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 coding work experience
Completion of AAPC's Practicode program
Completion of AAPC’s 80-hour medical coding course or an equivalent course from an instructor or school.
Hear from coders with a CPC-A
I passed my test the first time and was hired within a month with my CPC-A.
Cheryl Tribley
Trust me when I say, coders are in demand. Many companies hire CPC-A you just have to find the right fit for you!
Heather Bonaminio
I was hired shortly after I got my CPC-A, before I finished my associates degree.
Emily Smith
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.