How to Tackle the CPC Exam on Test Day: Practical Tips and Strategies
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If you’ve followed our previous blog posts—from understanding the exam format to gathering the best study resources—you’re probably feeling more prepared than ever for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. But there’s still one piece of the puzzle to address: test day itself. Having a game plan in place can make all the difference between staying calm under pressure and feeling overwhelmed when the clock starts. Let’s walk through some practical tips to help you perform at your very best.
1. Final Prep the Day Before
Review Key Notes
The night before, skim through your main study guide or any marked sections in your CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS manuals. Stick to high-level reviews—you’ve done the heavy lifting already, so avoid cramming.
Organize Your Materials
Double-check that you have the correct editions of your coding manuals, any allowed notes or tabs, and necessary identification for check-in.
Place everything (manuals, ID, snacks) in a bag so you’re not scrambling the next morning.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Easier said than done, right? Even if nerves have you feeling restless, try to wind down with a calming routine—avoid screens late at night and maybe indulge in a relaxing bath or cup of herbal tea.
2. Morning Routine and Arrival
Eat a Balanced Breakfast
Aim for something with protein and complex carbs—like eggs and whole-grain toast—to keep your energy steady. You don’t want your stomach growling during the test.
Arrive Early
Aim for 30 minutes to an hour before your scheduled start time. This cushion helps you settle in, find your testing room, and handle any last-minute paperwork without panicking.
Bring Snacks and Water
If the testing site allows, keep some light, easy-to-eat snacks (e.g., granola bars) and water handy. A quick refuel can help maintain focus over the four-hour exam period.
3. During the Exam: Time Management
Pace Yourself
You have 100 multiple-choice questions in 4 hours—roughly 2.4 minutes per question. Keep an eye on the clock, but don’t let it intimidate you. If a question stumps you, flag it and move on; you can revisit it later.
Use Your Manuals Wisely
The CPC exam is open-book, but that doesn’t mean you should flip through every page aimlessly. Leverage your tabs, highlight key guidelines, and know where common sections are located to save precious time.
Answer Every Question
Since it’s a multiple-choice format, an educated guess is always better than leaving something blank. You never know—your logic might lead you to the correct code.
4. Tackling Difficult Questions
Break Down the Scenario
Carefully read the clinical scenario to identify the key diagnosis, procedure, or service. Then narrow down potential codes by eliminating obviously incorrect choices.
Apply Guidelines
If you’re torn between two codes, check the guidelines again. Sometimes, a small detail—like the presence of anesthesia modifiers or bilateral procedure rules—can change the code assignment.
Stay Calm
It’s normal to hit a few “curveball” questions. Take a deep breath, systematically work through the logic, and trust the knowledge you’ve built while studying.
5. After the Exam: Next Steps
Celebrate Your Accomplishment
You’ve just completed a rigorous exam—give yourself credit for the dedication and hard work it took to get here!
Watch for Results
AAPC usually provides preliminary results quickly, but official certification confirmation can take a bit longer. Keep an eye on your email or AAPC account.
Continue Learning
Regardless of the outcome, remember coding is an ever-evolving field. If you pass, stay current with guidelines to keep your credential active. If you need a second attempt, you’ll be more prepared with the exam experience under your belt.
6. Don’t Forget Our Study Resources
If you find yourself needing extra review, our full-on study guide and practice questions file are still your best companions—even on the second or third go-round. They’re designed to target your weak spots, refine your manual navigation, and polish up those question-answering skills.
Final Thoughts
Test day can feel like the culmination of months of effort—and it is! But by planning ahead, managing your time wisely, and trusting in the preparation you’ve done, you’ll set yourself up for the best possible outcome. Passing the CPC exam can open doors to exciting roles in outpatient coding, hospital settings, insurance companies, and beyond.
So, as you walk into that exam room, take a deep breath and remember: you’ve studied, you’ve practiced, and you’ve got the knowledge to tackle whatever questions come your way.
Good luck, future CPC—you’re on the brink of an exciting new chapter in your coding career!