Free Practice Questions for CIC

The CIC exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and 7 inpatient coding cases (fill-in-the-blank). You have 4 hours to complete the entire exam. Each coding case may have 5-15 possible code answers, and each answer is weighted equally. The exam is open-book — you may use one ICD-10-CM and one ICD-10-PCS code book.

You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the CIC exam. The score covers both the multiple-choice questions and the coding cases, and each case answer is weighted the same. If you do not pass, AAPC lists any area with a subscore of 65% or less. Consistent practice with real inpatient records and code manuals is essential.

The CIC exam is considered one of the more challenging AAPC coding exams because it tests both knowledge (multiple choice) and practical application (coding cases). The coding cases require you to abstract diagnoses and procedures from clinical documentation and assign correct ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes under time pressure. Most candidates study 80-120 hours (OEP estimate) over 8-16 weeks.

Yes, the CIC exam is open-book. You may use one ICD-10-CM and one ICD-10-PCS code book from the current or preceding year, in print or as an eBook provided through the exam platform. Tabs are allowed if they only mark pages — efficient navigation can save significant time on the 7 coding cases.

Both CIC (AAPC) and CCS (AHIMA) certify inpatient coding competency, but they differ in format and focus. The CIC has 40 multiple-choice questions plus 7 inpatient coding cases and is open-book. The CCS follows its own AHIMA exam format. Both test ICD-10-CM/PCS coding. CIC is administered by AAPC; CCS by AHIMA. Both are widely recognized by employers.

The CIC exam costs $425 for a single attempt or $499 for two attempts. Current AAPC membership is required to register for the exam and to keep the credential; an individual renewal is $229 plus tax. The exam can be taken online with a live remote proctor or at a testing center.

There is no experience or education prerequisite for the CIC exam, but you need a current AAPC membership to register. AAPC highly recommends two years of experience in the field and offers a CIC preparation course. Current AAPC membership ($229 individual renewal plus tax) is also required to keep the credential.

Plan for 80-120 hours (OEP estimate) of study over 8-16 weeks. Spend the majority of your time (about 40%) practicing ICD-10-PCS procedure coding, as this is the most challenging component. Dedicate another 30% to ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding and 30% to payment methodologies, compliance, and documentation. Practice with full coding cases weekly.