How much does CPC certification cost?
How much does CPC certification cost?
$375 – $399 cost for one exam attempt
$475 – $499 cost for two exam attempts
$157 – $222 cost for AAPC membership
CPC certification cost
The CPC certification exam costs $399 for one attempt or $499 for two, plus $222 for mandatory AAPC membership dues payable before taking the exam. Students pay reduced rates of $375 for one attempt or $475 for two, plus the student AAPC membership fee of $157. Exam prep materials like coding manuals, study guides, and practice tests cost extra.
| Item | Standard candidates | Student candidates |
|---|---|---|
| CPC exam (1 attempt) | $399 | $375 |
| CPC exam (2 attempts) | $499 | $475 |
| AAPC membership dues (required) | $222 | $157 |
| Total cost (1 attempt + membership dues) | $621 | $532 |
| Total cost (2 attempts + membership dues) | $721 | $632 |
What is CPC certification?
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a professional credential from the AAPC that validates a medical coder's expertise in translating medical records into standardized diagnostic and procedural codes for healthcare billing and documentation.
In plain language, medical coding is when you take what doctors write in patient files and turn it into codes. These codes are then used to bill insurance companies. So, a CPC-certified professional knows how to accurately translate medical records into the right codes for billing. To be certified, a medical coder should understand:
Medical coding for different body systems and procedures
How to read and code medical records
Using different code sets like CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS
Coding rules and guidelines
Healthcare laws and regulations
How to bill for different types of medical visits
Coding for special medical services like anesthesia and radiology
Lab tests and pathology coding
How to use medical coding in real-life situations
Medical terms and human anatomy
CPC exam preparation cost
In addition to exam and membership fees, candidates typically invest between $500 and $5,000 in study and preparation materials. These resources are crucial for success on the CPC exam. The cost varies widely depending on the chosen materials, as detailed in the following table:
| Resources | Average cost | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Coding manuals | $80 per book $230 for 3-book bundle |
Current year versions recommended for open book exam:
|
| Official study guide | $99.95 (member) $149.95 (non-member) |
AACP official guide covering exam topics with practice questions and coding scenarios (available as a book or eBook) |
| Official practice exams | $80 for bundle (A, B, C) $80 for bundle (D, E, F) (member pricing) |
Simulated tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing |
| Online training courses | $800 – $5,000 | Comprehensive courses with expert instruction that include study materials, practice exams, and often an exam fee voucher |
| Medical coding tutor | $25 – $60+ per hour | Private instruction with a medical coding tutor that can focus on your specific areas of weakness, provide customized learning, and offer one-on-one support |
Consider AAPC's exam + study bundles, which include the exam fee, study guide, and 3 practice exams. Some bundles also include an Exam Review, offering comprehensive preparation at a better value.
CPC certification exam cost factors
Several factors can influence the overall cost of obtaining CPC certification:
Exam attempts: Candidates can opt to pay for one or two attempts when registering, with two-attempt options providing a cost-effective backup in case the first attempt is unsuccessful.
AAPC Membership: Membership is mandatory to take the exam and costs $157 for students and $222 for other candidates.
Training courses: Comprehensive online or in-person training courses range from $800 to $5,000. These often include study materials, coding manuals, practice questions, and sometimes exam vouchers.
Study materials: Additional resources include study guides ($99.95 for members) and practice tests ($80 per bundle of 3 for members) with higher prices for non-members.
Coding manuals: Updated coding manuals are essential for the exam and cost $80 per book or $230 per bundle of 3.
Remote vs. in person: Remote proctored exams have added technical requirements but can save on travel costs. In-person testing eliminates technical setup but involves additional expenses like transportation and parking.
