What Is the CPC Exam and What’s the Format?

still remember the day I first heard about the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam. I was just starting my journey into medical coding and felt overwhelmed by the acronyms, guidelines, and endless sections of the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS manuals. If you’re reading this, chances are you’re feeling the same mix of excitement and nerves, wondering exactly what the CPC exam entails. Let’s break it down together.

What Is the CPC Exam?

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam is administered by the AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders), one of the leading organizations for medical coding and billing professionals. Passing this exam demonstrates your mastery of the coding guidelines and your ability to translate clinical documentation into the correct medical codes. In essence, the CPC certification tells employers you’re ready to dive in and keep their billing processes running smoothly.

Understanding the CPC Exam Format

In 2022, the AAPC updated the CPC exam format, so if you’ve heard multiple versions, let’s set the record straight:

  1. Number of Questions: The current CPC exam has 100 multiple-choice questions (it used to be 150, but the updated version is a bit more compact).
  2. Time Allotment: You’ll have 4 hours to complete the exam, which means you’ll need to keep a steady pace. Time management is key!
  3. Open-Book Policy: Yes, the CPC exam is open-book, meaning you can bring your coding manuals (CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS) into the test. However, they must be printed manuals—no digital versions allowed—and you can only have certain types of notes or tabs (following AAPC’s guidelines). Trust me, your manuals will be your best friend during the exam, so get comfortable flipping through them quickly.

Focus Areas: You’ll encounter questions testing your knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, reimbursement methodologies, and code sets (CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS). Expect scenarios ranging from physician office visits to surgical procedures—all designed to see if you can accurately assign the right codes.

Passing Score: To pass, you need a 70% or higher overall score. That means careful reading and consistent practice will give you a huge advantage.

Why Does the Format Matter?

Understanding the exam format is crucial for two reasons:

  1. Study Strategy: Knowing there are 100 multiple-choice questions and a 4-hour time limit helps you tailor your study approach—focusing on speed, accuracy, and familiarity with your manuals.
  2. Confidence: Familiarity breeds confidence. If you know what’s coming, you’ll feel more in control on test day (goodbye, test anxiety!).

Final Thoughts

The CPC exam is a gateway to a thriving career in medical coding. Yes, it’s challenging, but with the right preparation, you’ll walk into that testing center ready to conquer every code scenario thrown your way. In upcoming posts, we’ll delve deeper into study timelines, registration procedures, and more tips to ensure you feel ready to knock this exam out of the park.

Stay motivated and remember—you’re investing in a certification that can open doors to a wide range of healthcare opportunities. You’ve got this!

Good luck on your coding journey!

Back to blog