Certified Outpatient Coder (COC^™) Training

By purchasing any online course and other items, I certify that I have read and agree to the online course Terms and Conditions, the Course Requirements, and the Refund Policy.

This 80 clock hour course must be completed within 4 months, however AAPC allows for an additional 2 months grace period, giving you a full 6 months access from date of purchase. Additional time extensions may be purchased for a monthly fee. Date of purchase is considered your course start date, additional is also given for processing of your order. After your order is processed you will receive further email instruction on course access.

The COC^™ exam voucher is valid for 12 months from date of purchase. Membership is required to take any AAPC examination.

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. In addition to passing the certification exam, coders will also be required to demonstrate on-the-job coding experience. Those who pass the CPC or COC exams but have not yet met this requirement will be designated as an Apprentice (CPC-A or COC-A) on their certificate.

CPC-A or COC-A Status:

Members with an Apprentice designation are still required to submit annual CEUs while completing the coding job requirement.

Requirements for Removal of Apprentice Designation:

To remove your apprentice designation via on-the-job experience, you must obtain and submit two letters of recommendation verifying at least two years of on-the-job experience (externships accepted) using the CPT^®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets. One letter must be on letterhead from your employer*, the other may be from a co-worker. Experience includes time coding for a previous employer and prior to certification. Both letters are required to be signed and will need to outline your coding experience and amount of time in that capacity. Download our Apprentice Removal Template for easier submission. Letterhead and signatures are still required when using this template.

OR

Submit proof showing completion of at least 80 contact hours of a coding preparation course (not CEUs) AND one letter, on letterhead, signed from your employer verifying one year of on-the-job experience (externships accepted) using the CPT^®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets.

Send proof of education in the form of a letter from an instructor on school letterhead stating you have completed 80 or more contact hours, a certificate/diploma stating at least 80 contact hours, or an unofficial school transcript.

Proof of education or experience isn’t necessary to sit for the exam. It should only be submitted (via fax or as a scanned attachment to an email) once ALL apprentice removal requirements have been met.

Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing.

* Employers can only verify time spent coding with their organization. Proof of experience letters may be from previous employers, current employers, or a combination of both.

AAPC
2233 S Presidents Dr., Suite F
Salt Lake City, UT 84120

Phone: 800-626-2633
Fax: 801-236-2258
Email: apprenticeremovals@aapc.com