Certified Ambulatory Surgery Center Coder (CASCC)™ certification
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
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
HCPCS Level II (current year), any publisher
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
Testimonial
I was a retail manager for 20 years. I took my test in September and got a job offer in October.
Michelle Edel
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
Testimonial
If you plan to take an AAPC exam, take the AAPC course.
Stacey White
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.