Certified Professional Coder (CPC®)

What is a Certified Professional Coder?

The CPC credential validates a professional’s comprehensive knowledge of medical coding across outpatient and physician services. Earning the CPC demonstrates proficiency in applying ICD-10-CM, CPT^®, and HCPCS Level II codes, as well as expertise in compliance, payer rules, and reimbursement processes.

As the most respected medical coding certification in the healthcare industry, the CPC sets the standard for coding excellence. It is also the best place to start your coding career because it builds the foundation you’ll need for any coding path you choose. With the CPC, you gain core coding skills that can be expanded into inpatient coding, risk adjustment, compliance, auditing, and a variety of specialty certifications — making it the most versatile and valuable credential to launch your future.

Why earn the CPC certification?

• Gain the most recognized medical coding credential in healthcare

• Validate your ability to code outpatient services, procedures, and diagnoses with accuracy and compliance

• Build a solid foundation in medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines that apply across specialties

• Increase your earning potential and broaden your career opportunities in coding, auditing, compliance, and revenue cycle management

• Start with the credential that creates a stepping stone to advanced and specialty certifications, giving you the flexibility to grow your career in multiple directions

What does the CPC cover?

The CPC credential proves you are skilled in:

Core coding knowledge

• Applying ICD-10-CM codes for diagnoses across all body systems

• Assigning CPT^® and HCPCS Level II codes for medical procedures, services, and supplies

• Understanding coding guidelines, conventions, and sequencing rules

Outpatient and physician services

• Coding for evaluation and management (E/M) services, including new and established patient visits

• Procedures and services performed in physician practices, outpatient clinics, and same-day surgical centers

• Linking diagnoses to procedures to establish medical necessity

Compliance and payer requirements

• Understanding Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer guidelines

• Applying correct use of modifiers to support accurate reimbursement

• Knowledge of fraud, abuse, and compliance standards

Expand your opportunities with the CPC certification.

Becoming a CPC-certified professional demonstrates your readiness to succeed in the most in-demand area of healthcare administration. This credential proves your ability to apply coding guidelines across a wide range of services and specialties, ensuring accurate reimbursement and compliance.

The CPC also serves as the launching point for a long-term career path — providing the base knowledge you’ll use to pursue advanced coding certifications, auditing, compliance, or specialty expertise. Whether you’re entering the field, validating your experience, or preparing to expand your career options, the CPC is your pathway to recognition, professional growth, and higher earning potential.