The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is a credential used to demonstrate expertise in coding medical services and procedures performed by physicians, including coding patient symptoms, diagnoses, and diagnostic tests.
On this page, we will be focusing on what the CPC is about, what the contents of the exam are, how to register for the exam, and what you can expect before, during, and after the exam.
On this page:
Is the CPC Exam Right for Me?
Successful completion of the CPC Exam requires you to have high-level medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology knowledge and an understanding of CPT procedure codes, HCPCS Level II supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
If you have this understanding, the CPC Exam is an excellent way to showcase your knowledge and expertise, increase your employment opportunities, and potentially increase your salary!
Eligibility
To sit for the CPC exam, you must meet the following requirements:
- Demonstrate proficiency in evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, pathology, and medicine
- Possess sound knowledge of medical coding guidelines and regulations
- Exhibit mastery of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology necessary to code diagnosis and services
- Understand how to integrate medical coding and payment policy changes into the reimbursement process
You can meet these requirements through prior medical coding experience or an AAPC-approved training program.
Exam Outline Review
The Certified Professional Coder exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions, and you will be given 4 hours to complete it.
The questions are split into 17 knowledge areas and one set of 10 cases:
1. 10,000 Series CPT (6 questions)
The questions in this section cover surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system, including:
- Skin
- Subcutaneous
- Nails
- Pilonidal cysts
- Repairs
- Destruction
- Breast
2. 20,000 Series CPT (6 questions)
The questions in this section cover surgical procedures performed on the musculoskeletal system.
3. 30,000 Series CPT (6 questions)
The questions in this section focus on surgical procedures performed on the following:
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Hemic system
- Lymphatic system
- Mediastinum
- Diaphragm
4. 40,000 Series CPT (6 questions)
The questions in this section focus on your knowledge of surgical procedures performed on the digestive system.
5. 50,000 Series CPT (6 questions)
The questions in this section will challenge your knowledge of surgical procedures performed on the following systems:
- Urinary system
- Male reproductive system
- Female reproductive system (including maternity and delivery)
- Endocrine system
6. 60,000 Series CPT (6 questions)
The questions in this section assess your knowledge of coding surgical procedures performed on the nervous system.
7. Evaluation and Management (6 questions)
The questions in this section assess your knowledge of proper coding related to place and level of services. It also includes questions on coding for the following:
- Preventative medicine
- Virtual services
- Neonatal and pediatric critical care
- Intensive care
- Prolonged services
- Chronic care
- Transitional care
- Case management
- Care plan oversight
8. Anesthesia (4 questions)
The questions in this section assess your knowledge of the coding requirements for the following:
- Time reporting
- Qualifying circumstances
- Physical status modifiers
- Anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and obstetric services
9. Radiology (6 questions)
The questions in this section focus on diagnostic and interventional radiology.
10. Laboratory/Pathology (6 questions)
The questions in this section focus on your knowledge of the following:
- Organ and disease panels
- Rug testing
- Therapeutic drug assays
- Evocation/suppression testing
- Consultations
- Urinalysis
- Molecular pathology
- MAAA
- Chemistry
- Hematology and coagulation
- Immunology
- Transfusions
- Microbiology
- Anatomic pathology
- Cytopathology
- Cytogenetic studies
- Surgical pathology
- In vivo and reproductive coding
11. Medicine (6 questions)
The questions in this section cover multiple specialty-specific coding scenarios.
12. Medical Terminology (4 questions)
The questions in this section assess your understanding of medical terminology for all systems.
13. Anatomy (4 questions)
The questions in this section assess your knowledge of human anatomy for all systems.
14. ICD-10-CM/Diagnosis (5 questions)
The questions in this section assess your proficiency in diagnosis for all chapters in the ICD-10-CM and your knowledge of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
15. HCPCS Level II (3 questions)
The questions in this section focus on modifiers, supplies, medications, and professional services for Medicare patients.
16. Coding Guidelines (7 questions)
The questions in this section assess your understanding and expertise of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, CPT coding guidelines and parenthetical notes, and modifier use.
17. Compliance and Regulatory (3 questions)
The questions in this section evaluate your knowledge of compliance and regulations that pertain to the following:
- Services covered under Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
- Payment coding
- Place of service reporting
- Fraud and abuse
- NCCI edits
- NCD/LCD
- HIPAA
- ABNs
- RVUs
18. Cases (10 questions)
Ten cases are presented to evaluate your ability to code medical record documentation accurately. These cases may also test your knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, compliance, and regulatory information.
