May 28, 2024

Medical Coding AAPC CPC Certification Guide

By Janine Mothershed

Medical Coding AAPC CPC Certification Guide

If you’ve recently come across an ad or job posting about becoming a remote Medical Coder (CPC® – AAPC Certified Professional Coder), you may now have a lot of questions. Before you commit to pursuing the CPC credential, it’s important to understand what the certification means—and what the real job market looks like for new coders.

Understanding the Realities of Becoming a CPC

A common misconception is that earning the CPC credential guarantees an immediate remote position, flexible hours, and a high starting wage. While these opportunities do exist, they are not typically offered to brand-new coders without hands-on experience. Many new coders feel discouraged when they learn that the path to a remote, well-paid coding job often involves building experience first.

It is possible to get hired with little to no experience—many coders do—but these roles are usually entry-level and more competitive. Employers naturally prefer candidates with a proven background in coding or healthcare. However, when they can’t find an ideal candidate, many are willing to invest in a motivated new coder whose skills show strong potential.

Remote Work & Dependent Care Expectations

Another question many new coders have is whether they can work remotely while caring for children or dependents. Most employers strictly prohibit this and require employees to sign a waiver confirming that no dependent care will take place during working hours. Medical coding demands accuracy, focus, and adherence to daily productivity standards. Additionally, HIPAA regulations still fully apply while working from home, and maintaining patient privacy must be your top priority.

dependent care while working from home

Experience Still Matters—Even After Certification

Transitioning into any new career comes with the same challenge: lack of experience. Passing the CPC exam proves you understand coding concepts, but employers also need to see that you’re dependable, detail-oriented, and prepared for real-world chart review. You’ll still need a strong résumé, transferable skills, and interview readiness to get your foot in the door.

Many new coders already possess valuable skills from previous roles—such as customer service, administrative work, billing, auditing, or insurance verification—that can easily translate into success in a coding career. A professionally crafted résumé can help highlight these strengths and make you stand out.

Entry-Level Opportunities & Career Growth

Many newly credentialed coders begin in positions that are related to coding, even if not strictly coding roles. Working at a hospital, clinic, or billing office can be an excellent way to get your foot in the door. Internal candidates often receive priority consideration for openings, and networking with coding staff and managers can help you position yourself when a coding role becomes available.

Building relationships, expressing your interest in coding opportunities, and demonstrating strong work ethic can open important doors. With realistic expectations—especially regarding starting wages, job titles, and location (remote vs. on-site)—you will improve your chances of securing your first role and eventually moving into your dream remote coding position.

In some cases, expanding your job search to include in-person positions can significantly increase your opportunities and help you gain essential experience more quickly.

What Is Medical Coding?

Medical coding is the process of translating a patient’s healthcare encounter into standardized alphanumeric codes. A medical coder reviews the medical record and uses coding manuals or encoder software to assign the most accurate, specific codes that reflect the services provided. These codes support correct reimbursement, accurate data reporting, and proper documentation of patient care.

A CPC® (Certified Professional Coder) uses three core coding systems to code medical records:

ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification)

Used for diagnosis coding, ICD-10-CM explains why the patient was seen and why the procedures or services were medically necessary.

CPT® (Current Procedural Terminology)

Used for procedure coding, CPT® describes what was done to diagnose, treat, or manage the patient’s condition.

HCPCS Level II (Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System)

Used for reporting supplies, products, durable medical equipment, medications, and services not found in CPT®. HCPCS fills in the gaps for items essential to patient care.

Together, these coding systems create the complete picture of the patient’s visit, ensuring accurate reporting and proper reimbursement.

What is the process of medical coding

What Is the Difference Between Medical Billing and Medical Coding?

Medical coding and medical billing are closely connected, but they serve very different functions within the healthcare revenue cycle.

Medical coding is the process of reviewing a patient’s medical record and translating the documentation into universally recognized codes. These codes describe the patient’s diagnoses, procedures, services, and supplies.

Medical billing, on the other hand, is the process of using those codes to prepare, submit, and follow up on claims to insurance companies to ensure the provider is reimbursed correctly.

Medical Coders

Work primarily with clinical documentation and patient data
Assign accurate ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS codes
Create the most complete and precise representation of the patient’s encounter
Ensure coding supports medical necessity and meets regulatory requirements

Medical Billers

Use the codes assigned by the coder to generate claims
Interact directly with insurance companies and sometimes patients
Verify coverage, process denials, post payments, and manage patient balances
Focus on accurate, timely reimbursement

In short, medical coders transform clinical documentation into standardized codes, and medical billers use those codes to communicate with payers and secure payment. Both roles work hand-in-hand to keep the revenue cycle moving efficiently.

