CPC
Certified Professional Coder (CPC®)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) is a medical coding credential offered by AAPC, described by its issuer as the most respected medical coding certification in the healthcare industry. It validates comprehensive knowledge of outpatient and physician services coding: applying ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes across all body systems, assigning CPT® and HCPCS Level II codes for procedures, services, and supplies, following coding guidelines, conventions, and sequencing rules, coding evaluation and management services for new and established patients, handling procedures performed in physician practices, outpatient clinics, and same-day surgical centers, linking diagnoses to procedures to establish medical necessity, and applying compliance and payer requirements including modifiers, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer rules, plus fraud, abuse, and compliance standards. It suits people launching a coding career, experienced but uncertified professionals validating their skills, healthcare staff moving from administrative or clinical support roles, and professionals who want a foundation leading to advanced or specialty certifications. Preparation assumes high-level knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology; AAPC offers prerequisite courses for those without it. Exam preparation options include self-paced and virtual instructor-led training starting at $2,799 and practice exams. The exam is multiple choice and tests proper application of CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes. Exam vouchers start at $425, and candidates register at least three weeks before the exam date. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPC.
What you'll study
About CPC preparation
What does the CPC exam test?
Per AAPC, the certification exam tests your understanding of the proper application of CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. Expect outpatient and physician services content: diagnosis coding across body systems, procedure and supply coding, guidelines and sequencing, E/M services, medical necessity linking, modifiers, payer rules, and compliance.
What format is the exam and where can I take it?
AAPC lists the exam as multiple choice and lets you choose to take it online at home with a live remote proctor or at a testing center. The published source does not state a question count or time limit. Buy an exam voucher first, then log into your account to schedule when you are ready.
How much does it cost and when must I register?
Exam vouchers start at $425; purchasing a voucher lets you view available dates and times. AAPC states you must register three weeks prior to the exam date. Exam preparation training, self-paced or virtual instructor-led, starts at $2,799. Budget for current code books as well, since coding questions require them.
How hard is the CPC exam?
It assumes high-level knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology; AAPC offers prerequisite courses if you lack that background. Difficulty comes from volume, precise guideline application, and modifier and sequencing decisions rather than obscure trivia. Build speed with timed practice exams and full-length code-book lookups before sitting.
What should my study order be?
Start with medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology if those are weak. Then learn ICD-10-CM conventions and sequencing, CPT® and HCPCS Level II structure, and E/M rules. Finish with modifiers, payer requirements, and compliance, then take timed practice exams and review every miss against the guideline that explains it.
What are common failure modes?
Typical problems: weak anatomy and terminology slowing every question, ignoring guideline notes and sequencing rules, choosing a code without confirming medical necessity linkage, misusing modifiers, and running out of time because code-book navigation was never practiced. Also verify you registered three weeks before your exam date so scheduling does not derail you.
Does the CPC exam have retakes, and what is the passing score?
The source text does not state a passing score, a retake policy, or a credential validity period, so treat those as unconfirmed and check with AAPC directly. What it does state is maintenance: keep your AAPC annual membership and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years to maintain the credential.
What is apprentice status and how is it removed?
The source mentions apprentice status and the "A" removal but does not fully define eligibility. It states that completing an 80-hour or more classroom course waives one year of experience, with a letter or certificate of completion submitted to AAPC, and that completing the CPC or COC preparation online courses waives 80 hours of coding education, one year toward removal.
Is the CPC the right first certification for me?
AAPC positions it as the best place to start a coding career and a stepping stone to advanced and specialty certifications, including inpatient coding, risk adjustment, compliance, and auditing. If you want physician office coding, the CPC preparation course fits; the CPB course covers billing and prepares you for the CPB exam instead.