Check Out Mometrix's CPC Study Guide
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Registration
To register for the exam, you must be an AAPC member, which costs $190 ($125 for students). Once you have joined AAPC, you can use your account to register for the exam.
The exam itself costs $349 for one attempt or $449 for two. If you paid to take the test twice but you pass the exam on the first take, you do not get a refund of the money spent on the second attempt.
Test Day
When you register, you will have the option to choose in-person testing or remote testing (LPR).
There are similarities between these two methods when it comes to the day of the exam. Both formats require a current, valid, government-issued form of identification. Both ways also allow you to bring a basic manual calculator and handwritten notes specific to daily coding activities. Additionally, you are allowed three reference books
- The AMA Professional edition of the CPT
- Your choice of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines with highlighting, underlining, and brief notations needed for day-to-day coding
- Your choice of HCPCS Level II
Keep in mind that the exam questions are based on the current calendar year’s code sets, and you might be disadvantaged in using prior publications.
There are similarities in the disallowed items as well. You are not allowed to bring electronic devices with an on/off switch, devices capable of capturing and storing images, study guides, Procedural Coding Expert, CPT Plus! – PMIC, CPT Insider’s View – AMA, or the ICD-10-CM Easy Coder.
In-person Testing
On the day of your exam, you should arrive 15-30 minutes early at your exam location. You must also bring your photo ID, two No. 2 pencils, an eraser, a manual calculator, and your coding books and references. Keep your belongings in your car or at home; you are not allowed to bring anything not approved into the testing center.
After you show your ID to the testing center administrator, you will be directed to your testing station. You will complete a familiarization tutorial there, and your exam begins when you are finished with the tutorial.
You can take breaks during the exam period, but you will not regain the time you lose on your break.
Live Remote Proctoring
You will need to log on to the testing environment 5-10 minutes before your appointment time. By logging on early, you can troubleshoot issues like connecting to the testing platform, microphone issues, lagging internet, etc.
When your proctor signs on, present your government-issued photo ID. Then, rotate your camera around your space for the proctor’s approval. When your area is approved, replace your webcam, ensuring your face, fingers, keyboard, and keyboard area are always in the frame. Once the webcam is back in place, you cannot move out of its view.
A bottle of water, two No. 2 pencils, an eraser, a sheet of blank paper, approved reference materials, and a manual calculator are all allowed to be on your desk.
How the Exam is Scores
You need to answer 70 questions correctly to pass the exam. The correct answers are worth 1 point each, and they are combined to calculate your final score. Your results are released to your AAPC account seven to ten days after you take the exam. If you do not receive your test results after ten days, contact AAPC for guidance.
If you did not pass the exam, you can register to retake the exam. If you paid for the two-test bundle, there is no additional fee. If you did not pay for the two-test bundle, you would pay the $349 test registration fee.
You can take the exam as often as needed, but you will pay the full registration fee each time.
Check Out Mometrix's CPC Flashcards
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How to Study for the CPC Exam
How to Study Effectively
Your success on CPC test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CPC practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free CPC exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:
- The questions you got wrong
- The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
- The ones you found difficult or slow to work through
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.
Answer Explanations
Additionally, many CPC practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.
Comprehend Each Topic
As you go along, keep in mind that the CPC practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.
Strategy for CPC Practice
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CPC study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
- Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.
FAQs
How long is the CPC exam?
The time limit for the exam is 4 hours.
How many questions are on the CPC exam?
There are 100 questions on the exam.
What is a passing score for the CPC exam?
To pass the exam, you will need to answer at least 70 questions correctly.
How much does the CPC exam cost?
The exam costs $349.
By Kate Nockunas
Kate has been Mometrix’s Nursing and Medical Editor for over four years. She has a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Vanderbilt University, a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Marymount University, and a master’s degree in Education from Johns Hopkins. Kate is a critical care registered nurse who still works occasionally in the ICU and PACU.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com.
FAQs
How many questions are on the 2023 CPC exam? ›
The CPC exam is a test of medical coding proficiency consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions that assess 17 areas of knowledge.
How many questions can you miss on the CPC exam and still pass? ›CPC Exam Basics
You'll be given 4 hours to complete 100 multiple-choice questions. Passing will require you to answer 70% of the questions correctly.
