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Getting certified as a medical coder is the single most impactful step you can take for your career in healthcare coding. The CPC (Certified Professional Coder) credential from the AAPC is the most widely recognized medical coding certification in the United States, and it opens the door to higher-paying positions, greater job opportunities, and career advancement paths that are not available to non-certified coders.
But the CPC is not the only certification worth knowing about, and the certification process itself has specific steps that many candidates overlook or misunderstand. This guide walks through everything from eligibility and application to exam preparation, maintaining your credential, and the specialty certifications beyond the CPC that can take your career further. For exam-specific preparation strategies, see the CPC Exam Study Guide and the CPC Exam Day Strategy.
Why Get Certified?
Before diving into the how, it is worth understanding why certification matters so much in medical coding.
Higher salary. AAPC’s salary surveys consistently show that certified coders earn significantly more than non-certified coders. The difference typically ranges from 20% to 40% higher annual salary depending on the region and specialty.
Job requirements. Many employers require certification for coding positions. Hospital systems, large physician practices, revenue cycle management companies, and payers increasingly list CPC or equivalent certification as a minimum qualification — not a preference.
Credibility. Certification demonstrates that you have passed a rigorous, proctored exam covering CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, anatomy, medical terminology, and coding guidelines. It signals to employers that you have a validated knowledge base.
Career mobility. Certified coders can pursue specialty certifications, move into coding management, transition to auditing, compliance, or education roles, and advance more quickly than non-certified peers.
The CPC Certification — Overview
The CPC credential is offered by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders). It is a generalist certification covering physician-based (outpatient) coding across all CPT sections, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, anatomy, medical terminology, compliance, and reimbursement methodologies.
| Detail | CPC Exam Specifics |
|---|---|
| Administering Body | AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) |
| Exam Length | 5 hours 40 minutes |
| Number of Questions | 100 multiple choice |
| Passing Score | 70% (70 correct out of 100) |
| Open Book | Yes — CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS manuals allowed |
| Format | Proctored (in-person or online) |
| Prerequisites | AAPC membership + completed education or experience |
| Cost | Varies — includes exam fee + AAPC membership |
Eligibility Requirements
To sit for the CPC exam, you need:
- AAPC membership — You must be a current AAPC member. Membership can be purchased along with the exam registration.
- Education or experience — AAPC recommends completing a medical coding training program, though there is no strict prerequisite that prevents you from registering. Candidates with at least two years of coding experience can also qualify. Many candidates complete an AAPC-approved coding course before attempting the exam.
There is no degree requirement. You do not need a bachelor’s or associate’s degree to take the CPC exam, though having completed relevant coursework in anatomy, medical terminology, and coding systems significantly improves your chance of passing.
How to Register for the CPC Exam
Step 1 — Join AAPC
If you are not already a member, register for AAPC membership at aapc.com. Membership provides access to study resources, local chapter meetings, networking, and the ability to register for exams.
Step 2 — Choose Your Exam Format
You can take the CPC exam in two ways:
In-person — At a testing center or AAPC-approved location. You bring your own code books (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS), and the exam is administered by a proctor.
Online proctored — From your home or office via a webcam-monitored session. You still use physical code books — no electronic resources are permitted. Your workspace must be clear of unauthorized materials, and the proctor monitors you through your computer’s camera.
Step 3 — Schedule and Prepare
After registration, you select a date and location (or time slot for online). The AAPC recommends allowing 4 to 6 months of study time before your exam date, though this varies based on your prior experience and the intensity of your study schedule.
Preparing for the CPC Exam
Study Timeline
A realistic study plan for someone with no prior coding experience typically spans 4 to 6 months of consistent study. Candidates with medical background or coding coursework may need 2 to 3 months. The key is consistent daily study rather than cramming.
Months 1–2: Focus on the foundations — medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM coding guidelines, and CPT code structure.
Months 3–4: Dive into section-specific coding — E/M coding, surgery coding, anesthesia, radiology, pathology/lab, and the medicine section.
Months 5–6: Practice exams, timed drills, and targeted review of weak areas. See the CPC Exam Cheat Sheet for quick-reference summaries of high-yield topics.
