How Many Questions Is the AAPC CPC Exam and How Do I Register for It?

When I was first preparing for my CPC exam, one of the biggest hurdles—beyond actually studying—was figuring out the nuts and bolts of the exam itself: exactly how many questions would I face, and how on earth did I sign up? If you’re on the same quest for clarity, you’re in good company. Let’s break down both the question count and the registration process so you can head into exam day with confidence.

Understanding the CPC Exam Question Count

  1. 100 Multiple-Choice Question The AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) updated the CPC exam format in 2022, reducing the number of questions from 150 to 100. The good news? Fewer questions means you can dedicate a bit more time to each scenario.
  2. 4-Hour Time Limit You still have four hours to complete the exam. With 100 questions in that time frame, effective pacing and familiarity with your coding manuals (CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS) are essential.
  3. Variety of Coding Scenarios Questions span a range of medical specialties and settings—think office visits, surgeries, and hospital procedures. Be prepared to code everything from routine check-ups to complex surgical interventions.
  4. What Counts as a Passing Score? You’ll need at least a 70% overall score to pass. Keep in mind that not every question carries the same level of difficulty, but every correct answer nudges you closer to that goal.

How to Register for the CPC Exam

  1. Become an AAPC Member Before you can officially register for the CPC exam, you’ll need an active AAPC membership. You can sign up directly on the AAPC website. An active membership gives you access to discounted exam pricing, industry resources, and local chapter meetings that can be a goldmine for networking and study groups.

Choose Your Exam Location or Modality

  • In-Person: Check the AAPC website for available testing centers or local chapter-sponsored exams.
  • Online Proctored (when available): Some regions offer remote exam options—ideal if you can’t easily travel to a testing center. Just be sure to review the technical requirements and testing environment rules carefully
  • Pick a Date and Time Once you’ve settled on a location or online option, browse available dates in your area. Spots can fill up fast, so plan at least a few weeks—or even months—ahead, especially during peak certification seasons.
  • Pay the Exam Fee Exam fees vary but typically run a few hundred dollars, discounted for AAPC members. Keep an eye out for special offers or package deals (like bundling study materials with your exam registration) to save some money.
  • Confirm Your Exam Details After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your exam date, time, and testing location or online proctoring instructions. Double-check these details to avoid any last-minute surprises.

What to Expect on Exam Day

  • Arrive Early For in-person exams, plan on arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. This buffer allows for check-in procedures and helps you settle any pre-exam jitters.
  • Open-Book Format Remember, it’s open-book, but only in the sense that you can use your physical coding manuals. No electronic devices or handwritten notes beyond what AAPC permits.
  • Stay Calm and Code On Once the exam starts, pace yourself. With 100 questions in four hours, you have roughly 2.4 minutes per question—but that’s plenty of time if you’ve practiced navigating your manuals.

Knowing exactly how many questions you’ll face and how to register for the CPC exam can remove a huge layer of stress. By mapping out the registration steps and understanding the exam structure, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother study period and a confident test-day experience.

So take a deep breath, secure your seat for the exam, and dive into your study plan with purpose. The sooner you register, the sooner you’ll be celebrating that certification!

Good luck on your coding journey—you’ve got this!

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