How to remove your A: From CPC-A to CPC
Build the experience needed to complete your apprenticeship.Apprenticeship status is a temporary step in your coding journey. All new medical coders start with the CPC-A after completing their Certified Professional Coder® exam.
See which apprentice removal option works best for you.
Ways to remove your "A"
Due to the level of expertise required of medical coders, certified coders are expected to be able to perform not only in an exam setting, but also in the real world. To gain experience and remove your A, complete one of the following options:
Option 1
Two years of employment
This option for apprenticeship removal utilizes two years of on-the-job coding experience.
Employment verification from previous employers, current employers, externships, or a combination of all three are accepted. Professional coding experience both before and after certification applies.
Submission requirements:
Employer(s) verification of at least two years of on-the-job experience using the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets
Only employers, supervisors, or an HR department can verify time spent coding within an organization
Letter(s) of verification employers and externships must meet these requirements:
Include coding experience achieved, provided with start and end dates of employment or externship
Submitted on company letterhead
Hand signed, dated, and include current contact information for verification purposes
Provided in a non-editable format (pdf) for member to upload
Optional employment verification template
Option 2
One year of employment + education
This option for apprenticeship removal combines one year of on-the-job experience plus completion of AAPC’s Practicode program (included in most AAPC training packages) or of AAPC’s 80-hour medical coding course (or an equivalent course from an instructor or school).
One-year employment verification
Employment verification from previous employers, current employers, externships, or a combination of all three are accepted. Professional coding experience both before and after certification applies.
Submission requirements:
Employer(s) verification of at least one year of on-the-job experience using the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets
Only employers, supervisors, or an HR department can verify time spent coding within an organization
Letter(s) of verification employers and externships must meet these requirements:
Include coding experience achieved, provided with start and end dates of employment or externship
Submitted on company letterhead
Hand signed, dated, and include current contact information for verification purposes
Provided in a non-editable format (pdf) for member to upload
Optional employment verification template
Practicode completion or 80-hour coding course
Submission requirement for AAPC’s Practicode program, or AAPC’s 80-hour medical coding course:
Submission requirements for AAPC's Practicode program:
A minimum of 600 cases with an overall score of 70% or higher to demonstrate proficiency.
For AAPC students only: Documentation proving completion of AAPC’s Practicode program is not required as the system recognizes member accomplishment.
Exception: If Practicode cases were reset after a non-passing score, the system will not automatically update completion status or generate a new experience letter after you pass. Submit the required documentation above or contact AAPC for assistance.
For students who did not purchase Practicode directly from AAPC: Download the Coder's Performance Profile Report and then upload all verification documents via the Apprentice Removal Application and expect 2-4 weeks for processing.
Submission documentation options for 80-hour coding course:
Instructor letter on school letterhead verifying completion of at least 80 contact hours (not CEUs).
Certificate/diploma stating at least 80 contact hours
Unofficial school transcript showing at least 80 contact hours
Option 3
Practicode + 80-hour coding course
This option for apprenticeship removal combines the completion of AAPC’s Practicode program (included in most AAPC training packages) plus AAPC’s 80-hour medical coding course (or an equivalent course from an instructor or school).
AAPC’s Practicode completion
Submission requirements:
A minimum of 600 cases with an overall score of 70% or higher to demonstrate proficiency.
For AAPC students only: Documentation proving completion of AAPC’s Practicode program is not required as the system recognizes member accomplishment.
Exception: If Practicode cases were reset after a non-passing score, the system will not automatically update completion status or generate a new experience letter after you pass. Submit the required documentation above or contact AAPC for assistance.
For all other students:
Download the Coder's Performance Profile Report and then upload all verification documents via the Apprentice Removal Application and expect 2-4 weeks for processing.
80-hour coding course completion
Submission requirements:
For AAPC Distance Learning students only: Documentation proving completion of AAPC’s 80-hour medical coding course is not required as our system recognizes member accomplishment.
If another course is to be utilized, one of the following must be provided:
Instructor letter on school letterhead verifying completion of at least 80 contact hours.
Certificate/diploma stating at least 80 contact hours (not CEUs)
Unofficial school transcript showing at least 80 contact hours
Option 4
AAPC's Job-Ready Program
AAPC’s Job-Ready Program is the only training that incorporates the removal of the Apprentice (CPC-A) status as part of the curriculum.
All Job-Ready students who complete the course work, pass the exam, and complete the remaining required cases after becoming certified fulfill the requirements needed to become a full CPC.
Apprentice Removal Application
Once all apprentice removal requirements are met, documentation should be submitted through the Apprentice Removal Application:
AAPC also offers an optional employment verification template to help simplify employer documentation and reduce processing delays.
What happens next?
Most applications are processed within 2–4 weeks.
Once approved, your credential updates to CPC within AAPC verification systems. At that point, you should update:
Your resume
LinkedIn profile
Professional signatures and profiles
After the A
Career growth after apprentice removal
Removing the “A” may help expand access to:
Advanced coding positions
Remote opportunities
Career advancement within healthcare organizations
You’ll still maintain your credential through CEUs and ongoing professional education.
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
Frequently asked questions
The timeline varies depending on your chosen pathway, work opportunities, and education completed. Some coders complete requirements within months, while others may take longer depending on their career path.