Essential Study Resources
CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS manuals — Current-year editions. These are the same books you will use on exam day. Practice with your actual manuals so you know where everything is located.
AAPC study materials — The AAPC offers official study guides, practice exams, and online courses. The official practice exams are particularly valuable because they mirror the format and difficulty of the actual exam.
Tab your manuals — Place tabs at key sections, guidelines, modifier lists, and frequently referenced areas. Efficient navigation saves critical time on exam day. See the CPC Exam Day Strategy for tabbing recommendations.
Practice exams — Take multiple timed practice exams under real conditions (5 hours 40 minutes, using only your code books). Review every question you get wrong to understand the reasoning. See the CPC Practice Exam Error Review Method for a systematic approach.
Exam Day Logistics
Arrive early (for in-person) or log in early (for online). Bring your physical code books — no electronic devices, notes, or unauthorized materials. You are allowed to have tabs and annotations in your manuals (such as highlighting and writing notes in margins) as long as they do not contain complete coding scenarios or answers. Water and snacks may be allowed at in-person locations — check with your proctor. Manage your time by allocating roughly 3 minutes per question, and flag difficult questions to return to later.
The CPC-A Designation
When you pass the CPC exam without two years of professional coding experience, you receive the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation. The “A” indicates that you have passed the exam but have not yet met the experience requirement for the full CPC credential.
Removing the Apprentice Designation
To remove the “A” and hold the full CPC credential, you must document two years of professional coding experience. The experience can be obtained before or after passing the exam. Ways to fulfill the experience requirement include:
- Working in a coding position (part-time or full-time) for the equivalent of two years
- Completing an AAPC Practicode program (80 real medical charts that count toward the experience requirement)
- Having prior coding work experience verified by an employer
Many candidates pass the CPC exam first, then obtain a coding position and accumulate the required experience while working. The CPC-A credential is still hireable — many employers accept CPC-A candidates, particularly for entry-level positions.
Maintaining Your CPC Credential
The CPC credential does not expire, but it requires ongoing maintenance through Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
CEU Requirements
You must earn 36 CEUs every two years to maintain your CPC credential. At least 24 of these must be in core coding topics (CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, guidelines, compliance, reimbursement). The remaining 12 can be in general topics (healthcare management, communication, professional development).
How to Earn CEUs
AAPC workshops and conferences — National and regional conferences offer multiple CEU opportunities.
Online courses — AAPC and other approved organizations offer online CEU courses covering specific coding topics, guideline updates, and specialty areas.
Local chapter meetings — AAPC local chapters hold monthly meetings that typically offer 1 CEU per meeting.
Self-study articles — AAPC’s Healthcare Business Monthly magazine includes CEU quizzes.
Teaching — Instructing an AAPC-approved coding course earns CEUs.
What Happens If CEUs Lapse
If you do not earn the required 36 CEUs within the two-year cycle, your credential moves to an inactive status. You can reactivate it by completing the outstanding CEUs and paying any applicable fees, but it is far easier to stay current than to catch up after a lapse.
Beyond the CPC — Specialty Certifications
The CPC is a generalist certification, but AAPC offers specialty certifications for coders who want to demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Specialty certifications increase your value and earning potential within a particular healthcare segment.
| Credential | Full Name | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| COC | Certified Outpatient Coder | Hospital outpatient facility coding (APC-based) |
| CIC | Certified Inpatient Coder | Hospital inpatient coding (DRG-based, ICD-10-PCS) |
| CRC | Certified Risk Adjustment Coder | Risk adjustment, HCC coding, Medicare Advantage |
| CPMA | Certified Professional Medical Auditor | Coding audits and compliance |
| CPCO | Certified Professional Compliance Officer | Healthcare compliance programs |
| CPC-P | Certified Professional Coder — Payer | Payer-side claims processing and adjudication |
Specialty-Specific Credentials
AAPC also offers over a dozen specialty-specific credentials that certify expertise in coding for particular medical specialties:
- Cardiology (CCC) — Cardiovascular and thoracic coding
- Orthopedics (COSC) — Musculoskeletal and orthopedic coding
- OB/GYN (COBGC) — Obstetrics and gynecology coding
- Pediatrics (CPEDC) — Pediatric coding
- Emergency Department (CEDC) — Emergency medicine coding
- General Surgery (CGSC) — General surgical coding
These specialty credentials require passing the CPC exam first (or its equivalent) and then passing the specialty exam. They demonstrate deep knowledge of the coding rules, procedures, and payer requirements specific to that specialty.
