Choosing the Correct AAPC CPC Exam Format for You FAQs

Live Remote Proctored (LRP) exam* is taken on a computer at home and proctored remotely by Examity^® via an external webcam.

On the day of an LRP exam, you will log into your Meazure Learning account, then connect with your Examity proctor to complete a security check and take your exam.

Please note: NO PETS ALLOWED in your testing area.

Cancellation and rescheduling policy:

• Within 24 hours prior to the exam: cancellation and rescheduling are unavailable. If you do not show up for your exam time, you will be considered a “no-show.” Your exam attempt will be forfeited and a new voucher must be purchased (or a 2nd attempt used, if available) to reschedule.
  • Room and desk setup: This exam requires a closed room with window coverings, free from distraction or interruption. Testing in an open-concept room isn’t allowed. You must have a table/desk and chair to take the exam. You won’t be able to take the test on a couch, bed, or the floor. Be prepared to show a 360-degree view of your room and desk using your webcam. You may be asked to unplug any TVs in the room. Also, you may need to scan under your desk so just be prepared to scan any area of your room the proctor deems necessary.
  • Desktop computer or laptop: Your computer must be connected to a power source and connected to reliable, high-speed internet — upload and download speed should be a minimum of 5 Mbps. Please check your internet speed by going to speedtest.net just before logging into the exam. Do not use a VPN (A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts data and masks a user’s IP address to protect their privacy and security online) for taking the exam, as this may cause issues connecting to the exam system.
  • External webcam with USB connection: This exam is proctored (administered and supervised) via an external webcam. Make sure your external webcam is placed to show your face, hands, keyboard, and the area surrounding your keyboard (about 10 inches) for the full duration of the exam. You’ll be required to perform a 360-degree room and desk pan using your webcam before the exam begins, as well as after any breaks during the exam.
  • Technical requirements: Live remote proctored examinees must be sure their internet connection is secure and stable (minimum of 5 Mbps), their computer has the latest browser software, and their external webcam and microphone are working properly. If you have any doubts about your at-home equipment, we suggest taking the exam at a testing center where all equipment is provided, tested, and verified.
  • No electronic devices with an on/off switch or any device capable of capturing and storing an image are allowed into the examination room. This list includes, but isn’t limited to cell phones, tablets, smart watches, Fitbits, etc. Failure to comply will result in disqualification of your exam.
  • Drinks on the desk: A clear water bottle or clear cup of water on your desk is allowed. The bottle or cup must be unobstructed with no items on it, such as labels, etc.
    

    Required equipment

    • COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS: PCs (personal computers) are recommended; however, MACs are also acceptable.
      • Google Chrome must be installed and used as the browser. Click HERE to download Chrome.
      • Chromebooks, tablets, iPads, dual/multiple monitors, and projectors are not permitted to be used as testing devices.
      • Pop-up blockers must be disabled.
      • Your computer should have 2 GB of RAM or higher.
      • You will need working speakers connected to the computer. Wired or internal, you must have working speakers to communicate with the proctors.
      • Bluetooth speakers or headphones are NOT permitted
      • You will need a microphone connected to the computer (consider a webcam with a built-in microphone).
      • Using a VPN is NOT allowed and will impact the exam.
      • Close all applications before connecting with your proctor and be prepared to open Task Manager to review programs.24 hours or more before the exam: you may reschedule or cancel with no applicable fee.

Exam Day Requirements and Rules

On the day of the exam, adhere to the following guidelines to ensure a smooth testing experience:

