Key Takeaways
- AAPC membership is required to sit for the CPC exam (annual membership is approximately \$190/year).
- While a formal training program is recommended, the AAPC does not mandate a specific prerequisite course for the CPC exam.
- After passing the exam, coders without 2 years of experience receive the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation until experience is verified.
- Certification maintenance requires 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every 2 years.
- At least 2 of the 36 CEUs must be in an AAPC-approved ethics or compliance topic.
- The CPC-A designation is removed once the coder documents 2 years of professional coding experience or completes the AAPC Practicode program.
CPC Certification Process & Maintenance
Becoming a Certified Professional Coder involves several steps, from AAPC membership through ongoing certification maintenance. Understanding this process helps you plan your career timeline and avoid common pitfalls.
Step-by-Step Certification Process
Step 1: Join the AAPC
- Annual membership fee is approximately $190/year (student and other discount tiers available)
- Membership provides access to study resources, local chapter meetings, networking, and job boards
- Membership must be active at the time of exam registration
Step 2: Prepare for the Exam
- AAPC offers an official CPC Preparation Course (online or in-person), but it is recommended, not required
- Many candidates also prepare through community college programs, vocational schools, or self-study
- Typical preparation time: 4-6 months for candidates new to medical coding
- Key preparation materials: CPT Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM code book, HCPCS Level II code book, and a coding anatomy/terminology resource
Step 3: Register for the Exam
- Register through AAPC.com
- Select an in-person testing site or online proctored exam option
- Pay the exam fee: $399 (member) or $499 (non-member)
- Schedule your preferred date and location
Step 4: Take and Pass the Exam
- Bring your codebooks (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II), government-issued photo ID, and exam confirmation
- Complete 100 multiple-choice questions within 4 hours
- Score 70% or higher to pass
Step 5: Receive Your Credential
- Results are available within 5-7 business days
- If you pass and have 2+ years of coding experience, you receive the CPC credential
- If you pass but have less than 2 years of experience, you receive the CPC-A (Apprentice) credential
CPC-A (Apprentice) Designation
The CPC-A designation indicates that you have passed the exam but have not yet documented the required professional experience:
| Pathway to Remove "A" | Details |
|---|---|
| Work experience | Document 2 years of on-the-job medical coding experience through employer verification |
| Practicode program | Complete AAPC's Practicode (80 real-world medical cases) in lieu of on-the-job experience |
| Combined | Some combination of work experience and approved training may qualify |
Certification Maintenance (CEUs)
To keep your CPC credential active, you must complete Continuing Education Units (CEUs) on a 2-year cycle:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total CEUs | 36 CEUs every 2 years |
| Ethics/Compliance CEUs | At least 2 of the 36 must be in ethics or compliance |
| CEU Sources | AAPC workshops, webinars, local chapter meetings, approved third-party education, self-study |
| Annual dues | Approximately $190/year to maintain active membership |
| Reporting | CEUs must be reported through your AAPC account |
| Grace period | If CEUs are not completed by the deadline, a limited grace period applies before the credential lapses |
Retake Policy
If you do not pass the CPC exam:
- No mandatory waiting period between attempts
- You must pay the full exam fee ($399/$499) for each retake
- AAPC does not limit the number of retake attempts
- Review your score report to identify weak areas and focus your study accordingly
A coder passes the CPC exam but has only 6 months of coding experience. What credential will they receive?
How many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required to maintain the CPC credential?
Arrange the CPC certification steps in the correct order from first to last.
Arrange the items in the correct order
What is the annual AAPC membership fee (approximate)?
Which of the following are valid ways to remove the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation? (Select all that apply)
Select all that apply