CIC (National Alliance)

Per AAPC, the exam consists of questions on the correct application of ICD-10-PCS procedure codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing inpatient facility/hospital services to insurance companies. Expect inpatient guidelines, MS-DRG assignment and sequencing, documentation review, and compliance content rather than physician office E/M coding.

Exam vouchers start at $425 according to AAPC's CIC page. Purchasing a voucher is how you view available dates and times. Pricing for prep courses is separate; AAPC lists CIC exam preparation starting at $2,195. Confirm current pricing on AAPC's site before you buy, since published figures can change.

Yes. AAPC states you can choose to take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor or at a testing center. Both options are scheduled after you purchase an exam voucher, which is where available dates and times are displayed.

The CIC page does not state a mandatory experience requirement for the inpatient credential. AAPC does note that its CIC preparation course is recommended for candidates who are not yet ready. If you are new to inpatient coding, build ICD-10-PCS and MS-DRG fluency first, since those areas dominate facility practice.

AAPC's public CIC overview does not publish the item count, time limit, or passing score on the pages reviewed here. Because these details are revised periodically, verify them in the current CIC candidate handbook or exam scheduling materials rather than relying on secondhand figures.

AAPC does not describe CIC retake rules on the overview page reviewed here, so treat retake terms as unconfirmed until you check your voucher terms and the current candidate handbook. Budget for a second attempt and confirm the waiting period and any additional fee directly with AAPC before scheduling.

AAPC states that to maintain your credential you must maintain your AAPC annual membership and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. Plan your CEUs around inpatient topics, ICD-10-PCS updates, and MS-DRG changes so the education reinforces the skills the credential certifies.

Start with official ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS conventions, then practice sequencing and MS-DRG logic on full inpatient records. Add medical terminology and anatomy for procedure coding, and finish with timed practice exams. AAPC offers self-paced and virtual instructor-led prep plus practice exams and study guides.

Common weak spots are procedure code build-out in ICD-10-PCS, principal diagnosis selection and sequencing, and recognizing when documentation is insufficient and a provider query is needed. Coders with outpatient habits also underestimate MS-DRG impact. Drilling operative reports and discharge summaries closes these gaps fastest.