Certified Cardiology Coder (CCC)™ certification
Experienced cardiology coders are encouraged to sit for the CCC exam. CCC certification demonstrates proficiency applying correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II codes, as well as modifiers, for cardiology services and procedures. This certification recognizes demonstrated skill reporting surgical procedures performed by cardiologists, such as heart catheterization, coronary interventions, pacemaker insertions, peripheral vascular procedures, etc.
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 CCC certification exam will test:
Ability to read and abstract physician office notes and operative notes to apply correct ICD-10-CM codes, CPT® codes, HCPCS Level II codes, and modifiers
Understanding of evaluation and management (E/M) guidelines for new and established office and outpatient services, as well as other E/M services such as consultations and hospital services
Knowledge of rules and regulations for Medicare billing — including incident to, teaching situations, and shared visits
Coding of ancillary and surgical procedures performed by cardiologists such as heart catheterization, coronary interventions, pacemakers, peripheral vascular procedures, etc.
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
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).
Experience requirements
A high-level knowledge of cardiology-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 CCC exam preparation course.
Approved code books
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
HCPCS Level II (current year), any publisher
Anatomical charts or pictures of the vascular tree
If taking the exam in person, you may also bring E/M audit worksheets of your choice.
Maintaining your certifcation
To maintain your CCC 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 cardiology 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
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
Testimonial
It's worth it I swear. Invest into it and it will reward you!
Joe Delgado
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
I took the online AAPC course. It was full of useful information and I passed my test the first time.
Danielle Ledford
About the CCC exam
The CCC 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 healthcare regulations.
Whether you take the exam online or in person, you must complete the CCC exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.