Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC)® certification
Experienced interventional radiology cardiovascular coders are encouraged to sit for the CIRCC exam. CIRCC certification demonstrates proficiency applying correct CPT® and HCPCS Level II codes, as well as modifiers, for interventional radiology cardiovascular services and procedures. Interventional radiology coding and charging error rates are known to be high for this radiology subspecialty. This certification validates an additional level of education, knowledge, and expertise required by the individuals who work in this complex and specialized area.
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 CIRCC certification exam will test:
Diagnostic angiography
Nonvascular interventions (biliary procedures, biopsies, ablations, spine interventions, etc.)
Percutaneous vascular interventions
Diagnostic cardiac catheterization
Basic coronary arterial interventions
Basic coding
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 interventional radiology cardiovascular-related medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, along with understanding of the proper application of CPT® procedure codes and HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes
Approved coding books
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition (current year)
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.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your CIRCC credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership. You must also earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years, 16 of which must be interventional radiology cardiovascular specific.
Pricing
Your exam purchase includes two exam attempts for $450. 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 CIRCC exam
The CIRCC 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, modifiers, and healthcare regulations.
Whether you take the exam online or in-person, you must complete the CIRCC exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.