshed from the CCO Community archive, November 2026.