CRC Risk Adjustment Coding

AAPC lists the CRC exam as multiple choice. You can schedule it online at home with a live remote proctor or at a testing center. Purchase an exam voucher to view available dates and times; vouchers start at $425. The source page does not state a question count or time limit, so confirm those details when you schedule.

Exam vouchers start at $425, and CRC exam preparation training starts at $1,495, with self-paced and virtual instructor-led options. AAPC notes that purchasing an exam voucher lets you view available dates and times. Check the current AAPC site for any updated pricing before you buy.

To maintain the CRC, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years. Plan your CEUs across the two-year cycle rather than cramming at the end, and keep records of completed activities in case of audit.

AAPC states you need a high-level knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, plus an understanding of proper ICD-10-CM diagnosis code application used for risk adjustment coding. There is no stated minimum years of work experience on the CRC page. If you are not ready, AAPC recommends its CRC preparation course.

The CRC covers core risk adjustment knowledge, including HCCs and payment systems such as Medicare Advantage and ACA plans; application of ICD-10-CM codes for chronic and complex conditions like diabetes, COPD, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and renal disease; documentation and compliance with CMS standards; and auditing and data accuracy, including chart reviews to confirm documentation supports reported HCCs.

AAPC lists four audiences: new entrants to medical coding who want to start in risk adjustment and value-based care; experienced but uncertified coders seeking to validate skills and increase earning potential; certified coders expanding into risk adjustment and HCC coding; and healthcare professionals working with payers, provider groups, or value-based care organizations.

Candidates often lose points on documentation and compliance items, such as failing to identify gaps in documentation that affect risk adjustment capture or not applying CMS compliance standards. Another weak area is auditing and data accuracy: confirming that documentation actually supports each reported HCC rather than assuming a code is supported.

Start with core risk adjustment knowledge, including HCCs and payment models, because it frames everything else. Then study ICD-10-CM coding for chronic and complex conditions, followed by documentation and compliance standards, and finish with auditing and data accuracy. Use AAPC's CRC preparation course and practice exams to reinforce each domain.

The source does not state a validity period or a retake policy. AAPC does state that maintenance requires annual membership and 36 CEUs every two years. For retake rules, timing, and fees, contact AAPC directly or check the exam page when you schedule.