Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM)® certification
Managing a physician's office requires a wide range of skills. The responsibilities are broad and require detailed management of multiple processes, including the revenue cycle, compliance regulations, human resources, health information, and general business processes. Practice management can be a challenging yet rewarding profession.
The Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM) credential is a logical next step for individuals with a lot of experience in many areas of healthcare and who are ready to advance their careers into a physician practice management position. Experienced practice managers will benefit from the broadened skillset and validation of their knowledge and expertise in this profession.
Exam format
135 multiple-choice questions
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
A high-level understanding of the various types of insurance plans; healthcare business processes, workflow, and reform; fraud, abuse, and corporate compliance; quality initiatives and healthcare; medical office accounting, physician reimbursement, and revenue cycle management; human resource management; marketing and business relationships; HIPAA and data security; and health information technology, electronic health records, and health information exchange.
Please be aware that this is a difficult, high-level examination and not intended for individuals with limited practice management background.
Not ready yet? We recommend taking our CPPM online course
If you don’t have physician practice management experience or working knowledge of these subjects, we offer recommended prerequisite courses to prepare you for the CPPM online training course. Learn more.
Approved code books
When taking the CPPM exam online, no references are allowed.
When taking the CPPM exam in person, AAPC reference guides can be used.
Note: Books/references allowed for the electronic exams may differ slightly from in-person exams because some references are built into the test. You will have access to the same information regardless of test administration method.
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
About the CPPM exam
The CPPM exam contains 135 multiple-choice questions (proctored). Your chances of passing the CPPM exam are highest when you've chosen to do your training through AAPC.
135 multiple choice questions (proctored)
4 hours to finish the exam
Whether you take the exam online or in-person, you must answer 70% of the questions correctly to pass.