Medical coding and medical billing

Why Both Roles Are Essential in Healthcare

Medical coding and medical billing form the foundation of the healthcare revenue cycle. While each role is distinct, the system only works efficiently when both functions operate together with accuracy and consistency.

Coders Ensure Clinical Accuracy

Medical coders make sure that every diagnosis, procedure, and service is translated precisely from the clinical documentation. Accurate coding:

Supports proper reimbursement
Reflects the true complexity of the patient’s care
Protects providers from compliance risks and potential audits
Ensures patient records correctly capture health trends and outcomes

Billers Ensure Financial Accuracy

Medical billers take those codes and turn them into clean, complete claims. Effective billing:

Reduces claim denials
Prevents delays in payment
Ensures providers are compensated for their work
Helps the organization maintain steady cash flow

Together, They Protect the Revenue Cycle

When coders and billers work cohesively:

Claims are submitted accurately the first time
Payers understand the services provided
Providers receive timely, appropriate reimbursement
Patients gain clarity regarding their insurance benefits and out-of-pocket costs

Both roles are essential—coders create the roadmap, and billers ensure the organization reaches its destination. Strong collaboration between these two functions is what keeps healthcare organizations financially healthy and compliant.

How to Become a Medical Coder

The most successful path for aspiring medical coders is to complete a reputable instructor-led coding program and then pass a nationally recognized certification exam. Earning a credential—such as the AAPC CPC®—shows employers that you have the foundational knowledge and skills needed to begin your coding career.

Build a Strong Foundation First

Before enrolling in a coding program, students should complete courses in medical terminology and anatomy & physiology. These prerequisites are essential because they help you:

Understand clinical language used in medical records
Identify key terms and concepts tied to diagnoses and procedures
Accurately extract the information needed to code correctly

This foundational knowledge directly impacts your accuracy, speed, and confidence as a coder.

Master the Coding Manuals

To pass certification exams—and to code correctly in the real world—you must be comfortable using all three coding systems: ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II. Each manual includes detailed guidelines, rules, conventions, and coding instructions that must be followed for accurate, compliant coding.

Attention to detail is critical. Even small differences in documentation can change the code selection, affect reimbursement, and impact compliance. Strong coders understand not only what code to assign but why they are assigning it based on guidelines.

Why Should You Take a Medical Coding Course With a Certified Instructor?

Preparing for the CPC® exam is not just about studying the material—it’s also about having the right guidance from someone who truly understands the exam, the industry, and how coders learn best. A certified instructor can make all the difference in your confidence, your comprehension, and ultimately, your success on exam day.

Clear Guidance Through Complex Concepts

Medical coding includes detailed guidelines, gray areas, and nuances that can be confusing when studying alone. A certified instructor can:

Break down complicated topics into easy-to-understand explanations
Provide real-world examples to reinforce learning
Clarify difficult concepts that often appear on the CPC exam

This type of support helps you avoid misunderstandings that could cost you points on the exam—or lead to coding errors in the workplace.

Structured Learning That Covers Everything You Need

A well-designed medical coding course ensures you:

Learn all essential concepts in the correct order
Understand how to apply the guidelines, not just memorize them
Get exposure to the types of questions and scenarios seen on the CPC® exam

Without structured instruction, it’s easy to overlook important rules or miss concepts that are heavily tested.

Confidence and Readiness for Exam Day

Having a certified instructor by your side means you’re not preparing alone. You gain:

Expert guidance
Accountability
Supportive feedback
Increased confidence in your skills

All of this contributes to feeling fully prepared—and ready to pass the CPC® exam the first time.

Coding Clarified Instructor Janine Mothershed

How to prepare for the CPC exam

The importance of a certified medical coding instructor

How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the AAPC CPC Certification Exam?

The amount of time needed to prepare for the CPC® exam varies from student to student, depending on your schedule, learning pace, and level of commitment. A structured medical coding course is one of the most important steps in preparing effectively and building the knowledge required for certification.

Typical Course Completion Time

Most students complete an 80-hour medical coding course in about 4–6 months, though some finish sooner or take longer depending on how much time they can dedicate each week.

