Deciding between taking the CPC exam online vs in person? You have a real choice. To start your career as a Certified Professional Coder, you need to pass the AAPC CPC exam, and you can take it from home or at a testing location. Here is how the two options compare, so you can choose the one that fits you.
What Stays the Same: CPC Exam Basics
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 4 hours, in one sitting
- 70% required to pass
- Open book: AMA CPT Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II
- Results in about 7 to 10 business days
In other words, the exam, the passing score, and the book rules are the same online and in person. Only the setting changes. For the full breakdown, read Everything You Need to Know About the CPC Exam.
Taking the CPC Exam Online
The online exam uses live remote proctoring. In short, a proctor watches you through your webcam for the full exam while you test from home. For the online exam, you need:
- A computer that passes AAPC’s system check
- An external webcam that shows your face, hands, keyboard, and the desk around it
- A stable internet connection
- A quiet, private room with a clear desk and no writing on the walls, whiteboards, or sticky notes
- A government issued photo ID that matches your registration name
Therefore, online testing fits best if you have a reliable computer and a quiet space, and you want to schedule without travel.
Taking the CPC Exam In Person
In person testing takes place at an approved testing location. As a result, the proctor, the room, and the equipment are handled for you. In person testing fits best if your internet is unreliable, your home is noisy, or you simply focus better in a controlled room.
CPC Exam Online vs In Person: Side by Side
| Online | In Person | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Your home | Approved testing location |
| Equipment | Your computer and external webcam | Provided |
| Room rules | You prepare a clear, private room | Controlled for you |
| Exam and books | Same | Same |
Most of our students test online. Either way, run the system check or confirm your testing location well before exam day. Also, confirm current fees and scheduling rules on AAPC’s CPC exam FAQs.
Prepare With Coding Clarified
Coding Clarified students receive printed code books, two CPC exam attempts, and weekly instructor support. 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.