No Questions Asked. There's no doubt about it, the CPC® exam is tough. And with new changes to the test for 2022, every single answer counts more than ever before. A variety of sources show that ONLY about 50% of coders receive the necessary 70% score to pass the CPC® Exam on the first try.
How many questions do you need to get right to pass the CPC exam? ›You'll have to rely on your knowledge of code sets, medical terminology, best practices, and the coding process in general to pass. Individuals who earn a score of 70 percent or better (105 correct questions) will pass the CPC exam.
What are the changes in the CPC exam 2023? ›In 2023, AAPC certification exams will consist of 100 questions in which you'll be given 4 hours to answer. Due to the transition from ICD 9 to ICD 10, their is a huge requirement for CPC or AAPC certified coders.
How long should I study for the CPC exam? ›You should plan to study for the AAPC CPC exam for at least two months. The more you know without having to utilize the books during the exam, the better. You'll ensure that you finish all of the questions in the allotted time frame to achieve the highest possible score.
How will I know if I passed my CPC exam? ›Exam results will be available within 7-10 business days of completing the exam. Results will show in the member area under MyAAPC>Exams in the exam details.
How many questions can you get wrong on the AAPC exam? ›“The exam is based off a 70% passing score, meaning you do need to get at least 70 questions out of 100 correct in order to pass the exam.
Can you self study for CPC exam? ›CPC exam prep online self-study course is ideal for individual learners that are self-disciplined to complete online programs on their own at their own pace. The program must be completed within six (6) months. Extensions can be purchased on a month-to-month basis.
Which is the easiest AAPC exam? ›Most of the medical coders always target Certified Professional Coder (CPC) test. This exam is given by 9 out of 10 medical coders. Since, it is completely objective exam without any negative marks, it is considered as easiest AAPC exam to clear.
Can you pass CPC exam without course? ›
In answer to your question, you could potentially pass the exams this way, but the best way to pass these exams without obtaining a two- or four-year degree is to take the AAPC's or AHIMA's online or classroom setting preparation courses.
How long does it take to pass the CPC course? ›Self-Paced: Average time to completion is four to eight months. Six-month access to course materials with options for extensions. Instructor-Led: 16-weeks from start date to completion.
How many anatomy questions are on the CPC exam? ›There will be approximately 10 questions on the CPC exam on anatomy and physiology.
Is it worth getting a CPC certification? ›If you are new to medical billing and coding, CPC certification can show potential employers that you have the knowledge needed to utilize and apply the standard coding systems.
Can I take the CPC exam online? ›You can also take the CPC exam in the comfort of your own home for convenience. Scheduling the exam is offered same day. There is no fee for rescheduling if it is done at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled time. Taking the exam online is less expensive than the in person option.
What are the changes for Ed coding in 2023? ›Beginning in 2023, the ED E/M services will be based only on medical decision making (MDM). It is important to note that while history and exam will no longer directly contribute to selecting the E/M code, the ED E/M codes stipulate that there should be a medically appropriate history and/or physical examination.
What do you need to pass the AAPC CPC exam? ›To pass the CPC exam, you need to score 70% accuracy on 100 questions. You'll want to do your best, of course, but you have wiggle room. Remember that. Perfection is not required.
How many times can you take an AAPC practice exam? ›Each practice exam offers:
Unlimited Retakes – take the exam as many times as you like. Realistic Exam Content – emulates content and difficulty level of the actual exams.
About the CPC exam
Whether you take the exam online or in-person, you must complete the CPC exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.
I have asked the AAPC staff this same question ... and their reply was, "You can take the test as many times as you need, but will have to pay the $300 for each two times."
Does CPC certification expire? ›
CPC Compliance Process
Every four years you will be due to apply for Renewal of Certification. The NBCRNA will notify you by email when the renewal window opens, typically five months prior to the end of your four-year cycle.
Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (Driver CPC) training is continual professional development which carries on throughout a professional bus, coach or lorry driver's career. Once you pass your Driver CPC, you'll be issued with a Driver Qualification Card (DQC).
How long does it take to grade AAPC exam? ›Per AAPC: "Exam results are normally released within 7 to 10 business days after the exam has taken place. Please do not call AAPC for exam result until after the 10 business days. Due to the grading process of the CIC exam it may take 10-15 business days after the exam has taken place."
What is the hardest part of being a medical coder? ›Immaculate attention to detail:
The hardest phase is the beginning, when you're still familiarizing yourself with the codes and terminology while also having to think critically so that you can organize them accordingly.