Many learners aim to complete one chapter or module per week, which keeps them on track without feeling overwhelmed. Consistency is key—regular study habits help reinforce the material and improve long-term retention.

Time Needed for Exam Preparation

After finishing their coursework, students typically spend an additional 2 weeks to 1 month reviewing and preparing for the CPC exam. This time is often focused on:

Reinforcing CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS rules
Practicing timed mock exams
Strengthening guideline knowledge
Reviewing areas where they feel less confident

By combining a structured coding course with dedicated study time, most students feel well-prepared and confident heading into their CPC certification exam.

time it takes to study to prepare for the CPC certification exam

Which Medical Coding Certification Should a New Coder Choose?

Choosing the right medical coding certification is one of the most important decisions in your coding career journey. Your first credential sets the foundation for your job opportunities, marketability, and long-term career growth. The two major credentialing organizations—AAPC and AHIMA—each offer a core credential that employers widely recognize for entry-level coding positions.

AAPC CPC® – The Most Popular First Credential

The AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) is the most common first credential for new coders, especially for those who want to work in:

Physician offices
Outpatient clinics
Ambulatory surgical centers
Specialty practices

AAPC also offers more focused pathways later—such as COC® for outpatient hospitals, CIC® for inpatient coding, and CRC® for risk adjustment—making the CPC® a strong starting point for career growth.

AHIMA CCS – A Strong Option for Hospital Coding

AHIMA’s Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is widely respected, particularly in hospital and acute-care settings. CCS coders are trained to classify and sequence medical data across multiple care environments, including inpatient and outpatient facilities. Many employers view the CCS as a highly competitive credential due to its rigorous exam structure.

Why Employers Prefer CPC® or CCS Over CCA

AHIMA also offers the CCA (Certified Coding Associate), but it is often viewed by employers as similar to the AAPC CPC-A (apprentice) credential—without a pathway to remove the apprentice status. The CCA only requires a high school diploma to sit for the exam, and coding coursework is recommended but not required, which is why hiring managers tend to prefer candidates with a CPC® or CCS instead.

Other Credentials

Credentials from organizations like NHA, AMBA, and others are far less commonly requested by employers. Based on feedback from thousands of medical coders in Coding Clarified’s Facebook communities, these certifications do not offer the same hiring advantages as the AAPC or AHIMA credentials.

Most Employers Require Certification

Whether you’re applying to clinics, hospitals, or billing companies, most employers:

Require certification before hiring, or
Expect new hires to earn a credential within a defined timeframe

Starting with the right certification helps you stand out, meet employer expectations, and position yourself for long-term success in the medical coding field.

type of medical coding certification

AAPC also has 18 specialty credentials for those with expertise in specific fields of medical coding.

Ambulatory Surgical Center – CASCC™
Anesthesia and Pain Management – CANPC™

Cardiology – CCC™
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery – CCVTC™
Dermatology – CPCD™
Emergency Department – CEDC™
Evaluation and Management – CEMC™
Family Practice – CFPC™
Gastroenterology – CGIC™
General Surgery – CGSC™
Hematology and Oncology – CHONC™
Interventional Radiology and Cardiovascular – CIRCC®
Obstetrics Gynecology – COBGC™
Ophthalmology – COPC™
Orthopedic Surgery – COSC™
Pediatrics – CPEDC™
Rheumatology – CRHC™
Urology – CUC™

AHIMA has Microcredentials. Micro-credentials demonstrate focused expertise for skill sets aligned with the employer’s needs. Certifications and traditional degrees offer a broader level of education related to a particular field. Micro-credentials allow you to demonstrate focused knowledge to employers. They also take less time and resources to complete.

Risk Adjustment Coding (RAC)
Release of Information (ROI)
Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) – Outpatient

Patient Identification & Matching
Auditing: Inpatient Coding
Auditing: Outpatient Coding

AHIMA has 2 credentials considered degree programs, RHIA & RHIT, and to take that route, you will need an approved CAHIIM course. Accreditation is only for colleges, not Trade /Vocational schools. Acquiring other AAPC credentials or becoming a CPC®, AHIMA CCA, or CCS CCS-P for medical coding, for example, does not require a degree, and having a degree is only recommended by AAPC.

Comparing AAPC and AHIMA certifications

What Is Important When Choosing a Medical Coding School?

Selecting the right medical coding school is a critical step in your career journey. The quality of your education directly impacts how confident and prepared you’ll feel when you sit for your certification exam—and how successful you’ll be as a new coder.

