Updated October 2026: AAPC certification exams are available two ways today: online with a live remote proctor, or in person at an approved testing location. In 2022, AAPC announced a move to remote proctoring and a phase out of in person testing. However, in person testing is still offered, so you can choose the format that suits you. For more detail, read Taking the AAPC Medical Coding CPC Exam Online vs In Person and Everything You Need to Know About the CPC Exam.
What AAPC Certification Exams Prove
AAPC, the American Academy of Professional Coders, awards the most widely recognized credentials in medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance, and practice management. In particular, the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is the core credential for outpatient coders. As a result, it is the credential most employers ask for.
How AAPC Certification Exams Are Delivered
You can take AAPC certification exams in one of two ways:
- Online with live remote proctoring (LRP): you test from home while a proctor watches through your webcam.
- In person: you test at an approved testing location.
Either way, the content, time limit, and passing score stay the same. For example, the CPC exam has 100 multiple choice questions, a 4 hour limit, and a 70% passing score.
What Is Live Remote Proctoring?
Live remote proctoring lets you sit an AAPC exam from home. First, the proctor checks your ID. Next, you use your webcam to show your room and desk. After that, the proctor watches you for the entire exam.
Rules for Online AAPC Certification Exams
- Use a computer that passes AAPC’s system check, with a stable internet connection.
- Use an external webcam that shows your face, hands, keyboard, and the desk around it.
- Test alone in a quiet, private room.
- Clear your desk of everything except your approved code books.
- Bring a government issued photo ID that matches your registration name.
Because rules can change, always check AAPC’s official exam FAQs before test day.
Approved and Prohibited Items
The CPC exam is open book. Specifically, you may use the AMA CPT Professional Edition, your choice of ICD-10-CM, and your choice of HCPCS Level II. Highlighting, tabs, and brief notes are fine. On the other hand, inserted pages, copied questions, phones, smart watches, headphones, and other devices are not allowed.
Test Day Tips
- Run the system check a few days before your exam, not the morning of.
- Answer every question, because there is no penalty for guessing.
- Flag hard questions, move on, and then return before you submit.
- With 100 questions in 4 hours, aim for about 2 minutes per question.
Prepare for Your AAPC Certification Exam
Coding Clarified is an AAPC licensed training school. In addition to instructor-led training, our students receive printed code books, two CPC exam attempts, Practicode, and an HCC internship. Learn more about our online CPC training program.
This article is part of our CPC exam prep study hub, with everything you need to prepare for and pass the CPC exam.