THE CPC EXAM
CPC exam: format, content, and preparation
Learn the structure of the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) examination, the knowledge areas it assesses, the materials allowed, and what is worth mastering before sitting for the exam administered by AAPC.
Next group: October 14, 2026. Enrollment is reserved before October 10.
Explore CPC preparationWhat the CPC credential is
CPC stands for Certified Professional Coder and is a professional credential administered by AAPC.
AAPC develops and administers the CPC exam and is the organization responsible for awarding the credential to candidates who meet its requirements.
Codingforhealth provides academic preparation for this exam. The CPC credential is not issued by Codingforhealth; it is obtained exclusively through the certification process established by AAPC.
Exam structure
The CPC exam assesses a candidate’s ability to interpret medical documentation and correctly apply the corresponding coding rules, conventions, and systems.
Sitting for the exam requires combining technical knowledge, analysis, and efficient handling of the code books within the time available.
- 100 questions
- Multiple-choice questions.
- 4 hours
- Total time allotted to complete the exam.
- 70%
- Minimum score required to pass.
- Open book
- You use the reference materials authorized by AAPC.
- Language: English
- The questions and the coding materials are worked in English.
- Proctored
- AAPC offers the exam formats available under its current policies.
Official source: AAPC. Exam policies and requirements may be updated; always check the current information published by AAPC before registering.
Knowledge areas assessed
The CPC tests professional coding knowledge across multiple anatomical systems and service categories.
The assessment integrates CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II with fundamentals of anatomy, medical terminology, guidelines, and coding principles.
CPT® and anatomical systems
- Integumentary system
- Musculoskeletal system
- Respiratory system
- Cardiovascular system
- Digestive system
- Urinary system
- Reproductive system
- Endocrine system
- Nervous system
- Eyes and ears
Services and procedures
- Anesthesia
- Radiology
- Pathology and laboratory
- Medicine
- Evaluation and Management (E/M)
Diagnosis, HCPCS, and fundamentals
- ICD-10-CM
- Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines
- HCPCS Level II
- Modifiers
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy
- Compliance and coding principles
Questions may require integrating several areas of knowledge in a single scenario. For that reason, preparation has to go beyond recognizing individual codes and build the ability to interpret documentation and apply the corresponding instructions.
Reference materials allowed
The CPC is an open-book exam. AAPC allows the use of certain code books during the assessment.
- CPT® Professional Edition
- American Medical Association.
- ICD-10-CM
- Edition allowed under AAPC’s current policies.
- HCPCS Level II
- Edition allowed under AAPC’s current policies.
AAPC bases its exams on the current calendar year’s code sets and recommends using the current editions. Under its current rules, the immediately preceding calendar year may also be allowed.
AAPC allows certain annotations, underlining, highlighting, and tabs within the authorized materials, subject to its exam policies.
The complete, current list of allowed materials is published in AAPC’s official documentation. Check it before scheduling the exam.
Source: AAPC — official CPC exam information.
Requirements to register for the exam
Before sitting for an AAPC certification, candidates must meet the registration requirements set by the organization. These currently include:
- A current AAPC membership.
- A valid, unused exam voucher.
- Current contact information on your AAPC account.
- Valid government-issued identification matching your registration information.
- Meeting AAPC’s exam scheduling requirements and procedures.
Requirements, costs, and date availability are administered directly by AAPC and may change. Codingforhealth recommends confirming this information with AAPC before scheduling the exam.
What our CPC preparation includes
The Codingforhealth CPC Exam Preparation Program brings together the main resources needed to move from the fundamentals to practice aimed at the exam format.
In the Advanced Instructor format, the preparation includes:
- Live classes taught in Spanish.
- Structured instruction in CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II.
- Anatomy and medical terminology built into the curriculum.
- Code books included according to the package selected.
- AAPC membership included.
- CPC exam included under the package’s current terms.
- Practice exams.
- Exercises in interpreting documentation and selecting codes.
- Practice on simulated clinical documentation inside PractiEHR.
Recommended preparation before sitting for the CPC
Before scheduling the exam, candidates should be able to work confidently with all three code sets and complete questions under time conditions similar to the assessment.
- Having completed the academic preparation content.
- Working fluently with CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II.
- Understanding the main coding guidelines and conventions.
- Having practiced with multiple-choice questions and integrated cases.
- Completing at least one timed practice exam.
- Preparing the allowed books under AAPC’s current rules.
- Confirming membership, voucher, identification, and exam format.
How the preparation works at Codingforhealth
Preparing for the CPC requires understanding the coding systems, interpreting documentation, and constant practice applying guidelines and conventions.
Codingforhealth organizes that process through a progressive sequence of fundamentals, anatomical systems, procedures, diagnosis, HCPCS Level II, and integrated exercises.
Classes are taught in Spanish, while the terminology, the code sets, and the exercises keep the English used in the materials and on the CPC exam.
Practice is rounded out with assessments, timed exercises, and simulated clinical scenarios aimed at building accuracy and efficiency while working through questions.
CPC Exam Preparation Program
Structured preparation taught in Spanish for the CPC exam administered by AAPC, with live classes, code books, applied practice, and assessment resources.
Frequently asked questions
What language is the CPC exam given in?
The CPC exam is administered in English. For that reason, although Codingforhealth’s instruction is delivered in Spanish, the medical terminology, the code sets, and the exercises use the vocabulary found on the exam.
Can code books be used during the exam?
Yes. The CPC is an open-book exam and allows the use of the materials authorized by AAPC. Candidates should review the current rules on allowed books and editions before their exam date.
Are annotations allowed in the books?
AAPC allows certain annotations, underlining, highlighting, and tabs in the authorized materials, within the limits set out in its exam policies. Reviewing the official rules before sitting for the exam is recommended.
Can the CPC exam be taken online or in person?
AAPC offers proctored formats for its exams. Availability and applicable conditions should be confirmed directly during AAPC’s scheduling process.
What happens if a candidate needs to retake the exam?
Policies on additional attempts and retakes are administered by AAPC. In all three formats of the Codingforhealth program, the exam is included with two attempts under the package’s current terms.
Is AAPC membership required?
Yes. AAPC requires a current membership as part of the requirements to register for its certification examinations. All three formats of the Codingforhealth program include one year of AAPC membership.
Prepare for the CPC exam with a defined structure
See the preparation formats, the resources included, and the dates available for the next group.