Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® Certification
The gold standard for medical coding in physician office settings. Prove your expertise in physician documentation review, professional provider encounter coding, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Exam Overview
Format
100 multiple-choice questions testing competencies in 18 areas of knowledge. Complete the exam within four hours and answer 70% correctly to pass.
Delivery Options
Take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor or at a testing center. Exam vouchers start at $399 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts.
Equipment Requirements
Remote Proctored Exam
- Closed room free from distraction with window coverings
- Reliable, high-speed internet connection
- Computer with external webcam
- Webcam positioned to show face, hands, keyboard, and surrounding area
Testing Center Exam
No special equipment required from the test-taker when taking the exam at an approved testing center.
Required Code Books
CPT® Professional Edition
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition (current year) is required for the exam. This contains all the procedural codes needed.
ICD-10-CM
Current year ICD-10-CM code book from any publisher. Contains all diagnosis codes required for the exam.
HCPCS Level II
Current year HCPCS Level II code book from any publisher. Contains supply codes and additional procedure codes.
You may use printed books or eBooks during your certification exam. Current year books are highly recommended as code sets are updated annually.
Experience Requirements
Training requires high-level knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. If you don't have medical experience or working knowledge of these subjects, AAPC offers prerequisite courses to prepare you for certification training.
Fundamentals of Medicine
Learn essential medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology
CPC Training
Master coding with CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM
Certification Exam
Demonstrate proficiency through comprehensive testing
Apprentice Status (CPC-A)
Unless you have two years of medical coding experience prior to taking the CPC exam, you will receive the CPC-A credential when you pass. The "A" indicates apprenticeship status, which requires two years of experience to graduate from the designation.
1
Practicode
Provides medical coding experience that reduces your apprenticeship period by one year
2
Xternship Program
Provides medical coding experience that reduces your apprenticeship period by one year
3
Job-Ready Program
Fast-track losing your "A" in 9 weeks after the exam - the only training that incorporates removal of Apprentice status
Competencies Proven with CPC Credential
Accurate Medical Coding
Expertise in assigning accurate CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM medical codes for diagnoses and procedures
Medical Knowledge
Solid understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology required to correctly code professional provider services and diagnoses
Service Proficiency
Proficiency across a wide range of services, including evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, pathology, and medicine
Regulatory Compliance
Sound knowledge of medical coding guidelines and regulations including compliance and reimbursement - handling issues such as medical necessity, claims denials, bundling issues, and charge capture
Maintaining Your Certification
To maintain your CPC credential, you must:
- Maintain your AAPC annual membership
- Earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years
Continuing education ensures you stay current with coding updates, regulatory changes, and industry best practices.
Training Options
Self-Paced Training
Study at your own pace with comprehensive online materials, practice exams, and coding exercises. Access course materials 24/7 and learn on your schedule.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training
Join live online classes with expert instructors who guide you through the material, answer questions, and provide real-world coding examples and scenarios.
Both options provide everything you need to prepare for the CPC exam, starting at $2,849. Most students complete coursework and pass the exam in 4 to 8 months.
Success Stories
"I'm 42 and decided to completely change my career. I was a retail manager for 20 years. I took my test in September and got a job offer in October."
— Michelle Edel
"It hasn't even been a year since I passed my exam and I've had 3 remote job offers, with no experience."
— Lamontica Alexander
"I passed my test the first time and was hired within a month with my CPC-A."
— Cheryl Tribley
Career Opportunities
Certified Professional Coders review clinical documentation and translate medical procedures, diagnoses, supplies, and services into codes submitted on medical claims for reimbursement.
Essential Role
CPCs serve a vital role in the financial well-being of their employing organization and indirectly influence patient outcomes through accurate medical coding.
Required Skills
Need a good grasp of medical terminology and anatomy to understand medical charts and abstract important information.
Industry Recognition
The most recognized coding credential in the healthcare industry, making it an ideal starting point for medical coders.
Exam Preparation Resources
CPC Training Course
The first step to passing the CPC exam is taking an AAPC CPC training course. Interactive lectures, reading assignments, timed assessments, and practical application are strategically designed to impart everything you need to know.
Fundamentals of Medicine
If you're new to the industry, start with the Fundamentals of Medicine Course to learn anatomy, medical terminology, and pathophysiology — essential knowledge for CPCs.
Why Choose CPC Certification?
Industry Recognition
Recognized by physicians, payers, and government agencies
Employment Opportunities
Preferred credential among employers
Broad Proficiency
Prepares coders for a wide range of healthcare settings
Career Advancement
First step before advancing into specialty areas
AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification builds critical knowledge of coding guidelines, compliance, and healthcare regulations, making it the ideal foundation for your medical coding career.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I register for the CPC exam?
Buy an exam voucher, then log into your account to schedule your exam when you're ready. You must register three weeks prior to the exam date.
How long does it take to become a certified medical coder?
Most people complete the coursework and pass the exam in 4 to 8 months.
Which medical coding certification is best?
AAPC's Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is the most recognized coding credential in the healthcare industry, making it an ideal starting point for medical coders.
Ready to Start Your Medical Coding Career?
Take the first step toward becoming a Certified Professional Coder. Whether you're changing careers or advancing in healthcare, CPC certification opens doors to opportunities in physician practices, outpatient facilities, and more.