Taking the CEDC exam
Start your CEDC exam with confidence.Know what to expect and avoid on exam day so you can focus on performing your best.
Who should take the CEDC exam?
If you have at least two years of emergency department coding experience and a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, take advantage of the opportunity to showcase your expertise with the CEDC certification. Earning this credential can boost your earning potential and set you apart from uncertified candidates.
To ensure you're prepared to pass the exam the first time, we recommend taking the CEDC Training Course beforehand.
What to expect on exam day
The exam has a total of 100 questions to be answered in four hours. People often wonder if the CEDC exam is hard. We’ll say this: If you have taken the training course, studied, and are familiar with your CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books, the test will be demanding, but not difficult.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect:
Before you begin the test, take a moment and breathe. You have prepared for this. You have your code books by your side and know how to use them. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your ED coding expertise.
You'll have four hours to finish the exam, giving you approximately 2.4 minutes to answer each of the 100 multiple-choice questions. You can save time by reading the answer choices before reading each question and by saving the more difficult questions for last. It’s important to answer every question, even if you aren’t sure. Your best guess is better than no answer at all.
The questions assess several areas of knowledge, most of which are presented as coding scenarios or cases, to test application of CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
Exam format
100 multiple-choice questions
Two ways to take the exam
Choose to take the exam online at home with a live remote proctor, or on a computer at a testing center. Learn more about your exam options and how to prepare.
Time allowed
Exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.
Approved code books
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
HCPCS Level II (current year), any publisher
Current year books are highly recommended as code sets are updated annually. You may choose to utilize books from the preceding year, the current year, or a combination of both; however, only one copy of each book is allowed.
You have the option of using printed books or eBooks while taking your certification exam.
Calculator
An online calculator is provided in the electronic testing platform. Physical calculators are not permitted.
Book notes
Print books allow for handwritten notes are acceptable in the code books only if they pertain to daily coding activities. Long passages of information are not permitted on the blank pages. Questions from the study guides, practice exams, or the exam itself are prohibited. Altering, whiting out, painting, or printing over any pages within the code books (e.g., marketing pages, table of contents, reference pages, etc.) to supplement information is prohibited.
eBooks are provided through the exam platform to ensure a consistent and fair testing environment for all participants. You will have access to a search function to help locate the information you need.
Book tabs
Tabs may be inserted, taped, pasted, glued, or stapled in the code books so long as the obvious intent of the tab is to earmark a page with words or numbers, not supplement information in the book.
NOTE: Electronic devices with an on/off switch (phones, tablets, etc.) are not allowed into the examination room. Failure to comply with this policy may result in disqualification of your exam.
Pricing
Choose to purchase one exam attempt for $325 or two exam attempts for $399.
Ways you can take the exam
Passing grades
An overall score of 70% or higher is required to pass the certification exam. For a passing score of 70%, you must get at least 70 questions correct. If you incorrectly answer more than 30 questions, you will not pass. If you don’t pass, you will be notified of the categories/areas of study with sub-scores of 65% or less to help you prepare for retesting.
All AAPC certification exams exclusively measure proficiencies relating to the one credential named in the exam. To earn additional medical coding credentials, you will be required to pass additional certification exams.
Your results will be shared with you online in your My AAPC Account Dashboard under My Exams. You can expect the results within 7-10 business days after taking the exam. Once you have passed, your certificate will be sent to you in the mail.
Breakdown of the 100-question CEDC exam
Passing the CEDC exam requires you to correctly answer a minimum of 70 questions specifically related to emergency department coding.
CEDC exam
100 multiple choice questions (proctored)
4 hours to finish the exam
Open code book
$399 for 2 exam attempts
Reviewed by an emergency department steering committee:
Katherine Abel, CPC, CPC-I, CPMA
Deborah Wilson, CPC, CEDC
Michael A. Granovsky, MD, CPC, CEDC, FACEP
Mary Ellen Fletcher, CPC, CEDC
Sarah Todt, CPC, CEDC, RN
Nicole Benjamin, CPC, CEDC, CPC-I
Shirley Bass, CPC, CEDC
The exam will measure proficiency in the correct application of specialty-related ICD-10-CM codes, CPT® codes, HCPCS Level II codes, modifiers, and healthcare regulations.
Requirements
Current AAPC membership
Current email and valid address on AAPC account
Valid, unused electronic exam voucher
A valid, government-issued photo ID. First and last name must EXACTLY match your exam confirmation. Temporary, paper, copies, or digital IDs are NOT permitted.
We strongly recommend that you have at least two years of experience in the specialty prior to sitting for the certification exam. Please be aware that these are difficult, high-level examinations not intended for individuals with little, limited, or no coding experience.
Maintaining certification
Maintaining your certification(s) will require current AAPC membership and earning continuing education units (CEUs). For CEU requirements, please see our CEU Information page.