AAPC - Advancing the Business of Healthcare

Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC) certification

Training
Need exam prep training?
  • Take our online self-paced instruction course.

  • Everything you need to prepare and take the CASCC exam.

Starting at $660

Exam
Want to schedule exam?
  • 80% of AAPC students pass on the first attempt.

  • Students who train with AAPC are three times more likely to pass the certification exam.

Starting at $399

Experienced ambulatory surgery center coders are encouraged to sit for the CASCC exam. CASCC certification demonstrates proficiency navigating operative reports and applying ASC rules for reimbursement, such as multiple, device-intensive, and discontinued procedures.

An additional certification like this is a smart career move. Year after year, our salary surveys show that the more credentials you have, the higher your salary potential.

The CASCC certification exam will test:

  • Ability to read and dissect operative notes to apply correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II and modifier coding assignment

  • Knowledge of types of surgery performed in the ASC healthcare setting

  • Coding of ancillary procedure codes, as well as drugs and biologicals

  • Rules for reimbursement of services provided at ASCs (multiple, device-intensive, and/or discontinued procedures)

  • Regulatory rules established under federal and/or state standard committees

  • Medical terminology

  • Anatomy and physiology

Exam format

100 multiple-choice questions

Online or in-person options

AAPC offers online and in-person proctored exams. Choose to take the exam at home in a quiet, private location or through your local chapter or a licensed instructor. Learn more about the online proctored exam and how to prepare for the current exam.

Time allowed

In-person and online exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.

Equipment required for online exam

A reliable internet connection and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches) are required.

Experience requirements

A high-level knowledge of ambulatory surgery center-related medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, along with understanding of the proper application of CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.

Not ready yet? We recommend taking our CASCC preparation course

Approved coding books

If taking the exam in person, you may also bring one additional reference of your choice (including medical dictionary).

Maintaining your certification

To maintain your CASCC credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership. You must also earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, 8 of which must be ASC specific. 

Pricing

One exam attempt for $299 or two attempts for $399. Of note:   

  • 80% of AAPC students pass on the first attempt. 

  • Students who train with AAPC are three times more likely to pass the certification exam. 

What students are saying

  • Michelle Edel testimonial

    Testimonial

    I was a retail manager for 20 years. I took my test in September and got a job offer in October.

    Michelle Edel

  • Nilayana Sterling testimonial

    Testimonial

    As a stay at home mom and homeschooling two kids, it was a challenge; but if I can do, so can you all.

    Nilayana Sterling

  • Stacey White testimonial

    Testimonial

    If you plan to take an AAPC exam, take the AAPC course.

    Stacey White

  • Lamontica Alexander

    Testimonial

    It hasn't even been a year since I passed my exam and I've had 3 remote job offers, with no experience.

    Lamontica Alexander

About the CASCC exam

The CASCC exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions (proctored). The exam consists of questions regarding the correct application of specialty-specific CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II supply codes, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, modifiers, and ASC regulations.

Whether you take the exam online or in-person, you must complete the CASCC exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

Need help preparing for an exam?