What does CPC certification demonstrate?
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam evaluates professional medical coding knowledge, including application of CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes, modifiers, coding guidelines, and regulatory concepts. Preparation also requires a working foundation in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
You do not have to already be an experienced coder to begin learning. The important first step is building enough coding knowledge and practice to prepare responsibly for the certification exam.
Steps to becoming CPC certified
Build your medical coding foundation
Learn medical terminology, anatomy, coding guidelines, ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, CPT® procedure coding, HCPCS Level II, modifiers, and code-book navigation. A structured training program can help organize these subjects and provide practice applying them.
MediCode Bootcamp offers both live online CPC classes and a self-paced CPC course with weekly instructor support.
Prepare specifically for the CPC exam
After learning the material, shift part of your preparation toward exam-style practice. Work on locating information efficiently, applying guidelines, answering coding questions accurately, and managing your time.
If you have already completed coding education and only need focused exam preparation, a CPC exam review may be more appropriate than repeating a full training course.
Maintain AAPC membership and purchase your exam
AAPC requires current membership to sit for a certification exam. You will also need an exam voucher and must meet AAPC's current registration and identification requirements. Because exam policies and pricing can change, verify the latest requirements directly with AAPC before scheduling.
Take and pass the CPC exam
The current AAPC CPC exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions, allows 4 hours, and requires an overall score of 70% or higher to pass. AAPC offers testing-center and at-home proctored testing options.
Understand CPC-A apprentice status
If you pass the CPC exam without meeting AAPC's experience requirement for full CPC standing, your credential generally carries the CPC-A apprentice designation. The “A” indicates that you passed the certification exam and are building the experience needed for full CPC status.
AAPC provides multiple ways to satisfy apprentice-removal requirements through qualifying work experience and approved combinations of education and practical experience. Always use AAPC's current apprentice-removal guidance when you are ready to submit documentation.
Keep developing real-world coding skills
Passing an exam is an important milestone, but professional coding also requires continued practice with provider documentation, coding guidelines, payer requirements, accuracy, compliance, and workflow. Continue building practical experience and professional knowledge after certification.
Need CPC training before you take the exam?
Students learn differently. If you want a scheduled, accelerated experience, explore the Live Online CPC Boot Camp. If you need more flexibility but still want recurring access to an instructor, explore the Self-Paced CPC Course With Instructor Support.
Not sure which is right for you? Call or text Jenifer at (574) 213-8793.
CPC Certification FAQ
Do I need experience before taking the CPC exam?
AAPC's exam registration requirements do not list prior coding work experience as a prerequisite for the CPC exam. New coders who pass without meeting the experience requirement generally receive CPC-A apprentice status.
What score do I need to pass?
AAPC currently requires an overall score of 70% or higher, meaning at least 70 correct answers out of 100 questions.
Can I take the CPC exam from home?
AAPC currently offers an at-home proctored exam as well as testing-center exams. Check AAPC's current technical and testing requirements before scheduling.
What coding books should I learn to use?
CPC-focused training uses ICD-10-CM, CPT® Professional, and HCPCS Level II. Students should become comfortable navigating these code sets and applying their guidelines.
What is the difference between CPC and CPC-A?
Both indicate that the certification exam has been passed. CPC-A includes the apprentice designation for a coder who has not yet fulfilled AAPC's experience requirement for full CPC standing.
Can I talk to an instructor about how to get started?
Yes. Call or text Jenifer at (574) 213-8793 to discuss the live and self-paced CPC training options offered by MediCode Bootcamp.
More CPC resources: How to Get CPC Certified · CPC Certification Cost · CPC Certification Timeline · CPC Exam Prep · CPC Exam Review
Ready to start working toward CPC certification?
Compare MediCode Bootcamp's live CPC classes and self-paced CPC training with weekly instructor support—or talk directly with Jenifer before choosing a path.
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