Look for a School With a Strong Reputation

Start by researching the school’s website, reviews, and social media presence. Schools that actively engage on Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube often provide valuable insights into their teaching style, student support, and overall professionalism.

Evaluate Their Responsiveness

Your learning experience will depend heavily on the support you receive along the way. Pay attention to how quickly and thoroughly the school responds to your questions:

Do they answer your calls or messages promptly?
Do they provide detailed, helpful information?
Are they willing to speak with you directly and explain the program clearly?

If communication is inconsistent or unhelpful during the enrollment process, it’s a sign that the same issues may occur when you need support as a student. A reputable school will take the time to address your concerns and ensure you feel confident in your decision.

Choosing a responsive, reputable, well-supported medical coding program helps set the foundation for your success—both in passing your certification exam and launching your coding career.

How to Choose a Good Medical Coding Course

With so many options available—AAPC, AHIMA, online programs, colleges, vocational schools, trade schools, and individual instructors—it’s important to choose a medical coding course that truly prepares you for certification and employment. Not all courses are created equal, and some programs are introductory, review-only, or designed for CEUs, which will not adequately prepare you for the CPC® or CCS exams.

Avoid Introductory or CEU-Only Classes

Be sure the course you select is specifically designed for new coders preparing for certification, not a refresher or CEU course. Certification prep requires:

Deep understanding of ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS
Clear instruction in guidelines and coding conventions
Practice exams and application-based training

Introductory classes often skip these essential components.

Use Caution—Not All Courses Are Equal

While there are many excellent online and in-person programs, there are also misleading or low-quality courses. Your best approach is to:

Research thoroughly
Compare programs carefully
Use your own judgment—not just social media recommendations

This ensures the program aligns with your goals, learning style, and budget.

Understanding AAPC Vendor Courses

Many instructors teach using the official AAPC CPC® curriculum as approved AAPC vendors. This means:

You’re still learning the same AAPC coursework
The instructor is AAPC-certified
Course benefits, pricing, and support vary widely

Pay close attention to what each program includes:

Compare with what the Coding Clarified Medical Coding course includes:

80-clock-hour self-paced course

100% remote studies

Access to the AAPC online medical coding class

CPT, ICD10, HCPC and Textbook

Instructor video/audio files to implement notes into your books

1:1 time with instructor as needed

Professionally written resume (Upon completion of internship)

AAPC Membership (Assigned at completion of course)

CPC Exam Voucher x2 (Assigned at completion of course)

Job placement assistance/resources (Once certified or completed with Internship)

Online HCC Internship (Once completed with Practicode)

Practicode (Upon becoming certified as CPC)

CPC Practice Exam Bundle x3 (Upon completion of course)

CPC Study Guide (Electronic)

CPC Exam Online Review (Upon completion of course)

These differences can significantly affect your preparation.

What It Means to Be an AAPC Education Provider

Use Caution With Social Media Opinions

If you ask for recommendations online, expect many different—and sometimes conflicting—opinions. People have:

Different learning styles
Different backgrounds
Different expectations
Different levels of effort

Not every opinion will apply to your situation. Also remember:

Newly credentialed coders posting about job struggles often need a better job-search strategy—not a different credential.
Working coders typically don’t spend their time on social media discussing complaints.
Hiring managers, recruiters, and employers view social media, so maintain professionalism at all times.

Choose the Learning Format That Fits Your Life

You can learn online or in person. Consider:

Your schedule
Your preferred learning style
Your location
Your need for flexibility or structure

Both formats can be excellent if the program is reputable and well-supported.

What to Look for When Researching a Medical Coding School

Use the following checklist to evaluate any school or course:

Reputation

Does the school have a strong, credible presence online?
Are there reviews or testimonials available?

Transparency

Does the website clearly explain what is included in the course?
Are prices and benefits listed?

Responsiveness

Does staff respond quickly and professionally to your questions?
Are they knowledgeable and helpful?

Community & Support

Do they have:
- A Facebook group?
- A LinkedIn page or group?
- A YouTube channel?
- Public forums where students discuss their experiences?
Can you observe student interactions or ask current students about their experience?

Be Aware of Incentivized Reviews

Some schools reward current or former students for recommending the program, which can lead to biased feedback. Consider this when reviewing public opinions.

