What you need to register
- A current AAPC membership ($229 a year for an individual).
- An exam voucher: $425 for one attempt or $499 for two. See the full CPC cost.
- A valid, government-issued photo ID. First and last name must match your exam confirmation exactly. Temporary, paper, copied and digital IDs are not accepted.
- The approved code books: AMA CPT Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II. See which books and which year.
- For the at-home exam: AAPC's live remote proctored exam runs through ProctorU and requires a high-speed internet connection, a computer, an external webcam, speakers and a microphone.
Recommended, not required
AAPC states there is no requirement for the amount of experience, but highly recommends two years, and warns that its exams are not meant for people with little or no coding experience. There's also no rule that you take a course. AAPC says most people complete the coursework and pass the exam in 4 to 8 months.
CPC-A: what it is and how to remove the A
Pass without two years of experience and you receive the CPC-A. AAPC removes the apprentice designation when you document one of these routes:
| Route | What you need |
|---|---|
| 1 | At least 2 years of on-the-job coding experience, verified by signed employer letters on letterhead |
| 2 | At least 1 year of on-the-job experience, plus Practicode or an 80-contact-hour coding course |
| 3 | Practicode plus an 80-contact-hour coding course |
For Practicode, AAPC requires at least 600 cases with an overall score of 70% or higher. If you upload Practicode documents yourself, AAPC says to expect 2 to 4 weeks of processing.
Know you're ready for the CPC before you book your date
PassPulse trains you for the CPC under real exam time pressure. Exam style questions on every section, every answer explained, and a readiness score that tells you when you're ready.
Start preparing for the CPCThe exam you're registering for
The CPC is 100 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours, and you pass with 70% (70 correct). Results arrive in your MyAAPC account within 7 to 10 business days. Read how hard the CPC is before you book.
CPC FAQ
Do you need a degree to take the CPC exam?
No. AAPC has no education requirement for the CPC.
Can I take the CPC exam without taking a course?
Yes. AAPC has no course requirement for the CPC exam.
Do I need experience to take the CPC exam?
No. Two years are recommended. Without them you pass as a CPC-A until you remove the apprentice designation.
How do I remove the A from CPC-A?
Document 2 years of coding experience, or 1 year plus Practicode or an 80-hour course, or Practicode plus an 80-hour course.
Can you take the CPC exam online?
Yes, as a live remote proctored exam through ProctorU, with an external webcam.
More CPC guides
- AAPC: Exam registration prerequisites
- AAPC: What is the apprentice status?
- AAPC: Removing the apprentice designation
- AAPC: How much does the CPC exam cost?
- AAPC: Membership options
- AAPC: How long does it take to become a certified medical coder?
- AAPC: What is a live remote proctored exam?
- AAPC: What score do I need to pass the CPC exam?
- AAPC: How long is the exam?
- AAPC: How are results released?