CPC Certification Process & Maintenance
Key Takeaways
AAPC membership is required to sit for the CPC exam (individual membership renewal is $229 a year, plus tax where applicable).
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.
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 renewal is $229/year for individuals, plus tax where applicable (student and other 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: $425 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts
- 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 7-10 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 | $229/year individual renewal (plus tax where applicable) 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
- Each retake needs a new attempt ($425), unless you bought the $499 two-attempt option
- 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?
CPC
CPC-A (Apprentice)
CPC-P (Provisional)
No credential until 2 years of experience is reached
How many Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are required to maintain the CPC credential?
12 CEUs annually
24 CEUs every 2 years
36 CEUs every 2 years
48 CEUs every 3 years
Arrange the CPC certification steps in the correct order from first to last.
Arrange the items in the correct order
Receive CPC or CPC-A credential
Register and pay the exam fee
Join the AAPC and pay membership dues
Score 70% or higher on the exam
Prepare using codebooks and study materials
What does AAPC list for an individual membership renewal?
$99/year
$150/year
$229/year
$399/year
Which of the following are valid ways to remove the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation? (Select all that apply)
Select all that apply
Complete 2 years of verified professional coding experience
Pass the CPC exam a second time
Complete the AAPC Practicode program
Earn 72 CEUs in a single year
Obtain employer verification of coding work experience
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.