Compare Costs & Benefits Carefully

Most coding programs use:

The same ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS manuals
Often, the same or similar course materials

What does vary significantly is:

Instructor quality
Level of support
Included resources (books, vouchers, practice exams, internship opportunities)
1:1 guidance availability

A high-quality course should always include access to a certified instructor who can answer questions, provide clarification, and support your learning.

Salary Expectations After Earning Your AAPC CPC Certification

Understanding salary expectations is an important part of planning your medical coding career. Every year, AAPC releases a salary survey, but new coders should interpret this data with caution. The survey does not separate salaries by years of experience, which means the averages often reflect the earnings of seasoned coders—not those just starting out. This can unintentionally create discouragement for CPC-A holders who are entering the field for the first time.

Be Wary of Unrealistic Salary Claims

Some schools advertise high starting salaries to attract students, but these figures often represent experienced coders, not beginners. Salary growth in medical coding—like any profession—is tied to:

Experience
Performance
Productivity
Accuracy
Additional credentials

Your income will naturally increase as you gain real-world experience and expand your credentials.

Research Real Job Postings in Your Area

The best way to understand realistic starting wages is to review actual CPC job descriptions in your region. Look for:

Required vs. preferred experience
Salary or hourly ranges
Whether CPC-A candidates are accepted
Opportunities for training or apprenticeship

This gives you a more accurate picture than national surveys or marketing claims.

Credentials and Experience Increase Earning Potential

In the coding industry, both experience and additional credentials—especially specialty certifications—are highly valued. The more knowledge and hands-on experience you gain, the stronger your earning potential becomes. Coders who continue learning can grow into higher-paying roles such as:

Auditor
Educator
CDI specialist
Inpatient coder
Risk adjustment coder
Coding manager

Medical coding offers a tremendous career path with room for advancement.

Believe in Yourself—Every Coder Starts Somewhere

There are many opportunities available for new coders, but success often depends on:

A strong resume
Professional presentation
Willingness to start in a related role
Persistence in the job search
Confidence in your skills

Some employers even offer training to help new coders become valuable members of the team.

Avoid Social Media Discouragement

It’s common to see newly credentialed coders on social media expressing frustration about their job search. Remember:

Their experiences don’t reflect the entire industry
There may be factors they’re unaware of, such as a weak resume or poor job-search strategy
Working coders rarely post complaints because they’re busy working

Their frustration can unintentionally discourage others, but it should not define your outlook. Medical coding remains a strong, growing, and rewarding career field.

Prepare Yourself Early

Before beginning your job search, do your own research:

Look at local job postings
Understand employer expectations
Prepare your resume and LinkedIn
Learn how to communicate your transferable skills
Network with coding professionals

Being proactive will help you enter the job market confident, prepared, and ready for success.

2025 AAPC Salary Report

Why Do Employers Require Experience in Medical Coding?

Medical coding directly affects a healthcare organization’s financial health and compliance. For this reason, many employers prefer to hire coders with experience. The accuracy and skill of the coder can determine whether a provider receives timely, correct reimbursement—or faces costly setbacks.

Experienced Coders Protect Revenue

A skilled, experienced medical coder can identify:

Missed charges
Incorrect or incomplete documentation
Opportunities for proper reimbursement
Coding patterns that improve financial performance

These coders help capture unrealized revenue that might otherwise be lost due to errors, omissions, or misunderstanding of coding guidelines.

Inexperienced Coders Can Create Risk

While new coders are fully capable of learning and becoming excellent employees, employers must consider the risks associated with inexperience. Coding errors can result in:

Claim denials
Delayed payments
Compliance concerns
Potential audit findings
Serious financial and legal consequences, including allegations of fraud

This is why many organizations seek coders who already have hands-on experience—or are willing to train new coders gradually under close guidance.

The Good News: Every Experienced Coder Started as a Beginner

Although employers value experience, every coder begins their career with zero experience. Many organizations will hire new coders who demonstrate:

Strong foundational knowledge
Professionalism
Attention to detail
A willingness to learn
Solid communication skills
A positive attitude

With the right training and support, new coders quickly gain the experience employers look for—and become valuable contributors to the revenue cycle.

Can I Work Remotely as a Medical Coder?

Yes—you absolutely can work remotely as a medical coder. In fact, remote coding is one of the biggest attractions of this career field. However, it’s important to understand that most coders do not start their very first job remotely. Remote work typically comes once you’ve gained enough experience to code independently, confidently, and accurately.

Why Remote Work Usually Comes After Some Experience

In a remote position, coders are expected to:

Meet daily productivity requirements
Work independently without constant supervision
Navigate complex charts and unfamiliar scenarios
Research answers on their own
Maintain strict accuracy and compliance standards

If you encounter issues you don’t understand and have no immediate coworker or supervisor to turn to, it can slow your productivity and affect performance. Employers want to ensure you’re fully trained and capable before placing you in a remote role.

Resourcefulness Is Essential

Successful remote coders develop strong skills in:

Independent problem-solving
Researching guidelines and industry rules
Using Google and other reliable resources
Navigating codified references and online tools
Managing time and compliance expectations

In other words, once you can confidently code without needing constant assistance, you become an excellent candidate for remote work.

The Path to Remote Coding Is Achievable

Many coders begin in hybrid or on-site positions, gain experience, and transition to fully remote roles within months or a couple of years. With dedication, strong fundamentals, and consistent accuracy, you can absolutely reach your goal of working from home as a medical coder.

Medical Coders Working Remotely Pros & Cons

2026 AAPC CPC® Exam Information

2026 exams will be online or at a testing center only.
100 questions (approximately 2 minutes per question)
Can pass with a 70% (can miss up to 30 questions)
4 hours to complete (bathroom breaks are permitted, but the clock does not stop & you will likely have to do a room scan again before proceeding)
Open book utilizing the 3 current year coding manuals CPT® (AMA professional only, no expert), ICD-10-CM (any publisher), & HCPCS (any publisher/version).
Testing on the correct application of coding with adherence to the documentation, guidelines, modifier use, regulations, and coding conventions.
Approximately 70% of the exam is coding scenarios, with the remainder concerning the correct application of the coding manuals.

Exam format for 2026 AAPC CPC Exam

100 multiple-choice questions

Online or in-person options

AAPC offers online and in-person proctored exams.

Choose to take the exam at home in a quiet, private location or through your local chapter or a licensed instructor. (2026 exams will be in a testing center NO local chapter exam locations in 2026.)

Time allowed for the 2026 AAPC CPC Exam

In-person and online exams are administered in one sitting, with four hours to complete the exam.

Equipment Required for the Online 2026 AAPC CPC Exam

A reliable internet connection and an external webcam that can be positioned to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area around the keyboard (about 10 inches) are required.

Experience Requirements

High-level knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology, along with an understanding of the proper application of CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure, and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, is required for certification.

Approved code books

Current year or previous year only.

AMA’s CPT® Professional Edition Only, no Expert Editions
ICD-10-CM (current year), any publisher
HCPCS Level II (current year), any publisher

Note: Code sets are updated annually, so it’s essential to use the current calendar year’s code books when taking the CPB certification exam.

Using previous years codebooks for AAPC Exams

Requirements to take the AAPC CPC® exam

You must be an AAPC member to take any AAPC exam. (CC includes 1 year of AAPC membership)

Manuals FAQs

The current year is always recommended (the previous year is allowed) as you will want all the advantages to pass your exam, as you do not want to fail because you had outdated information, as the exam is expensive, and do you really want to pay for other exam attempts or take it multiple times to pass?

Plus, there are always many code updates each year.

2026 Coding manuals updates

ICD-10-CM 2026 update

New codes: 487
Deleted codes: 28
Revised codes: 38
Effective date: October 1, 2025

CPT 2026 code set

Total changes: 418
New codes: 288
Deleted codes: 84
Revised codes: 46
Effective date: January 1, 2026

Confirm what reference materials are allowed.

What is allowed in a manual for an exam?

Book notes

Print books allow for handwritten notes are acceptable in the code books only if they pertain to daily coding activities. Long passages of information are not permitted on the blank pages. Questions from the study guides, practice exams, or the exam itself are prohibited. Altering, whiting out, painting, or printing over any pages within the code books (e.g., marketing pages, table of contents, reference pages, etc.) to supplement information is prohibited.

eBooks are provided through the exam platform to ensure a consistent and fair testing environment for all participants. You will have access to a search function to help locate the information you need.

Book tabs

Tabs may be inserted, taped, pasted, glued, or stapled in the code books so long as the obvious intent of the tab is to earmark a page with words or numbers, not supplement information in the book.

