The biggest difference between CRC and CPC
The CPC is a broad professional coding credential focused on physician and outpatient services. AAPC says the CPC validates knowledge of CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM, along with modifiers, coding guidelines, compliance, payer rules, and reimbursement concepts.
The CRC is a more specialized credential focused on risk adjustment and diagnosis coding. The CRC exam concentrates heavily on ICD-10-CM, risk adjustment models, documentation improvement, compliance, HCC-related concepts, and coding diagnoses from medical records.
CRC vs CPC at a glance
| Area | CPC | CRC |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Physician and outpatient professional coding | Risk adjustment and diagnosis coding |
| Primary code sets | CPT®, HCPCS Level II, ICD-10-CM | ICD-10-CM |
| Procedure coding | Major part of the credential | Not the primary focus |
| Diagnosis coding | Important | Central focus |
| Risk adjustment / HCCs | May be part of later specialty work, but not the main CPC focus | Core focus |
| Documentation review | Important for coding accuracy | Especially important for supportability and risk adjustment |
| Best suited for | Students seeking a broad professional-coding foundation | Students specifically interested in risk adjustment and HCC coding |
| Need CPC first? | Not applicable | No |
AAPC’s current CPC exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions and allows four hours. Its current CRC exam also contains 100 multiple-choice questions and allows four hours. Both require a 70% overall passing score.
What does the CPC cover?
AAPC describes the CPC as a broad credential for professional coding across physician and outpatient services. The CPC tests your ability to apply CPT, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes and understand topics such as modifiers, E/M services, coding guidelines, medical necessity, payer requirements, compliance, and reimbursement.
Because it spans multiple code sets and many types of professional services, the CPC can be a strong choice for someone who wants a broad coding foundation or is not yet certain which coding specialty they want to pursue.
The CPC may be a good fit if you:
- Want broad exposure to medical coding
- Want to learn procedure coding as well as diagnosis coding
- Are interested in physician-office or outpatient professional coding
- Want a credential that can serve as a foundation for later specialties
- Are still exploring which coding area you like best
What does the CRC cover?
The CRC is focused on the knowledge used in risk adjustment coding. AAPC’s current CRC exam blueprint includes 30 diagnosis-coding questions, 15 compliance questions, 12 documentation-improvement questions, 15 risk-adjustment-model questions, and additional questions on the purpose and use of risk adjustment models, quality of care, pathophysiology, terminology, anatomy, and medical-record cases.
The exam relies heavily on ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding and the ability to determine which documented conditions are accurately reportable in a risk adjustment context.
The CRC may be a good fit if you:
- Want to work specifically in risk adjustment or HCC coding
- Enjoy ICD-10-CM and diagnosis coding
- Are interested in chronic-condition documentation
- Want to work with medical-record review, compliance, audits, or provider documentation
- Already work in healthcare and want to transition into risk adjustment
Do you need the CPC before the CRC?
No. AAPC currently lists the CRC as a stand-alone certification. You do not have to earn a CPC or COC first before taking the CRC exam.
AAPC also states that there is no required amount of specialty experience to register for the CRC exam, although approximately two years of relevant experience is highly recommended because it is considered a difficult, high-level exam.
Both CPC and CRC candidates must meet AAPC’s basic exam-registration requirements, including current AAPC membership, a valid exam voucher, current contact information, and valid government-issued photo identification.
Which certification should you choose?
Choose CPC first if…
You want the broadest introduction to professional medical coding, want to learn procedure coding, or are not yet certain which coding specialty you want long term.
Choose CRC first if…
Your goal is specifically risk adjustment, HCC coding, chronic-condition capture, documentation review, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding.
Should you eventually earn both CPC and CRC?
You can. The two credentials complement each other because they demonstrate different skill sets.
A coder who holds both CPC and CRC may have a broad professional-coding foundation along with specialized risk adjustment knowledge. That can be useful for professionals whose work crosses physician coding, diagnosis coding, risk adjustment, auditing, compliance, or provider education.
But you do not need to earn both simply because both exist. Start with the credential that best matches the work you actually want to do.
CRC vs CPC FAQ
Is the CRC easier than the CPC?
They test different skill sets, so “easier” depends on your background. Someone strong in diagnosis coding and risk adjustment may find CRC content more familiar, while someone experienced in physician coding may be more comfortable with CPC content.
Can I get the CRC without a CPC?
Yes. AAPC lists the CRC as a stand-alone certification.
Which credential uses CPT?
The CPC heavily tests CPT procedure coding. The CRC is primarily diagnosis- and risk-adjustment-focused and uses ICD-10-CM as its approved code-book reference for the exam.
Which certification is better for risk adjustment?
If your goal is specifically risk adjustment and HCC coding, the CRC is the credential designed for that specialty.
Which certification is better for a beginner?
That depends on the beginner’s goal. CPC provides a broader professional-coding foundation, while CRC provides a more direct route for someone committed to risk adjustment. AAPC advises beginners without healthcare experience to build medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology knowledge before certification training.
Still deciding between CPC and CRC?
MediCode Bootcamp offers training in both pathways. Start with the credential that best matches the type of coding work you want to pursue.
Explore CPC TrainingExplore CRC TrainingBrowse More GuidesSource note: Certification and exam details were reviewed against current AAPC information in October 2026. Always verify AAPC policies before registering because exam rules and requirements may change.