CPC
AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
The CPC is the most recognized medical coding certification, covering CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding for physician practices and outpatient settings.
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CPC Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) |
| Governing Body | AAPC |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Time Limit | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Fee | $425 USD for one attempt / $499 for two |
| Category | Allied Health & Medicine |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | AAPC official website ↗ |
CPC Content Areas and Domains
Domain areas are sourced from the AAPC content outline.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Medical terminology (4 questions)
- ✓ Anatomy (4 questions)
- ✓ Compliance and regulatory (3 questions)
- ✓ Coding guidelines (7 questions)
- ✓ ICD-10-CM (5 questions)
- ✓ HCPCS Level II (3 questions)
- ✓ CPT 10000 series - integumentary (6 questions)
- ✓ CPT 20000 series - musculoskeletal (6 questions)
- ✓ CPT 30000 series - respiratory/cardiovascular (6 questions)
- ✓ CPT 40000 series - digestive (6 questions)
- ✓ CPT 50000 series - urinary/reproductive (6 questions)
- ✓ CPT 60000 series - endocrine/nervous (6 questions)
- ✓ Radiology codes (6 questions)
- ✓ Pathology and laboratory codes (6 questions)
- ✓ Medicine (6 questions)
- ✓ Evaluation & Management / E-M (6 questions)
- ✓ Anesthesia (4 questions)
- ✓ Cases (10 cases, 1 question each)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CPC
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CPC is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CPC format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CPC Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPC stand for?
CPC stands for AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC). It is administered by AAPC.
Who administers the CPC?
The AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is administered by AAPC. For official information, visit the AAPC website.
How many questions is the CPC?
The CPC consists of 100 questions. Candidates are given 4 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CPC?
The passing score for the CPC is 70%, as set by AAPC. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CPC exam cost?
The CPC exam fee is $425 USD for one attempt / $499 for two. This fee is set by AAPC and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
How many questions on the CPC are scored?
AAPC publishes 100 multiple-choice questions, all of which count toward the score (an overall score of 70% requires at least 70 correct; more than 30 incorrect is a fail). AAPC does not publish any unscored/pretest item count for the CPC exam — treat scored-vs-unscored split as not published. Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CPC scored?
70% or higher overall (at least 70 of 100 questions correct). Not a scaled score — AAPC reports a raw percentage standard. Always confirm the current standard with AAPC before testing.
What does the CPC cost?
$425 USD for 1 attempt; $499 USD for 2 attempts (core exams). Student pricing: $400 for 1 attempt / $475 for 2 attempts. Fees are set by AAPC and change periodically; confirm current pricing before you register.
What should I know about the current CPC exam blueprint?
AAPC states the questions assess 17 areas of knowledge plus 10 end-of-exam cases; the per-area question counts above are AAPC's own published counts on the 'Taking the CPC exam' page. AAPC does not publish percentage weights, only these item counts. AAPC does not publish a pretest/unscored item count.
How difficult is the AAPC CPC exam and what is the pass rate?
The AAPC Certified Professional Coder exam is considered moderately challenging. AAPC reports an average first-attempt pass rate of approximately 70%. The exam is open-book (you bring your CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II manuals), but the volume of coding scenarios and time pressure make preparation essential.
What are the eligibility requirements for the AAPC CPC?
There are no formal education requirements to sit for the CPC exam. However, a high school diploma is expected and AAPC recommends completing a medical coding training program. Candidates without two years of professional coding experience receive an "apprentice" designation on their credential until experience requirements are met.
How long should I study for the AAPC CPC?
Most candidates need 3–6 months of preparation, depending on prior medical knowledge. Completing an AAPC-approved medical coding course (or similar) provides the structured foundation needed. Extensive practice with coding scenarios and tabbing your code books for quick reference during the exam is essential.
What career value does the AAPC CPC provide?
CPC is the most widely recognized medical coding credential and is accepted by physician offices, hospitals, and billing companies nationwide. Entry-level medical coders with CPC typically earn $40,000–$55,000; experienced coders in high-demand specialties can earn significantly more. Remote work opportunities are extensive in medical coding.
What is the AAPC CPC retake policy?
AAPC members may retake the CPC exam one time at a discounted fee within a designated retake window. Additional retake attempts require full exam fees. Candidates should confirm current retake terms with AAPC as policies are periodically updated.
How long is the AAPC CPC credential valid?
The AAPC CPC requires annual renewal through continuing education. Credentials lapse if CE requirements are not met each renewal year.
What continuing education is required for AAPC CPC renewal?
Renewal requires 36 continuing education units (CEUs) per two-year cycle. CEUs can be earned through AAPC webinars, local chapter meetings, coding conferences, and approved third-party education providers. AAPC provides many free or low-cost CEU options for members.
How does AAPC CPC compare to AHIMA CCS for medical coding careers?
AAPC CPC focuses on outpatient and physician office coding using CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes. AHIMA CCS (Coding Specialist) covers both inpatient and outpatient coding and is considered the stronger credential for hospital-based coding roles. The CPC is more widely recognized in physician practice settings; CCS is preferred in hospital and large health system environments. Many coders pursue both credentials as their career advances.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC), a Allied Health & Medicine certification, administered by AAPC. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by AAPC. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the AAPC official website ↗ .