Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)® certification
The Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) credential is the only certification exclusively specialized in hospital and facility inpatient coding. This certification validates mastery in abstracting information from the medical record for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding. It also represents expert knowledge of Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRGs) and the Inpatient Prospective Payment System (IPPS). Inpatient coding differs from physician-based coding in that it focuses on services provided by the facility, rather than on services provided by the physician.
Passing the CIC exam qualifies you to work in the rapidly changing medical coding and billing environment of hospital inpatient facilities. CIC-certified professionals typically work in hospitals (acute care facilities), skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), critical access hospitals (CAHs), teaching hospitals, inpatient rehab facilities (IRF), and long-term care hospitals (LTCHs).
Exam format
40 multiple-choice questions and seven inpatient cases with fill-in-the-blank questions (proctored). Open code books (manuals).
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
The CIC examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of ICD-10-PCS procedure codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing inpatient facility/hospital services to insurance companies.
Not ready yet? We recommend taking our CIC preparation course.
Approved code books
Current year ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, publisher of your choosing.
Any officially published errata for the above code books may also be referenced during the CIC exam. No other code books or references are allowed.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
Pricing
One attempt for $399 or $499 for two attempts. 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
CIC certification competencies include
Expertise in medical record review to abstract information required to support accurate inpatient coding.
Understand reporting requirements under UHDDS.
Ability to identify documentation deficiencies and properly query providers for proper code capture.
Expertise in assigning accurate ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS medical codes for diagnoses and procedures performed in the inpatient setting. The CIC exam includes ten acute care inpatient cases in fill-in-the-blank format. Examinees must demonstrate coding ability without multiple choice options.
Identify condition POA and use of indicators.
Superior knowledge of current rules, regulations, and issues regarding medical coding, compliance and reimbursement under MS-DRG and IPPS systems.
Understand different types of DRGs (eg, APR-DRG).
Determine proper MS-DRG assignment.
Understand impact of readmissions within a 30 day period. Ӏ Understand the 72 hour rule and how services occurring prior to admission are reported. Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
About the CIC exam
The CIC examination consists of questions regarding the correct application of ICD-10-PCS procedure codes and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes used for coding and billing inpatient facility/hospital services to insurance companies.