1. Identification: Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. The ID must match the name on your exam application. This is crucial for verifying your identity at the testing center or to your online proctor.
2. Arrival: Arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. The same goes for an online exam login 30 minutes early as this allows for check-in and any necessary security procedures.
3. Materials Allowed:
   • Reference Materials:  Bring current physical ICD-10-CM (any publisher), CPT (AMA only), and HCPCS Level II (any publisher) manuals. Please ensure you have the correct examination reference materials. Current year’s manuals are highly recommended. Only one set of books is permitted for use. You may choose to utilize either the manual from the preceding year, the current year or a combination of both.  However, please be mindful that only one copy of each manual is allowed.
   • Electronic Devices: Electronic devices, including smartphones and tablets, are not permitted in the testing area. All personal belongings must be stored in a designated area outside the testing room.
4. Exam Format: The CPC exam is computer-based. You will be given a set amount of time to complete the test, and questions are randomly selected from a large pool. Use the provided time wisely and pace yourself to ensure you answer all questions.
5. Breaks: The CPC exam does not include scheduled breaks. If you need a break, you can take one but the time cock does not stop and upon reentry to the exam area you will be required to do a new room scan if you are taking it online.
6. Prohibited Items: Certain items are strictly prohibited in the testing area, including but not limited to food, notes, and personal electronic devices. Ensure you comply with these rules to avoid any disruptions or penalties. Scratch paper, whiteboards, or writing utensils ARE NOT permitted during the exam.
7. Allowed items: Drink on Desk You are permitted. the drink container must be a clear water bottle or clear cup of water on your desk. The bottle or cup must be unobstructed with no items on it, such as labels, stickers, etc.
8. Conduct: Maintain a professional demeanor throughout the exam. Any form of cheating or inappropriate behavior can result in immediate disqualification. Be familiar with the AAPC’s code of conduct and exam policies to avoid issues.
9. NO SHOW: If you do not appear for your appointment, this is considered a no-show. The following items will result in exam voucher forfeiture: Please Note: Examity/Meazure Learning proctors DO NOT have AAPC policy information on rescheduling and voucher forfeiture.  If the proctor does not permit you to proceed with testing for any reason please reach out to AAPC for additional details.
   • You do not show up to your scheduled exam
   • You do not meet the requirements to take the exam
   • You do not cancel/reschedule 48 hours before the exam
   • Your photo ID does not match your AAPC profile and scheduling screens through Meazure Learning and/or Examity
   • You attempt to bring non-approved materials
   • You fail the security check
   • If you forfeit your voucher for one of the above reasons, you will be required to purchase a new voucher or register using your second attempt if available.

10. Starting your exam

    1. Log in to your exam 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time using the username and password from the Notice to Schedule email
    2. Click Schedule/Take Your Exam
    3. Once within the Examity platform, click Start Exam
    4. Click the green Connect to Proctoring button
    5. Once the proctor joins the session, click the Join with Computer Audio button in Zoom
    6. Click Start Video
    7. Click Share Screen – Desktop View
    8. Confirm your name by showing your photo ID and confirm which exam you are taking
    9. Complete the book check
    10. Show 360-degree room and desk pan of your work area
    11. The rules and requirements will be read and agreed to
    12. Click Begin Exam

        If you need ADA accommodations? AAPC provides reasonable ADA accommodations for examinees with proper medical documentation. You must apply for and receive approval for accommodation(s) BEFORE scheduling your exam. If you schedule before approval, you must cancel and reschedule once accommodations are approved. You can learn more about the process and apply on our ADA Exam Accommodation(s) Request page.

    Finishing your exam

    Upon submitting the exam, your proctor will reconnect and confirm you are finished. From there, you will close the exam webpage and complete the post-exam survey.

Post-Exam Process

After completing the CPC exam, results are typically available within a few hours but could be up to 7-10 business days. You will receive an official score report from AAPC, detailing your performance and whether you have passed or failed. If necessary, AAPC provides resources for retaking the exam, including guidelines for additional study and preparation. Your results will be shared with you online in your My AAPC Account Dashboard under My Exams.  Once you have passed, your certificate will be sent to you in the mail.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information and updates about the CPC exam, you can access the following resources:

• AAPC Exam Day Expectations: AAPC What to Expect on Exam Day
• Examinee Instructions: AAPC Examinee Instructions PDF

These resources provide comprehensive details about the exam process, including what to expect and how to prepare.

Successfully navigating the AAPC CPC exam requires careful preparation and adherence to the outlined requirements and rules. By understanding the exam format, preparing appropriately, and following the day-of procedures, you can enhance your chances of obtaining the CPC certification and advancing your career in medical coding. For additional guidance, refer to the AAPC’s official materials and resources to ensure a smooth and successful exam experience.

Exam Overview

Passing the CPC exam requires you to correctly answer a minimum of 70 questions. The CPC test will rely on a level of understanding that enables you to identify the domain. The CPC exam is designed to assess your knowledge and skills in medical coding, focusing on various aspects such as anatomy, medical terminology, and coding guidelines. It consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, covering categories such as:

Medical terminology (4 questions)
These questions will assess your knowledge of medical terminology for all systems in the human body.

