CPC EXAM

Exam:

Certified Professional Coder Exam

Industry:

Healthcare

Country:

Global

Website:

https://www.aapc.com/certifications/cpc

CPC Exam Overview

The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam is a certification exam administered by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). It tests medical coding proficiency using the following code sets:

CPT (Current Procedural Terminology)
HCPCS Level II (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System)
ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification)

Exam Details

Exam Format: Proctored, open-book, multiple-choice exam
Number of Questions: 100 questions
Time Limit: 4 hours
Passing Score: 70%

Exam Eligibility

To be eligible for the CPC exam, candidates must meet one of the following requirements:

Have at least two years of medical coding experience, or
Have completed an AAPC-approved coding program, or
Have completed anatomy, medical terminology, and pathophysiology courses

Exam Preparation

The AAPC offers the following resources to help candidates prepare for the CPC exam:

CPC Exam Study Guide
CPC Practice Exams
CPC Review Classes
CPC Exam Prep Courses

Maintaining Certification

To maintain the CPC certification, coders must:

Earn 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years
Maintain membership with the AAPC
Adhere to the AAPC Code of Ethics

Benefits of CPC Certification

Demonstrates proficiency in medical coding
Increases job opportunities and earning potential
Enhances credibility and professional reputation
Provides access to AAPC resources and networking opportunities

Who Should Take the CPC Exam?

The CPC exam is suitable for individuals who:

Have at least two years of medical coding experience, or
Have completed an AAPC-approved coding program, or
Have completed courses in anatomy, medical terminology, and pathophysiology

Related Exams and Certifications

In addition to the CPC, the AAPC offers several other coding certifications, including:

Certification	Description
COC (Certified Outpatient Coder)	Focuses on coding for outpatient hospital and ambulatory surgical center settings
CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder)	Focuses on coding for inpatient hospital settings
CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder)	Focuses on coding for risk adjustment models used by Medicare Advantage and other healthcare plans

Career Opportunities for CPCs

Certified Professional Coders can find employment in various settings, such as:

Hospitals
Physician offices
Billing companies
Insurance companies
Government agencies

Some common job titles for CPCs include:

Medical Coder
Coding Specialist
Coding Manager
Billing Specialist
Auditor

Continuing Education and Professional Development

To maintain their CPC certification, coders must earn 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. The AAPC offers various opportunities for continuing education, such as: