100+ Free AMCA BCSC Practice Questions

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A claim denial for CO-4 means:

The patient is not eligible on the date of service

The service requires a different or additional code

The authorization number is missing

The claim was filed after the timely filing deadline

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: AMCA BCSC Exam

64%

Passing Score

AMCA standard

~150

Exam Questions

AMCA format

3 hrs

Exam Time

AMCA

2 years

Certification Valid

Renewal cycle

2025

NCCA Accredited

September 2025

+$40

LRP Fee

Remote proctoring

The AMCA BCSC exam tests ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS Level II, claims processing, payer guidelines, HIPAA, and compliance knowledge. Passing score is 64%. The credential is valid for 2 years and requires continuing education for renewal. AMCA is NCCA-accredited (since September 2025). Testing is available at approved sites or via Live Remote Proctoring.

Sample AMCA BCSC Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your AMCA BCSC exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which ICD-10-CM code sequencing rule requires the underlying disease to be listed first when a manifestation code exists?

A.Etiology/manifestation convention

B.Code first rule

C.Use additional code note

D.Excludes1 note

Explanation: The etiology/manifestation convention requires sequencing the underlying disease (etiology) before the manifestation code; brackets in the index indicate mandatory pairs.

2A patient is seen for diabetic chronic kidney disease stage 3. What is the correct sequencing?

A.Diabetes with CKD, then CKD stage 3

B.CKD stage 3, then diabetes

C.Diabetes only; CKD is not coded

D.CKD stage 3 only

Explanation: Diabetes is the etiology; the manifestation (CKD) follows. An additional code for the CKD stage is required per ICD-10-CM guidelines.

3Under ICD-10-CM, when a patient presents with signs and symptoms that are integral to a confirmed diagnosis, the coder should:

A.Code only the confirmed diagnosis

B.Code the signs and symptoms plus the diagnosis

C.Code the signs and symptoms only

D.Query the physician before coding anything

Explanation: Signs and symptoms integral to a confirmed diagnosis are not coded separately per ICD-10-CM guideline I.C.1.

4The ICD-10-CM 'Excludes2' note means:

A.The excluded condition may be coded together if both are present

B.The two conditions cannot occur together

C.One condition is included in the other

D.The code is not used for outpatient encounters

Explanation: Excludes2 indicates the excluded condition is not part of this code but both may be present and coded simultaneously.

5Which ICD-10-CM guideline applies to coding acute and chronic conditions when both are documented?

A.Code the acute condition first, then chronic

B.Code only the chronic condition

C.Code only the acute condition

D.Sequence based on physician preference

Explanation: Per ICD-10-CM guideline I.B.8, when the same condition is described as both acute and chronic, sequence acute first if separate subentries exist.

6In CPT, Evaluation and Management (E/M) office visit coding under 2021 guidelines is based on:

A.Medical decision making or total time on date of encounter

B.Number of diagnoses and physical exam elements

C.History, examination, and medical decision making

D.Three-element bullet point documentation

Explanation: The 2021 E/M revisions eliminated bullet-point history/exam counting; level is now driven by MDM or total time.

7CPT modifier 25 is appended to an E/M code when:

A.A significant, separately identifiable E/M is performed on the same day as a procedure

B.The procedure was reduced or eliminated

C.Two surgeons performed the same procedure

D.The service was provided in a distinct procedural session

Explanation: Modifier 25 indicates the E/M was significant and separate from any procedure performed the same day by the same provider.

8CPT modifier 59 is used to indicate:

A.A distinct procedural service not usually reported together with another code

B.A surgical procedure performed by an assistant surgeon

C.A repeat procedure by the same physician

D.A bilateral procedure

Explanation: Modifier 59 denotes a distinct procedural service; it overrides NCCI edits when clinical circumstances justify separate reporting.

9CPT Category III codes are:

A.Temporary codes for emerging technology, services, and procedures

B.Codes for performance measurement and quality reporting

C.Add-on codes requiring a primary code

D.Codes used exclusively for anesthesia services

Explanation: Category III codes are four-digit alphanumeric temporary codes tracking new/emerging procedures to gather outcomes data.

10When a surgeon performs a unilateral procedure but the CPT descriptor states 'bilateral,' modifier 52 is appended to indicate:

A.Reduced services

B.Increased procedural services

C.Discontinued procedure

D.Mandated services

Explanation: Modifier 52 signals that a service was partially reduced at the physician's discretion; payment is typically reduced proportionally.

About the AMCA BCSC Exam

The AMCA Billing & Coding Specialist Certification (BCSC) — now called the Medical Coder and Biller Certification (MCBC) for candidates credentialed after May 2018 — validates competency in medical billing and coding for allied health professionals. The exam covers ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, CPT procedure coding, HCPCS Level II, CMS-1500 and UB-04 claim forms, Medicare/Medicaid/TRICARE payer rules, NCCI edits, HIPAA compliance, and revenue cycle management. Candidates must achieve 64% or higher to pass.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

64% or higher

Exam Fee

Varies by test site (+$40 LRP fee) (American Medical Certification Association (AMCA))

AMCA BCSC Exam Content Outline

~35%

Medical Coding (ICD-10-CM & CPT)

ICD-10-CM conventions (etiology/manifestation, Excludes1/2, 7th characters, Z-codes, chapter guidelines), CPT Category I/II/III, E/M 2021 MDM/time methodology, surgery global periods, radiology, anesthesia base+time, pathology levels, and lab modifiers

~30%

Medical Billing & Claims

CMS-1500 field requirements, UB-04 revenue codes and form locators, HCPCS Level II code ranges (A/E/J/K/L/V), CPT modifiers (25/51/59/76/91/GA/GY/GZ/X modifiers), place-of-service codes, NCCI comprehensive/component and mutually exclusive edits, clearinghouses, EDI 837/835/270/277

~20%

Payer Guidelines & Reimbursement

Medicare Parts A/B/C/D coverage, benefit periods, participating vs non-par providers, limiting charges, ABN requirements, Medicaid payer of last resort, TRICARE, coordination of benefits birthday rule, timely filing limits, Medicare Physician Fee Schedule RVU/GPCI formula

~15%

Compliance, HIPAA & Revenue Cycle

HIPAA Privacy Rule (minimum necessary, PHI, covered entities, BAAs, right of access), Security Rule (administrative/physical/technical safeguards, ePHI), Breach Notification 60-day rule, False Claims Act qui tam, OIG Work Plan and seven compliance elements, RAC audit authority, denial codes (CO-4/CO-29/CO-45), A/R days, chargemaster

How to Pass the AMCA BCSC Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 64% or higher
Exam length: 150 questions
Time limit: 3 hours
Exam fee: Varies by test site (+$40 LRP fee)

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

AMCA BCSC Study Tips from Top Performers

1Master ICD-10-CM sequencing rules including etiology/manifestation, acute/chronic, and poisoning sequencing

2Know the 2021 E/M revisions — MDM three elements and total time as the two pathways for office visit level selection

3Memorize CPT modifier functions: 25, 51, 59, 76, 91, and the X modifier suite (XE/XS/XP/XU)

4Learn Medicare ABN rules: when required, modifier GA vs GY vs GZ, and provider vs patient liability

5Study NCCI Column 1/Column 2 edits and Mutually Exclusive Edits — understand when modifier 59 is valid

6Know HCPCS Level II code ranges: J (drugs), E (DME), L (orthotics), A (supplies/ambulance), K (temp DME)

7Review HIPAA: minimum necessary, ePHI, 60-day breach notification, BAA requirement, right of access

8Understand CMS-1500 fields: Box 21 (diagnoses), 24E (diagnosis pointer), 24J (rendering NPI), 33 (billing provider)

9Study Medicare's five-level appeals process starting with MAC redetermination

10Practice denial code recognition: CO-4 (code/modifier mismatch), CO-29 (timely filing), CO-45 (contractual adjustment)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the AMCA BCSC certification?

The AMCA Billing & Coding Specialist Certification (BCSC) validates knowledge and skills in medical billing and coding, including ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, CPT procedure coding, HCPCS Level II, insurance claims processing, payer rules, and HIPAA compliance. Candidates who earned the credential on or after May 11, 2018 hold the MCBC (Medical Coder and Biller Certification) designation.

What is the passing score for the AMCA BCSC?

Candidates must achieve 64% or higher on the AMCA BCSC exam to earn the credential. The exam is scored on a percentage basis with no scaled scoring applied.

What topics are covered on the AMCA BCSC exam?

The BCSC exam covers four main areas: (1) Medical Coding — ICD-10-CM conventions, sequencing rules, and CPT Category I/II/III codes including E/M 2021 guidelines; (2) Medical Billing & Claims — CMS-1500, UB-04, HCPCS Level II, CPT modifiers, NCCI edits, and EDI transactions; (3) Payer Guidelines — Medicare Parts A/B/C/D, Medicaid, TRICARE, COB, ABN, and fee schedules; and (4) Compliance & HIPAA — Privacy/Security Rules, breach notification, OIG compliance, RAC audits, and revenue cycle management.

How do I register for the AMCA BCSC exam?

Register through an AMCA-approved test site or via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). LRP adds a $40 fee to the base exam cost. Contact your training program or visit amcaexams.com for a list of approved sites and current fee information.

Is the AMCA BCSC the same as the MCBC?

Yes — the credential was renamed from Billing & Coding Specialist Certification (BCSC) to Medical Coder & Biller Certification (MCBC) effective May 11, 2018. Candidates certified before that date hold the BCSC designation; those certified after hold MCBC. The content and requirements are the same.

Is the AMCA NCCA accredited?

Yes. The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) granted AMCA accreditation for the Medical Coder & Biller Certification (MCBC) on September 1, 2025, confirming the program meets rigorous psychometric and professional standards.

How long is the AMCA BCSC certification valid?

The BCSC/MCBC credential is valid for 2 years. Recertification requires completing continuing education and submitting renewal documentation through AMCA before the expiration date.

100+ Free AMCA BCSC Practice Questions

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