What is a CPC certification?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification in medical coding that proves that an individual has skills in reviewing medical documentation, assigning codes according to documentation, and understanding coding guidelines. This certification is administered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

This certification is best for medical coders and others that work in the medical coding field. To obtain this certification you must meet the following requirements:

Pass an exam: To obtain a CPC certification you must pass a 100-question multiple-choice question exam. The AAPC offers both in-person and online exams. This test must be completed in one sitting and has a time limit of four hours.
Experience: You must possess a high level of knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, along with an understanding of the proper application of CPT procedure codes, HCPCS Level II supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
Education: Medical coding certificate, and a high school diploma or GED.
Prices: One attempt at this exam costs $349, and two attempts are $449.

The exam is 100 multiple-choice questions testing for proficiency in medical coding. It covers 17 different areas of knowledge within this field.

The AAPC recommends individuals wanting to obtain this certification take a course that prepares them for the test. Eighty percent of students who take the AAPC course pass the exam.