The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) is the gold standard certification for medical coders, awarded by the AAPC. It demonstrates your ability to accurately assign medical codes for:

• Physician and outpatient services
• Procedures and diagnoses
• Medical billing & insurance claims

It validates expertise in CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM coding systems.

• Aspiring medical coders who want to enter healthcare coding and billing
• Experienced coders looking for formal recognition and career advancement
• Healthcare professionals (nurses, billers, medical office staff) transitioning into coding
• International candidates seeking U.S. healthcare coding roles

• Industry recognition – CPC is the most widely recognized coding certification in the U.S.
• Higher salary potential – Certified coders earn significantly more than non-certified coders
• Job opportunities – in hospitals, physician practices, insurance companies, and outsourcing firms
• Career growth – eligibility for advanced certifications (COC, CIC, CRC, etc.)

• No degree requirement — high school diploma (or equivalent) is sufficient
• Recommended: training in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems
• For full CPC status, you need 2 years of coding experience (without it, you earn a CPC-A [Apprentice] designation, which can later be upgraded to CPC)

• Enrol in an CPC training course
• Study the AAPC CPC Study Guide
• Practice with mock exams and coding case scenarios
• Learn to navigate CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM manuals quickly
• Gain hands-on experience with coding exercises

• Format: 100 multiple-choice questions
• Duration: 4 hours
• Delivery: Online (remote proctoring) or at a testing center (via AAPC)
• Content areas:
  • 10,000+ series codes (surgery, anesthesia, radiology, pathology, etc.)
  • ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding
  • HCPCS Level II codes
  • Coding guidelines & compliance
  • Medical terminology & anatomy

• A minimum of 70% is required to pass (i.e., 70 correct out of 100 questions).

• The exam fee includes 1 free retake within 12 months
• If needed, additional retakes can be purchased through AAPC

• AAPC membership (mandatory): ~$205/year (student discounts available)
• Exam fee: ~$399 (includes 1 free retake)

• Passing candidates receive the CPC certification from AAPC
• If less than 2 years’ experience: you’ll be awarded CPC-A (Apprentice) status
• Apprentice “A” designation is removed once you submit proof of experience or complete AAPC’s practicum

• CPC is valid for 1 year (renewable)
• Must complete 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 2 years
• Maintain active AAPC membership

• Medical Coder / Coding Specialist
• Medical Billing Specialist
• Revenue Cycle Analyst
• Compliance Auditor
• Medical Coding Trainer
• Opportunities in hospitals, physician groups, insurance companies, and outsourcing firms

Yes. Candidates may bring:

• • CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II manuals (AAPC-approved versions only)
    ❌ No additional notes or unauthorized material allowed

• CPC (AAPC): Best for physician/outpatient coding → most recognized in U.S.
• CCS (AHIMA): Strong for hospital/inpatient coding
• COC, CIC, CRC (AAPC): Advanced, specialty-focused certifications after CPC

• CPC is the entry point to a coding career — globally recognized and high in demand.
• Even with no experience, you can earn CPC-A and then progress.
• With CPC, you’re not just learning codes, you’re proving you can navigate real-world scenarios quickly and accurately.
• Employers often list CPC as a minimum requirement for medical coding jobs.