Key Takeaways
- The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour (240-minute) time limit.
- A passing score is 70% (70 out of 100 correct answers).
- The exam is open-codebook: you may bring your own CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II manuals.
- Exam fee is \$399 for AAPC members and \$499 for non-members.
- The first-time pass rate is approximately 50-60%, making thorough preparation essential.
- Testing is available in-person at AAPC-approved testing sites or via online proctoring.
- The CPC credential is the most widely recognized outpatient/physician-office coding certification in the United States.
- No mandatory waiting period exists between retake attempts, but you must pay the full exam fee each time.
CPC Certified Professional Coder Exam Overview
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential, awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is the most widely recognized medical coding certification in the United States. The CPC exam validates a coder's ability to accurately assign CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes for outpatient (physician-office) services.
Exam Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Certifying Body | AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) |
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| Time Limit | 4 hours (240 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% (70/100 correct) |
| Exam Fee | $399 (AAPC member) / $499 (non-member) |
| Codebook Policy | Open-codebook (bring your own CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II manuals) |
| Testing Options | In-person (AAPC-approved sites) or online proctored |
| First-Time Pass Rate | ~50-60% |
| Retake Fee | $399 (member) / $499 (non-member) per attempt |
| Retake Wait Period | No mandatory waiting period |
| Question Types | Single-best-answer multiple choice (4 options) |
Open-Codebook Format
The CPC exam is an open-codebook exam, which means you are allowed and expected to bring your own code manuals to the testing session. This is a major advantage, but only if you know how to navigate your books efficiently.
What You May Bring:
- CPT Professional Edition (current year)
- ICD-10-CM code book (current year)
- HCPCS Level II code book (current year)
Codebook Rules:
- Books may be tabbed with non-written-on tabs (sticky tabs, pre-printed tabs)
- Books may be highlighted and underlined
- You may NOT have handwritten notes, sticky notes with writing, or loose papers inside your books
- Electronic codebooks are NOT allowed at in-person testing
- Personalized annotations written directly in the margins of the book are generally permitted, but check current AAPC policy
Time Management
With 100 questions and 240 minutes, you have an average of 2 minutes and 24 seconds per question. However, not all questions require equal time:
- Coding scenario questions (requiring code lookup): 3-4 minutes each
- Knowledge-based questions (no lookup needed): 1-2 minutes each
- Complex multi-step questions: up to 5 minutes
Strategy: Answer knowledge-based questions first, mark coding-heavy questions for review, and use remaining time for the most complex lookups.
Scoring
- Each question is worth 1 point (no partial credit, no penalty for guessing)
- You need 70 correct answers out of 100 to pass
- Results are available within 5-7 business days after testing
- If you fail, your score report identifies areas of weakness by content domain
What is the passing score required on the CPC exam?
How long do candidates have to complete the CPC exam?
Which of the following is TRUE about the CPC exam codebook policy?
The CPC exam fee for AAPC members is $___ per attempt.
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What is the approximate first-time pass rate for the CPC exam?