Complete your CPC^® and CPB^® apprenticeship

When you pass the CPC or COC exam, you receive your CPC-A or COC-A credential, which signifies apprenticeship standing. You remain an apprentice until you fulfill a 2-year experience requirement, at which time you will submit proof of meeting the requirement, and your A will be removed.

Experience requirements

Due to the level of expertise required of medical coders, AAPC expects certified coders to be able to perform not only in an exam setting, but also in the real world. To graduate as a CPC or COC and remove your A, a combination of the following experience and education must be submitted as proof of completing the equivalency of 2-years experience:

• Verifiable work experience coding

• Completion of AAPC's Practicode program

• Completion of AAPC’s 80-hour medical coding course or an equivalent course from an instructor or school.

Apprentice Removal Application

Proof of education or experience should be submitted to via the Apprentice Removal Application once ALL apprentice removal requirements have been met. Processing takes between 2-4 weeks. Use our optional employment verification template for easier submission and faster processing.