NCCQ (UK)

Advanced notification of changes to the National Clinical Coding Qualification (UK) from April 2022

To help students revise, and to assist managers and trainers to support their trainees, we have published this advance information about changes to the NCCQ (UK) Paper 2 – Theory Exam.

The changes will:

  • improve the exam structure
  • ensure the exam content is better aligned to the objectives of the syllabus
  • ensure that candidates are fully demonstrating the knowledge and skills encompassed by the syllabus, that are valued by employers and are required for onward career progression.

These changes will be effective from 1st April 2022 and be formally introduced in the September 2022 NCCQ (UK) examinations.

There are no changes to Paper 1 – Practical Exam.

Please see the IHRIM Website and the NCCQ(UK) Paper 2 - Theory Technical Changes 2022 document for more information

Index trail changes September 2019 

Please be aware the National Clinical Coding Qualification Examination Quality Assurance Board have made the decision that from September 2019 there will be no requirement to provide index trails for the first case study in the practical examination paper.

The index trails were originally included in all case studies to assess whether candidates were able to follow the 4-step coding process. On review it was felt that by identifying the correct codes the candidates were already demonstrating this skill and including the index trails did not provide further or enhanced representation of the candidates’ understanding of the principles and use of the classifications

The Terminology and Classifications Delivery Service work collaboratively with national agencies to support greater recognition of NHS clinical coders as health informatics professionals.

How can I register?

Candidates wishing to take the NCCQ (UK) examination must submit a registration form together with the prescribed fee to IHRIM. Registration forms, exam regulations and relevant closing dates are available from the IHRIM website. 

Registration forms and full examination regulations can also be obtained from:

IHRIM, Ground Floor Office Suite, Marshall House, Heanor Gate Road, Heanor, Derbyshire, DE75 7RG

Telephone: 01773 713927

Candidates registering for the exam are advised to take note of any data protection statement.

Any candidate whose form is not acknowledged within ten days of submission should advise the IHRIM office immediately on the above number.

Exam Papers

Following feedback from candidates of the NCCQ (UK) qualification, the two most recent official exam papers and answers are available here as a revision aid. Please note that some answers provided in past papers will be based on earlier versions of the classifications and standards.

Official March 2022 NCCQ (UK) Examination Feedback Revision Aid

Official September 2022 NCCQ (UK) Papers

A more comprehensive list of papers are available on the IHRIM website.