certified professional coder (CPC)
Earn one of the most respected, in-demand medical coding certifications in the healthcare industry.Certified Professional Coders ensure accurate, compliant coding. Their expertise is crucial for proper billing and revenue cycle management, which minimizes errors and streamlines operations.
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What is the CPC?
Earning the CPC credential is critical for starting a medical coding career. The credential shows you went through rigorous training and testing to learn everything needed to be successful in a medical coding role — such as coding for diagnoses, surgeries, services, office visits, medical equipment, and more.
CPCs are highly sought after by employers looking for medical coders. This is reflected in the high volume of job listings requiring candidates with the CPC, rather than alternative certifications offered through other institutions.
Why? AAPC is widely recognized as a trusted industry leader in certifications, training, and resources. Our education is respected by employers worldwide, as our graduates continue to stand out as some of the best in the field.
Where can the CPC credential take you?
The CPC opens doors to entry-level positions in hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and other types of medical facilities.
It also provides a strong foundation for branching into specialized areas of medical coding or advancing into higher-level positions in revenue cycle management.
Most medical records specialists begin their careers with the CPC because of the wide range of career opportunities it opens doors to.
Demonstrate your proficiency.
Earning the CPC credential shows you are trained to:
Abstract information from medical records to ensure accurate coding
Identify and address documentation deficiencies by querying providers for correct code capture
Assign accurate CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes for diagnoses and procedures
Apply knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology to code professional services and diagnoses accurately
Handle a wide range of services, including evaluation and management, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, pathology, and medicine
Navigate coding guidelines and regulations to address issues like medical necessity, claims denials, bundling, and charge capture
Integrate changes in coding and payment policy into reimbursement processes effectively
Opportunities for advancement and specialization
Inpatient coder
Outpatient coder
Specialty coder
Revenue cycle manager
Medical auditor
Practice manager
Healthcare compliance officer
Clinical documentation specialist
Set yourself up for success with the CPC credential.
Earning the CPC is a great starting point whether you’re brand new to the field or already have some medical coding experience under your belt. The good news is, you don’t need a degree or a background in healthcare to begin. The CPC will be your ticket into the field — or the conversation starter for a salary negotiation.
How to get certified with little to no experience
Choose your certification path — CPC or CPC + CPB.
Enroll in one of the following courses:
Medical Coding Exam Prep (self-paced)
Medical Coding Exam Prep (virtual instructor-led)
Train online for 28-44 weeks (depending on the course you choose)
Take your practice exams until you achieve a passing score
Schedule your certification exam
Pass with a score of 70% or higher to get certified
How to get certified with 1+ years of experience
Choose your certification path — CPC or CPC + CPB.
Enroll in our 3-Day Medical Coding Refresher course
Train online for 3 days
Take practice exams until you achieve a passing score
Schedule your certification exam
Pass with a score of 70% or higher to get certified