Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC)® certification

Training
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  • Take our online self-paced instruction course.

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

Starting at $740

Exam
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  • 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 $399

Experienced evaluation and management (E/M) coders are encouraged to sit for the CEMC exam. CEMC certification demonstrates proficiency applying correct ICD-10-CM, CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and modifier assignment when reporting evaluation and management services. The CEMC certification validates command of E/M medical decision making (MDM) and time guidelines, which pertain to multiple specialties.

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 CEMC certification exam will test:

  • Understanding of E/M guidelines for new and established office and outpatient services, as well as other E/M services such as consultations and hospital services

  • Ability to determine E/M level of service based on MDM and time

  • Knowledge of rules and regulations for Medicare billing — including incident to, teaching situations, shared visits, consultations, and global surgery

  • Coding per National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and modifier rules

  • Risk assessment, including (but not limited to) the ability to benchmark and identity problematic situations and missed billing opportunities

  • Medical terminology

  • Anatomy and physiology

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.

Equipment required for exam

Our live remote proctored exam requires a closed room free from distraction with window coverings, a reliable, high-speed internet connection, a computer, and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches).

Exams taken at a testing center do not require any special equipment from the test-taker.

Experience requirements

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

Not ready yet? We recommend taking our CEMC exam preparation course.

Approved coding books

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. 

Maintaining your certification

To maintain your CEMC 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 E/M specific.

Pricing

Your exam purchase includes two exam 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 CEMC Exam

The CEMC 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 CEMC exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.

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