Financial aid or discounts: Some organizations offer payment plans or discounts on training courses and materials
About the CPC exam
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is designed to test a candidate's comprehensive understanding of medical coding. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam's key features and requirements:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions |
| Content | Most questions present real-life medical situations to test if you can use medical codes correctly. These include:
|
| Passing score | 70% (answering 70 questions correctly) |
| Time limit | 4 hours |
| Delivery | Exams can be taken:
|
| Exam requirements | Exams taken at a testing center do not require any special equipment. Exams taken remotely (live proctored exam) require:
|
| Approved code books (printed or eBook) |
The exam is open book using only:
|
It's strongly recommended to use the current year's books to avoid any disadvantages. You can only have one copy of each book.
Requirements for the CPC exam
To sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:
Work experience: You need two years of full-time coding experience using standard codes (like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS). Or, you can have one year of experience if you’ve also completed formal training.
Apprentice option: If you pass the exam but don’t have enough experience yet, you’ll get a CPC-A (Apprentice) certification. This can be upgraded to full CPC status once you meet the experience requirements.
Knowledge: You should know medical terms, anatomy, and how coding systems work.
Benefits of earning CPC certification
Earning a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification offers several benefits for medical coding professionals:
More job opportunities: CPC certification opens doors to jobs in hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, and healthcare consulting.
Higher pay: Certified coders typically earn more than non-certified professionals.
Job security: High demand for skilled medical coders means stable employment.
Professional advantage: Certification shows your expertise and commitment to the field.
Ongoing learning: Maintaining certification keeps you current with industry changes.
Professional credibility: Certification demonstrates your skills and knowledge to employers and colleagues.
FAQs about CPC certification
Is the CPC exam hard to pass?
The CPC exam is challenging but passable with proper preparation. You need a score of 70% or higher to pass, which means correctly answering at least 70 out of 100 questions. While the exam covers a wide range of coding knowledge, thorough study and practice can significantly improve your chances of success.
What happens if you fail the CPC exam?
If you don’t pass the CPC exam on your first try, you can retake it within a year at no additional cost but only if you purchased the two-attempt option when registering. If you didn’t purchase the two-attempt package, you’ll need to pay the full exam fee to take it again. The AAPC will provide feedback on areas where you struggled, so you can focus your studying for the retake.
Can you take the CPC exam online?
Yes, you can take the CPC exam online from your home with a proctor watching you through a webcam. To do this, you'll need a quiet, private room, a good internet connection, a computer, and a webcam. You'll also need to share your screen using Zoom throughout the test.
Is the CPC exam open book?
Yes, the CPC exam is open book. This means you can use your coding books during the test, which can include handwritten notes pertaining to daily coding activities. Just remember, you can only have one copy of each book with you, and you cannot attach anything to the books, such as sticky notes, tape, or glued pages.
How many questions are on the CPC exam?
The CPC exam features 100 multiple-choice questions.
How long is the CPC exam?
The CPC exam is 4 hours long. The proctor will notify you when you have only 30 minutes of test time remaining.
Where to find a medical coding tutor for the CPC
Finding a medical coding tutor for the CPC exam can greatly improve your chances of success. These tips can help you get started in your search:
Online platforms: Websites like Tutors.com offer medical coding tutors with rates ranging from $25 to $60+ per hour.
Professional organizations: Check AAPC's website for certified instructors or local chapters that may offer tutoring services.
Educational institutions: Universities and colleges with medical coding programs may have tutors available.
Specialized tutoring services: Some companies focus specifically on medical coding tutoring, offering one-on-one sessions online or in person.
Questions to ask a CPC tutor
When choosing a tutor, consider their experience, certification, and teaching style to ensure they can effectively help you prepare for the CPC exam. Ask these important questions:
What is your experience with the CPC exam and medical coding?
How do you tailor your tutoring approach to individual student needs?
Can you help me develop a study plan based on the exam content outline?
What resources do you recommend for exam preparation?
How can you help me improve my time management during the exam?
Do you offer practice tests as part of your tutoring?
Can you assist with specific areas like medical terminology and anatomy?
How do you stay updated on changes to coding guidelines and exam content?
What strategies do you teach for tackling difficult questions on the exam?
Do you have any tips for effective use of coding manuals during the test?
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