Other Certification Bodies
While the AAPC’s CPC is the most widely recognized coding certification, it is not the only option:
AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) — Offers the CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) for hospital inpatient and outpatient coding, and the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) as an entry-level credential. AHIMA credentials are particularly valued in hospital and health information management settings.
The key difference: CPC is physician-office focused (outpatient procedures, E/M). CCS is hospital focused (inpatient DRGs, outpatient APCs, and health information management). Many experienced coders hold credentials from both organizations.
| Feature | AAPC CPC | AHIMA CCS |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Physician/outpatient coding | Hospital inpatient and outpatient coding |
| Code sets emphasized | CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS II | ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, HCPCS II |
| Open book | Yes | No (computer-based, resources provided) |
| Best suited for | Physician offices, outpatient facilities | Hospitals, health information departments |
Career Paths After Certification
Getting your CPC is the starting point, not the ceiling. Common career paths include:
Medical coder — Entry-level role assigning CPT and ICD-10 codes from physician documentation. Most CPC holders start here.
Coding specialist — Focused coding role within a specific specialty (cardiology, orthopedics, oncology), often with a specialty credential.
Coding auditor — Reviews coded claims for accuracy, identifies patterns of over- or undercoding, and provides education to coding staff. The CPMA credential is the pathway here.
Compliance officer — Oversees coding compliance programs, fraud and abuse prevention, and regulatory adherence. The CPCO credential supports this role.
Revenue cycle manager — Manages the entire billing and collection process from charge capture through payment posting.
Coding educator — Trains new coders, develops education materials, and leads continuing education programs for coding departments.
5 quick questions drawn from this guide. Click an answer to check it — explanations appear as you go.
1. The CPC credential is awarded by which organization?
2. The “A” in the CPC-A designation indicates:
3. To maintain the CPC credential, a coder must earn how many CEUs every two years?
4. Which credential focuses on outpatient hospital/facility coding?
5. Which certification is offered by AHIMA rather than AAPC?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements to take the CPC exam?
You need current AAPC membership and either completion of a medical coding training program or relevant work experience. There is no formal degree requirement. AAPC recommends completing an approved coding course before attempting the exam. You must also purchase current-year CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS manuals to use during the open-book exam.
How hard is the CPC exam?
The CPC exam is challenging — it covers 100 questions in 5 hours 40 minutes across CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, anatomy, and coding guidelines. The passing rate varies, but many candidates do not pass on their first attempt. With a structured study plan spanning 4 to 6 months, regular practice exams, and a well-tabbed manual, most dedicated candidates can pass. The exam is open-book, so manual navigation skills are as important as coding knowledge.
What is the difference between CPC and CPC-A?
CPC-A (Apprentice) is the designation you receive after passing the CPC exam if you do not yet have two years of professional coding experience. The “A” is removed once you document two years of experience through employment, the AAPC Practicode program, or a combination of both. Many employers hire CPC-A candidates for entry-level coding positions.
How many CEUs do I need to maintain my CPC?
You must earn 36 Continuing Education Units every two years to maintain your CPC credential. At least 24 must be in core coding topics such as CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, guidelines, and compliance. The remaining 12 can be in general professional development topics. CEUs can be earned through AAPC workshops, conferences, online courses, local chapter meetings, and self-study articles.
What certifications can I get after the CPC?
After earning your CPC, you can pursue specialty certifications such as COC (outpatient facility coding), CIC (inpatient coding), CRC (risk adjustment coding), CPMA (medical auditing), and over a dozen specialty-specific credentials covering areas like cardiology, orthopedics, and emergency medicine. Each requires passing a separate exam and demonstrates advanced expertise in that area.