Q. Is there a difference between RCCB® and RBMA or are they one in the same?
No, they are not the same. The RCCB® administers the Radiology Coding Certification (RCC) and Radiology Coding Certification in Interventional Radiology (RCCIR) exams. RBMA is an association that serves and represents radiology business professionals. Both are independently incorporated and have separate boards of directors. 

Q. If I complete RBMA registration forms for exam review courses and/or conferences, am I registered for the exam?
No. You must complete the RCCB® exam application and complete that separate process. 

Q. Where do I find the Candidate Bulletin of Information for the exam?
You may download the the RCC Candidate Bulletin or the RCCIR Candidate Bulletin from our online store at no charge. 

Q. What is the format for the exam?
The RCC exam is a computer-based exam consisting of 150 multiple-choice items.  The RCCIR exam is also a computer-based exam, but consists of 100 multiple-choice items. 

Q. Where do I find the exam application forms?
In the upper right of this page, click Apply Now.  All applications forms are submitted on-line. 

Q. How much does it cost to apply to take the exam?
Please click here for RCC fee information, and click here for RCCIR fee information.

Q. Does applying for the exam mean that I get to sit for the exam?

No, your application must be approved in order to sit for the exam.  Once your application is reviewed and the prerequisites for becoming certified are confirmed, you will receive an approval notice from RCCB, and an Authorization-to-Test email from our testing provider with instructions for how to make your appointment at a testing center. 

Q. What are the application deadlines to take the exam?
There are no deadlines - testing is available via computer-based testing centers 365 days per year.

Q. Will I receive a confirmation for the exam?
Yes. After making your testing appointment, you will receive a confirmation emailed to your preferred email address with all the appointment details.

Q. What if I don't receive an acknowledgement?
If you do not receive a confirmation email upon making your appointment, contact the RCCB® office immediately at 703-637-4381.

Q. Do I need to bring this acknowledgement letter to the exam?
Yes, bring your confirmation and two forms of identification, one of which must be a government issued ID with photo.  If your name has changed, your photo ID must match the name you used when applying.  

Q. Where are the test sites?

There are hundreds of test sites available nationwide via our testing service.  When making your appointment, all of the available options will be presented to choose from.  

Q. What do I need to bring with me to the exam?
Current year’s CPT and ICD-10-CM books. Both books must not be dog eared or include post-its or extra papers.   Additionally, the proctor will provide a handout containing HCPCS codes and body images at the testing center.  

Q. How do I make my reservation for the test site?

Once your application is reviewed and the prerequisites for becoming certified are confirmed, you will receive an approval notice from RCCB, and an Authorization-to-Test email from our testing provider with instructions for how to make your appointment at a testing center. 

Q. Do I need to bring a photo ID to the test site?
You will need to bring two forms of identification, one of which must be a government issued ID with photo.  If your name has changed, your photo ID must match the name you used when applying.  

 Q. What happens when I get to the test site?

You will check in, verify your identification, and be seated at your testing station.  After the proctor launches your exam, it will begin with a short demo familiarizing you with the software. Plan on arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check in and demo.

Q. What should I study?
A list of study materials can be found in the Candidate Bulletin of Information.  You may download the the RCC Candidate Bulletin or the RCCIR Candidate Bulletin from our online store at no charge.

Q. What time does the exam start?
Your exam start time will be determined at the time you make your appointment.  If you fail to show up on time and cannot be admitted, you will have to reschedule and repay the testing fee again. 

Q. What can I take into the exam room?
No personal belongings are allowed in the testing room, except for the current year’s CPT and ICD-10-CM books.

Q. How long is the exam?
The RCC exam is three (3) hours and contains 150 items.  The RCCIR exam is two (2) hours and contains 100 items.

Q. When will I know the results?
Results are available on computer screen immediately following your exam.  Additionally, a score report will also be emailed to your email address of record in real time.  

Q. Can I call to get my results?

To protect the confidentiality of your test results, no test results will be given over the phone.

Q. Will my employer be notified of my score?

Not unless you notify them of your results.  Scores are only provided to the candidate.  

Q. Will I receive my numeric score?
Passing candidates will receive status information only.  A scaled score will be provided to failing candidates.  The reporting scale goes from 0 - 1000, and 700 points are required to achieve a passing status.   Additionally, a diagnostic breakdown of your relative strong and weak areas will also be provided.   The diagnostic breakdown information can not be used to calculate your overall scaled score.

Q. Can I retake the exam?
Yes. There is no limit to the number of times you may apply for and take the test within your 6-month eligibility period.  You will only have to repay the testing fee.  If you wish to retest after the 6-month eligibility period has passed, you must reapply as a new candidate and pay the application and testing fees again.  

Q. When does my certification expire?
Both the RCC and RCCIR certification are valid for a two-year period. For example, if you certify in July 2013, your certification will expire at the end of July 2015. You must recertify before the expiration date.

Q. What if my certificate becomes lost or I have a change of name?

There is a $10 replacement fee for a copy of your certificate.

Q. Who do I contact if I have questions?
Contact the RCCB at 240-285-7992 or email us at info@rccb.org