Apprenticeship status: Starting as a CPC-A
Welcome to the certified medical coders club!If you recently passed your Certified Professional Coder® exam and are new to the field, your credential includes apprenticeship status. We're here to walk you through what the “A” means, how employers view it, and what comes next.
Starting as an apprentice
What is apprenticeship status?
Apprenticeship status is a temporary designation added to the CPC® certification for coders who are just starting out in their careers.
If you pass your CPC exam without two years of coding experience, you'll have an "A" attached at the end of your credential (CPC-A) — which stands for apprentice.
This lets employers know you've successfully passed your certification exam, but are still working on gaining on-the-job experience.
Apprenticeship status is extremely common for new coders entering the industry and is designed to bridge the gap between education and real-world application. Overall, the goal is to support new coders as they transition into the workforce.
Difference between a CPC-A and a CPC
Because coding affects both patient records and healthcare revenue, employers value practical experience in addition to certification.
An apprentice coder (CPC-A):
Has passed the certification exam
Understands coding fundamentals
Demonstrates coding competency
Is qualified for entry-level coding opportunities
A fully experienced coder (CPC) has additionally:
Applied coding skills in real-world settings
Worked with provider documentation
Navigated payer requirements and compliance expectations
Developed coding speed, accuracy, and workflow efficiency
Apprenticeship status simply identifies where you are in that professional journey.
CPC-A | CPC |
Apprentice designation included | Apprentice designation removed |
Building professional experience | Completed experience requirements |
Eligible for entry-level coding opportunities | Eligible for broader coding opportunities |
Demonstrates foundational coding knowledge | Demonstrates certification plus experience |
Temporary status | Full professional credential |
Getting hired
Can I still get a job as a CPC-A?
Yes — all new medical coders starting with the CPC begin their careers with an "A" at the end of their credential.
Most employers are familiar with apprentice credentials and regularly hire certified entry-level coders for trainee, support, billing, revenue cycle, and physician office roles.
Employers value certified apprentice coders because they can train them according to their internal workflows and specialty needs.
Employers often look beyond experience alone
While experience is important, employers also evaluate:
Work ethic
Accuracy
Communication skills
Attention to detail
Willingness to learn
Professionalism
Adaptability
Many healthcare organizations value candidates who are motivated, trainable, and eager to grow within the industry.
What jobs can I apply for?
CPC-As may qualify for positions such as:
Entry-level medical coder
Coding trainee
Physician office coder
Billing and coding specialist
Revenue cycle specialist
Coding support specialist
Insurance claims specialist
Medical records specialist
Prior authorization specialist
Coding assistant
Hear from coders with a CPC-A
I passed my test the first time and was hired within a month with my CPC-A.
Cheryl Tribley
Trust me when I say, coders are in demand. Many companies hire CPC-A you just have to find the right fit for you!
Heather Bonaminio
I was hired shortly after I got my CPC-A, before I finished my associates degree.
Emily Smith
Why employers value apprentices
The “A” shows employers you’re not skipping a crucial step
Healthcare employers want coders who understand both coding guidelines and real-world application. Apprenticeship status demonstrates that you took the initiative to become certified, understand the importance of experience, are committed to learning professional coding standards, and are building a strong foundation for long-term success.
It's important to remember that employers often prefer candidates who are willing to learn and grow professionally rather than applicants who overstate their experience.
Certification demonstrates commitment to the profession
Earning a CPC-A requires significant effort, discipline, and technical knowledge.
Your certification shows employers that you invested in professional education, passed a rigorous industry exam, understand coding guidelines and compliance concepts, and are serious about building a career in healthcare. For many employers, certification alone helps candidates stand out from non-certified applicants.
Gaining experience
How do you remove your "A"?
Apprenticeship status can be removed by completing approved combinations of coding experience, education, and training.
Once all requirements are completed and verified, your A is removed and your credential is updated to full CPC.
Common misconceptions about apprenticeship status
Is the CPC-A worth it?
Yes! Most medical coders begin with the CPC certification, requiring that they also start out as a CPC-A. This certification validates your coding knowledge, helps you stand out from non-certified applicants, opens entry-level opportunities, and sets you up for many career advancement options down the road.
Will anyone hire me?
Yes. Employers regularly hire apprentice coders, especially for entry-level and support positions. Many organizations prefer candidates who are certified and willing to learn rather than applicants with no certification at all.
Am I behind everyone else?
No. Apprenticeship status is extremely common for new coders. Every experienced coder started out new at one point.
Am I qualified enough?
If you passed your certification exam, you demonstrated professional coding knowledge and competency. Like any healthcare profession, confidence grows with practice and experience over time.
Frequently asked questions
CPC-A stands for Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice.