CPC exam FAQs

If you’ve scheduled your CPC certification exam or are considering setting a date, you probably have loads of questions.

We lay out answers to the most common questions in the sections below:

• CPC exam overview

• Taking the CPC exam at a testing center

• Taking the CPC exam at home

CPC exam overview

How long does the CPC exam take?

You'll have 4 hours to complete the CPC exam. You can work at your own pace within that time limit and finish early if you're ready. Learn more about taking the CPC exam.

What type of questions will be on the CPC exam?

The CPC examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and tests your knowledge of a broad range of coding-related topics.

Questions based on the CPT^® code book include:

• 10,000 Series CPT^®: Surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system (6 questions)

• 20,000 Series CPT^®: Surgical procedures performed on the musculoskeletal system (6 questions)

• 30,000 Series CPT^®: Surgical procedures performed on the respiratory system, cardiovascular system, hemic and lymphatic systems, and the mediastinum and diaphragm (6 questions)

• 40,000 Series CPT^®: Surgical procedures performed on the digestive system (6 questions)

• 50,000 Series CPT^®: Surgical procedures performed on the urinary system, male and female reproductive systems (including maternity and delivery), and endocrine system (6 questions)

• 60,000 Series CPT^®: Surgical procedures performed on the nervous system (6 questions)

• E/M services (6 questions)

• Anesthesia, including time reporting and qualifying circumstances (4 questions)

• Radiology (6 questions)

• Laboratory and pathology (6 questions)

• Medicine (6 questions)

The exam also covers relevant coding topics beyond the CPT^® code book, including:

• Medical terminology (4 questions)

• Anatomy (4 questions)

• ICD-10-CM code application, and the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting (5 questions)

• HCPCS Level II, including modifiers (3 questions)

• Coding guidelines, including modifier use (7 questions)

• Compliance and regulatory — Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D; place of service (POS) codes; National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits; HIPAA, and other regulations (3 questions).

The CPC exam will test your ability to pull everything together in medical cases requiring you to accurately code from clinical record documentation:

• Ten cases with multiple choice answers involving CPT^®, ICD-10-CM, and/or HCPCS Level II will cover 10000 series, 20000 series, 30000 series, 40000 series, 50000 series, 60000 series, medicine, anesthesia, radiology, pathology and laboratory, and evaluation and management services. Medical terminology, anatomy, compliance, and regulatory information may also be tested in the cases.

For more details, see the full breakdown of what's covered on the CPC exam.

What code books do I need for my CPC certification exam?

You may use three approved coding manuals during your CPC exam:

• AMA CPT^® Professional Edition (current year)

• ICD-10-CM code book (current year), any publisher

• HCPCS Level II code book (current year), any publisher

Your CPT^® manual must be the AMA Professional Edition, but you can choose the publisher for the other two. Review the approved code books for AAPC exams before purchasing or bringing your materials.

What is allowed in our books?

You can highlight, underline, and make brief handwritten notes in your coding manuals, as long as the notes relate to everyday coding activities. Tabs are also allowed to help you locate information quickly. However, you cannot add supplemental reference pages, copy exam or practice questions into your books, or alter pages to include additional information.

What year's code books should I use during my certification exam?

Because certification exams are based on the current calendar year's code sets, it’s essential for coders to reference the current year’s code books to ensure optimal performance. You may use the preceding calendar year’s books during your certification exam, but doing so would put you at a disadvantage.

What score is required to pass the CPC exam?

You need a minimum score of 70% to pass the CPC exam. Since the exam has 100 questions, that means answering at least 70 correctly. If you're preparing to test, AAPC's CPC exam preparation course can help you review the concepts and coding skills covered on the exam.

When should I expect to view my results?

CPC exam results are generally available within 7–10 business days after you complete your exam. You can check your results by signing in to your My AAPC account. Processing may take longer during periods of high exam volume.

In the month of January there may be a longer wait time due to reviews of new content. June, November, and December may be a longer wait time due to high volume of exams being taken.

How many times can I take the exam with each payment?

Your number of attempts depends on the exam voucher you purchase. A single-attempt voucher includes one exam attempt, while a two-attempt bundle includes two. Also, some education packages, like the Job-Ready Program may include unlimited CPC exam attempts (please see the Unlimited Exam Attempts terms and conditions).

Review your purchase details to confirm how many attempts you have available.

Is the CPC exam open book?

Yes, the CPC exam is open book. During your exam, you may reference the AMA's CPT^® Professional Edition, as well as your choice of ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II code books.

Your proctor will check your materials before testing begins to make sure they meet AAPC's requirements. It is highly recommended that you use the current year's books. Be sure to review the approved code book guidelines in advance.

How will I schedule my exam?

After purchasing your CPC exam voucher, you will need to redeem your voucher, make your book selection, click save, and then within one hour, you'll receive instructions for scheduling your exam through AAPC's testing partner, Meazure Learning. Follow those instructions to select an available date and time. If you'll be going to a testing center, you'll also need to select a location. 

What is the CPC exam cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Live remote proctored exams

You can cancel or reschedule your Live Remote Proctored CPC exam without a fee if you make the change more than 48 hours before your scheduled appointment.

Testing center exams

You can cancel or reschedule your testing center CPC exam without a fee if you make the change more than 10 days before your scheduled appointment. Changes made 9 days up to 48 hours prior to your exam, a $25 fee applies.  

Changes less than 48 hours

Changes less than 48 hours prior to your exam is unavailable. If you do not show for your exam, you will be considered a “no-show” and your attempt will be forfeited. Review AAPC's exam cancellation and rescheduling policy before making changes.

Is the CPC exam still taken in two sittings?

No. The CPC exam is completed in one sitting. You'll have 4 hours to complete all 100 multiple-choice questions.

Can I skip questions and come back to them?

Yes. You can skip questions, flag questions for review, and return to earlier questions while your exam is still in progress. This allows you to focus on questions you know first and revisit more challenging ones if time allows. Once you submit your exam, you cannot return to it or change your answers.

Will Areas of Study be available when I get my exam results?

Yes. Your Areas of Study information is available in the exam details section of your My AAPC account. This breakdown helps you see how you performed across different coding topics so you can identify areas to strengthen.

Will ADA accommodations be made for this CPC exam?

Yes. AAPC offers testing accommodations for candidates with qualifying disabilities. If you need accommodations, submit your request and obtain approval before purchasing or scheduling your exam. This helps ensure the appropriate arrangements are in place for your testing session.

Taking the CPC exam at a testing center

Can I bring my cell phone to the exam?

Cell phones, smartwatches, fitness trackers, tablets, and other personal electronic devices are not allowed in the examination room. To avoid issues during check-in, leave these items in a secure location outside the testing area. Review what to expect on exam day before your appointment.

Can I ask the proctor to explain a question if I don’t understand it?

No. Proctors cannot explain, interpret, or help you answer exam questions. You'll need to use your coding knowledge and approved reference materials to select the best answer. If you're unsure, move on to another question and return to it if your exam format allows.

How early should I arrive at the exam location?

Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled CPC exam. This gives you time to check in and complete any required verification before testing begins. Late arrivals may not be admitted, so allow extra time for travel and parking.

Can I take the CPC exam remotely?

Yes. You can take the CPC exam remotely from home with live remote proctoring, or choose an available in-person testing option. Both formats assess the same coding knowledge and skills, but the testing environment and technical requirements differ. Compare your options to choose the best exam format for you.

Taking the CPC exam at home

Does the Live Remote Proctored (LRP) CPC exam have special requirements?

Yes. To take the CPC exam remotely, you'll need a computer that meets the testing platform's system requirements, a reliable internet connection, and an approved external webcam setup (built-in computer webcams are not permitted). You'll also need a quiet, private space where you can take the exam without interruptions. Complete the required equipment check ahead of time to avoid technical problems on exam day.

Review what to expect when testing at home.

What can I have in the room with me during the exam?

You may have your approved coding manuals and a drink at your testing desk. Your workspace must be free of unauthorized materials, including notes, additional books, and written information on whiteboards or calendars. Personal electronic devices must be kept out of reach. See the complete at-home exam day requirements to know how to set up your exam space.

Note: Your proctor will review your testing area before the exam begins.

How will the electronic test be administered?

The CPC exam is taken on a computer under live remote supervision. Before testing begins, you'll complete an identity check and have your equipment, coding manuals, and testing space reviewed by a proctor. Once approved, you'll begin your exam and remain monitored throughout your session.

How do you prevent people from cheating (using Google, cell phone, etc.)?

Remote CPC exams are monitored by proctors to protect exam security and fairness. Your identity, approved reference materials, and testing environment are checked before the exam, and your session is monitored while you test.

Accessing unauthorized websites, using prohibited devices, or receiving outside assistance can result in disqualification and disciplinary action.

Can I see my scheduled electronic exam and exam results in the My AAPC app?

Yes. You can track your scheduled exam and view your results through My AAPC. The exam tracker also provides updates as your exam moves through the grading process.

What is the no-show policy for remote exams?

If you miss your scheduled CPC exam or do not meet the requirements to begin testing, you may lose your exam attempt and need to purchase another voucher. To avoid this, complete your system check ahead of time, and make sure your external webcam is connected and working properly with a cord long enough for proctor monitoring—so you're prepared to begin testing at your scheduled appointment.