What is the CPC Certification Exam?

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is a widely recognized certification designed to evaluate your proficiency in medical coding. This exam measures your ability to accurately code medical procedures, diagnoses, and services using the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases), and HCPCS Level II (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) code sets.

The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within a 4-hour time limit. To pass, candidates need to achieve a score of 70% or higher, meaning at least 70 questions must be answered correctly. The exam content covers a comprehensive range of topics, including surgical procedures, compliance, medical terminology, and anatomy.

Earning the CPC certification signifies a high level of expertise in medical coding and demonstrates a thorough understanding of coding guidelines, making it a valuable credential for healthcare professionals seeking to advance their careers in coding and billing.

What Does the CPC Exam Cover?

The CPC exam is structured to assess your knowledge across 17 knowledge areas and a set of 10 medical cases, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of your coding expertise. The content is organized as follows:

Key Domains:

  1. Surgical Coding by Body Systems
    Includes procedures for musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, digestive, nervous, and other systems.
  2. Evaluation and Management (E/M) Services
    Covers coding for office visits, hospital services, and critical care.
  3. Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
    Focuses on Medicare guidelines, HIPAA regulations, and fraud prevention.
  4. Medical Terminology and Anatomy
    Assesses your foundational knowledge essential for accurate code assignment.
  5. ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Codes
    Evaluates your ability to apply diagnosis and procedure codes accurately.
  6. Practical Cases
    Tests your skill in interpreting patient medical records and translating them into proper codes.

How to Prepare for the CPC Exam

Preparation is key to acing the CPC exam. Leverage these resources and strategies:

Study Resources:

CPC Flashcards: Break down coding guidelines and concepts into easy-to-remember points.
CPC Practice Exams: Simulate the real test environment to build confidence and identify weaknesses.
CPC Cheatsheets: Quick-reference guides for coding rules, modifiers, and regulatory essentials.

Preparation Tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II manuals.
• Take full-length timed practice exams to improve accuracy and time management.
• Review coding guidelines, especially for surgical procedures, compliance, and regulatory requirements.

FAQs

How long is the CPC exam?
The exam lasts 4 hours.

How many questions are on the CPC exam?
There are 100 multiple-choice questions.

What is the passing score for the CPC exam?
You need to correctly answer at least 70 questions to pass.

How much does the CPC exam cost?
The exam costs $349 for one attempt or $449 for two attempts.

What materials can I bring to the CPC exam?
CPT Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding manuals; a basic manual calculator; handwritten notes specific to daily coding activities.

Featured Reviews

"The CPC flashcards are incredible! They cover all the key coding guidelines, medical terminology, and anatomy in a concise, easy-to-digest format."
– Rebecca S., Dallas, TX

"Using the CPC practice exams alongside the flashcards was a game-changer. The flashcards helped me review coding concepts in depth, while the practice exams gave me a realistic sense of the test format and question styles."
– Michael R., Orlando, FL

"The CPC flashcards and cheatsheets are the ultimate study tools. The flashcards cover all the exam topics in detail, and the cheatsheets are perfect for quick reviews of coding modifiers, guidelines, and key concepts!"
– Emma K., Phoenix, AZ