Certified Professional Coder CPC® FAQ
What is Medical Coding?
Medical Coding is the transformation of healthcare diagnosis, medical services, and types of equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. Coding tells what the patient’s problem and what you did for them.
What is the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam?
The Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam is the conclusive step to attaining CPC certification—renowned throughout the world of healthcare as the gold standard for physician-based medical coding. Bypassing the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam and earning the right to append the CPC acronym to your name, you become a healthcare business professional recognized for reliable mastery of professional-fee medical coding.
What are the skills and knowledge does the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam demonstrates?
Passing the CPC exam unequivocally demonstrates to employers that you possess:
- Expertise in assigning accurate medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services performed by physicians and other qualified healthcare providers in the office, as well as professional-fee coding as it pertains to facility settings (e.g., inpatient hospital)
- Sound knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations to meet compliance requirements, such as establishing medical necessity, using modifiers appropriately, and observing bundling rules
- Proficiency across a wide range of services, including E/M, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, pathology, and medicine
- A thorough grasp of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to comprehend clinical documentation and code descriptors
- Understanding of how to integrate medical coding and payment policy changes into a practice’s reimbursement processes.
Who can take this Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam?
After you’ve trained with AAPC to become a medical coder—or if you have substantial medical coding experience—you should take the opportunity to gain certification by registering for the Certified Professional Coder CPC® test. Passing the CPC exam elevates your earning potential by more than $25,000 above annual salaries for persons without AAPC’s medical coding certification.
How many questions are there in the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam?
The CPC® exam contains 150 questions.
In which form the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam is available?
The CPC® exam is available in the Multiple Choice format.
How much time will be given to the candidate to complete the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam?
The candidate will be given 5 hours and 40 minutes to complete the CPC® exam.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam?
To earn the Certified Professional Coder CPC® credential, you must demonstrate:
- Proficiency across a range of services (including evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, pathology, and medicine);
- Sound knowledge of medical coding guidelines and regulations;
- Mastery of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology necessary to code correctly diagnosis and services; and
- An understanding of how to integrate medical coding and payment policy changes into reimbursement processes.
What are the exam registration requirements for all exams?
- Exam application submitted 3 weeks prior to the exam date
- Exam payment submitted 3 weeks prior to the exam date if payment for exams is not made prior to exam registration deadline you will not be allowed into the exam.
- Current membership with the AAPC
CPMA®, CPCO™, CPPM®, CRC, CIC, CPB and Specialty credentials are stand-alone certifications with norequirement to hold a CPC®, COC™ (formerly CPC-H®) or CPC-P® credential. Letters of recommendation are not required but these are difficult, high level examinations and are not meant for individuals with little, limited or no coding or relevant professional experience.
- There is no requirement for the amount of experience in the specialty, although two years of experience in the specific fields are highly recommended.
Can I bring my cell phone to the exam?
Electronic devices with an on off switch (cell phones, smart phones, tablets, etc.) are not permitted in the examination room. Failure to comply with this policy will result in disqualification of your exam. Do not bring them as there is no place to stow them.
How much does it cost to take the specialty exam?
$350/specialty credential exam (1 free retake is included and is to be used 1 year from date of original exam).
How will I know if my application was received and processed?
You will receive a confirmation sent to the email provided on application. Or you can log into the Member Area of the website and look under MyAAPC, Purchase/Items from there you can click on the event to view the proctor’s name and phone number to verify any of this information.
How do I cancel an exam?
This service is available on our website for your convenience, located under your upcoming events, on the main page. Click on “Cancel This Exam” link. An AAPC Exam Service Charge will be assessed ($100.00 US and $150.00 for all international exams). Exam must be cancelled 21 days prior to scheduled exam date. The Exam Service Charge must be paid in full prior to rescheduling your exam.
What happens if I schedule an exam and then do not attend?
An AAPC Exam Service Charge will be assessed ($100.00 US and $150.00 for all international exams). The Exam Service Charge must be paid in full prior to rescheduling your exam.
Is my exam payment refundable?
No, all exam fees are non-refundable / non-transferable. However, you have one full year to take the exam from the date of purchase. There will be no exception to this policy.
When should I expect to view my results?
Exam results are normally released within 7 to 10 business days after the exam has taken place. Please do not call AAPC for exam result until after the 10 business days.
Due to the grading process of the CIC exam it may take 10-15 business days after the exam has taken place
How are results released?
Exam results are released online in the My AAPC account, as well as mailed. Results are never given over the phone.
How early should I arrive at the exam location?
It is recommended that you arrive 30 minutes prior to exam start time. Doors will be locked at exam start time and late entrances will not be allowed.
What is the passing marks for the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam?
The passing marks for the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam is 70%.
How can I prepare for the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam?
The candidate can prepare for the Certified Professional Coder CPC® exam by some steps such as visiting the official site, learning and understanding the objectives, books and guides, practice tests, training programs, etc.
