I too passed the CCS the first time. The test itself was not hard, but it was stressful because you only had 15 minutes to code each case. The test content has changed since 2010. If you haven't already, I suggest you take a close look at the test requirements and changes for 2011 on the AHIIMA website.
Books that were the most helpful to me were:
1. 2011 AHIMA study guide - I would suggest to have the newer 2011 version as the examples are different than the 2010 version. Go through the study guide cover to cover and follow ALL the instructions. If you are weak in any area, make sure you learn or review it and know it well.
2. Faye Brown's Coding Handbook 2011 - If you go through the ICD-9-CM portions of this book cover to cover and can do the examples, you are good to go.
And know the ICD-9-CM Guidelines like the back of your hand. Read, read, and re-read them and when you do examples from FB book and the AHIMA study guide make marks in your coding books.
I had no hospital coding experience and was fine with the test. I believe this test version is good until end of June or July 2012, when they change over to the 2012 codes.
The tests are held at PearsonVue testing center and there are two locations in the Charlotte area. There is immediate scoring after the test.
A lot of people are extremely intimidated by the CCS exam, but if you study and are well-prepared, you can pass the first time. I should have taken the exam much sooner than I did, but I didn't think I was ready. When you are sick of looking at the exam prep book and have gone through all of FB's book and are REALLY tired of looking at it all, you are ready for the test.
Good luck!