The test is made up of 5 topics from the Driver CPC syllabus. You can score up to 20 points for each topic. To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100.
What is the passing rate for AAPC? ›At AAPC, the pass rate of our CPC students exceeds 80%, which is unmatched by other programs and underscores the need to carefully select a medical coding school that will deliver a first-rate education.
Where to start studying for CPC exam? ›- Ensure you have mastered the prerequisites. ...
- Train with AAPC's world-class instructors. ...
- Test your knowledge before the exam. ...
- Diagnose and prioritize your focus areas. ...
- Review the study guide and test-taking techniques. ...
- Sign up for a 1-day exam review.
It depends on your medical coding certification. The medical coding training program you choose will affect the difficulty of medical coding exams and how long it takes to complete them. Coding as a career can be challenging, but if you have a passion for helping people, medical billing may be right up your alley!
Which is better CPC or CCS certification? ›While CCS professionals typically work with complex code, they often earn a higher salary than CPC professionals. They are also responsible for tasks like reimbursement assurance and diagnostic coding, which can be more challenging than the procedural coding CPCs typically handle, depending on your background.
What is the starting salary for AAPC CPC? ›The starting income for a Certified Professional Coder® (CPC) is approximately $45,701 per year, averaged for all states and territories. Experience, as an isolated influence on compensation, adds upwards of 47 percent to income over the course of the CPC's career. The biggest gains occur in the first 15 years.
Which medical coding job is easiest? ›
What is the easiest medical coding job? Outpatient coding is generally easier than other types, as clinics tend to see more patients with the same conditions and procedures.
Why is AAPC not accredited? ›The AAPC is not a traditional university, so they are not eligible for accreditation through the Department of Education.
Can you get a job with just a CPC? ›The qualifications that you need to get a job with a CPC-A certification include completion of a training program, knowledge of coding systems, and computer and data entry skills to perform your work remotely. You also need a computer with a secure internet connection to complete your responsibilities.
Which is better AAPC or ahima? ›The biggest difference is that AAPC coding is generally associated with outpatient services, while AHIMA coding is generally associated with inpatient facilities. Most people will choose one organization over the other based on their career goals, although some find it beneficial to be certified through both.
Which coding certification is best? ›The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is the most popular medical billing and coding certification students pursue.
Is the CPC exam all multiple choice? ›The CPC certification is through AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). It is 100 multiple choice questions, most of which present a coding scenario to test the proper application of CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10-CM codes.
How do I study for a coding exam? ›- Learn a consistent method.
- Refresh on data structures and algorithms.
- Practice solving example questions.
- Up your coding interview skills.
- Use books and courses.
- Practice with mock interviews.
Information. For the CPC, COC, CDEO and CPC-P exams, you may use Physician Bundle 1, which includes the AMA CPT Professional, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM books.
How many questions are on the CPC case study? ›The case studies are short stories based on situations that you're likely to come across in your working life. You'll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study. The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.
Can you self study for the CPC exam? ›CPC exam prep online self-study course is ideal for individual learners that are self-disciplined to complete online programs on their own at their own pace. The program must be completed within six (6) months. Extensions can be purchased on a month-to-month basis.
Can I pass the CPC exam without going to school? ›
In answer to your question, you could potentially pass the exams this way, but the best way to pass these exams without obtaining a two- or four-year degree is to take the AAPC's or AHIMA's online or classroom setting preparation courses.
What is the pass mark for the CPC test? ›To pass you have to score at least 15 out of 20 in each topic area and have an overall score of at least 80 out of 100. After you've passed all 4 of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) tests, you'll be sent a Driver CPC card.
How long does online CPC exam take? ›Our electronic exam is a 4 hour live remote proctored examination completed in one sitting and proctored by Examity®.
Which pays more CPC or CCS? ›While CCS professionals typically work with complex code, they often earn a higher salary than CPC professionals. They are also responsible for tasks like reimbursement assurance and diagnostic coding, which can be more challenging than the procedural coding CPCs typically handle, depending on your background.
Do medical coders need to know anatomy? ›As a medical coder, you do not make diagnoses or treat patients, but you do need a basic understanding of anatomy, physiology and pharmacology to ensure that health information is documented accurately.
What type of questions are on the CPC exam? ›The CPC Exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions which evaluate 17 areas of knowledge and a broad range of coding related topics, including; medical terminology, anatomy, anesthesia, medicine and pathology.