What is allowed in medical code books for AAPC exams? | AAPC Social Hour

The AAPC requires you to use the AMA CPT® version for the exam. AAPC does not allow any other vendors for testing (e.g., Optum360 CPT® Expert Edition).
Regarding ICD and HCPCS, the AAPC allows any vendor manual for the exam.

ICD-10-CM manuals for the new year change yearly on Oct 1st, and new ICD-10 manuals are available 1-2 months ahead of that date.

CPT & HCPCS don’t change until Jan 1st, so you will start seeing those being advertised around starting in November each year, usually.

ICD-10-CM has 2 versions, as well as a Physician & Hospital Edition.

The Hospital Edition is more expensive, it contains more images and identifies CCs & MCCs that are critical for the CCS exam and actual inpatient work in a hospital. If you want to be a CPC and plan to work at a Physician’s office, then the Physician Edition is recommended. Both manuals are allowed in AAPC exams. The only determining factor for purchase is what career choice you plan to pursue.

What Does the CPC® Exam Cover?

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) 2026 ICD-10-CM Guidelines PDF
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.
Each question on the CPC exam is worth 1 point, so save the 10 cases for last.

Apprentice status:

When you pass the CPC exam, you will receive your CPC-A credential, which signifies apprenticeship standing. You will remain an apprentice until you fulfill the 2-year experience requirement, at which time you will submit proof of meeting the requirement, and your A will be removed.

If you have no real on-the-job coding experience prior to passing the CPC® exam, you will automatically be designated an apprentice CPC® -A. (no timeframe for A status removal)

To remove your A status, you need an 80-hour course completion letter to remove 1 of the 2 years of experience needed. The second year will need to be removed by actual on-the-job experience or successful completion of an intern/externship (letter of completion), or completion of AAPCs Practicode.

AAPC CPC apprentice removal

Proof of Education or Experience:

Proof of education or experience isn’t necessary to sit for AAPC exams. However, 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.

Those who pass the CPC®, COC® exams but have not yet met this requirement will be designated as an Apprentice (CPC-A®, COC-A™ on their certificate.

A combination of tactics can be used to fulfill the apprenticeship requirement. Proof of 80 contact hours of a medical coding preparation course may be combined with completion of CPC-A Practicode. This fulfills the two years of experience required to graduate to CPC.

Alternatively, a medical preparation course or the completion of the CPC-A Practicode program may be combined with one year of on-the-job experience, verified by one signed letter from your employer on letterhead.

Two-Year Apprenticeship Option:

CPC-A Practicode Online Program (Deducts One Year) (Included in Coding Clarified CPC training)

Practicode is AAPC’s web-based program that uses redacted medical records to provide CPC-As with real-world coding experience. Over 14,000 CPC-A and COC-A students use Practicode annually.

Submitting proof of completing the CPC-A Practicode program (included in all AAPC training packages) deducts one year from the two years of experience required to graduate from CPC-A to CPC. This program may be completed while training for your certification exam or after.

80-Hour Medical Coding Preparation Course (Deducts One Year)

Completing an 80-contact-hour coding course or an equivalent course from an instructor or school deducts one year from the two years of experience required to graduate from CPC-A to CPC.

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

On-the-Job Experience (Deducts One to Two Years)

You must obtain and submit two letters of recommendation verifying two years of on-the-job experience using the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets.

One of the two letters must be from your employer on the company letterhead. The second letter may come from a colleague or a previous employer. Your experience, as well, can include time you have coded for a previous employer or prior to certification.

AAPC Practicode

Maintaining your credentials:

To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.

Certified AAPC Members are required to keep their membership dues up to date to maintain earned certifications. In addition to annual membership, Certified Members must also obtain CEUs to keep their certifications current.

CEUs are reported every two years on or before your membership due date. Membership fees are due every year, even in a year when you are not required to report CEUs. If you are newly certified, CEUs will be prorated to match your existing renewal month for your first submission. The year that your CEUs are due is based on the month of your membership.

CEUs earned prior to certification will not be accepted.

Complete the required number of CEUs based on the number of certifications you hold.

One certification requires that 36 CEUs be earned in your 2-year period.

AAPC CEU INFO

Maintaining your CPC credential with CEU

Maximize Your AAPC Credential: Access Free CEUs to Stay Ahead

Coding Clarified Medical Coding course includes:

80-clock-hour self-paced course

100% remote studies

Access to the AAPC online medical coding class

CPT, ICD10, HCPC and Textbook

Instructor video/audio files to implement notes into your books