Anatomy (4 questions)
These questions will assess your knowledge of anatomy for all systems in the human body.

Compliance and regulatory (3 questions)
This section will test your knowledge of compliance and regulations that pertain to services covered under Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D; applying coding to payment policy; place of service reporting; fraud and abuse; NCCI edits; NCDs/LCDs; HIPAA; ABNs; and RVUs.

Coding guidelines (7 questions)
This section will address the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, CPT® coding guidelines and parenthetical notes, and modifier use.

ICD-10-CM (5 questions)
This area will test your proficiency in diagnosis coding within all the chapters of ICD-10-CM, as well as a thorough knowledge of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Additionally, diagnosis questions will appear in other sections of the exam from the CPT® categories.

HCPCS Level II (3 questions)
This section will test your knowledge on HCPCS Level II coding and includes questions focusing on modifiers, supplies, medications, and professional services for Medicare patients.

CPT^®

10000 series codes (6 questions)
The 10,000 series CPT® part of the exam relates to surgical procedures performed on the integumentary system, which includes skin, subcutaneous, and accessory structures, as well as nails, pilonidal cysts, repairs, destruction, and breast.

20000 series codes (6 questions)
The 20000 series CPT® portion will home in on surgical procedures performed on the musculoskeletal system from head to toe. Specifically, these areas include the head, neck, back and flank, spine, abdomen, shoulder, arm, hand and fingers, pelvis and hip, leg, foot, and toes.

30000 series codes (6 questions)
The 30000 series CPT® section focuses on surgical procedures performed on the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, the hemic and lymphatic systems, and the mediastinum and diaphragm.

40000 series codes (6 questions)
Your knowledge of the 40000 series CPT® section covers surgical procedures performed on the digestive system, which will focus on these areas: lips, mouth, palate and uvula, salivary gland and ducts, pharynx, adenoids, tonsils, esophagus, stomach, intestines, appendix, rectum, anus, liver, biliary tract, pancreas, abdomen, peritoneum, and omentum.

50000 series codes (6 questions)
The 50000 series CPT® section tests your knowledge pertaining to surgical procedures performed on the urinary system, the male reproductive system, the female reproductive system, including maternity and delivery, and the endocrine system.

60000 series codes (6 questions)
The 60000 series CPT® section involves surgical procedures performed on the nervous system and will include codes pertaining to the skull, meninges, brain, spine, spinal cord, extracranial nerves, peripheral nerves, and autonomic nervous system.

Radiology codes (6 questions)
These questions will focus on both diagnostic and interventional radiology, including diagnostic ultrasound, radiologic guidance, mammography, bone and joint studies, radiation oncology, and nuclear medicine.

Pathology and laboratory codes (6 questions)
This section will test your knowledge of organ and disease panels, drug testing, therapeutic drug assays, evocation/suppression testing, consultations, urinalysis, molecular pathology, MAAA, chemistry, hematology and coagulation, immunology, transfusions, microbiology, anatomic pathology, cytopathology, cytogenetic studies, surgical pathology, in vivo and reproductive.

Medicine (6 questions)
This will cover numerous specialty-specific coding scenarios, as well as immunizations, biofeedback, dialysis, central nervous system assessments, health and behavior assessments, hydration, medical nutrition, therapeutic and diagnostic administration, chemotherapy administration, photodynamic therapy, osteopathic manipulative treatment, patient education and training, non-face-to-face nonphysician services, and moderate sedation.

E/M (6 questions)
This area will assess your coding proficiency related to place and level of services, such as office/other outpatient, hospital observation, hospital inpatient, consultations, emergency department, critical care, nursing facility, domiciliary and rest homes, and home services. It will also include questions directed at preventive medicine, non-face-to-face services, neonatal and pediatric critical care, intensive care, prolonged services, chronic care, transitional care, case management, and care plan oversight.

Anesthesia (4 questions)
The questions related to anesthesia will pertain to time reporting, qualifying circumstances, physical status modifiers, and anesthesia for surgical, diagnostic, and obstetric services.

Cases (10 cases, 1 question each)
Each case will test your ability to accurately code medical record documentation using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes.

With four hours to finish the exam, this timeframe gives you approximately 2.4 minutes to answer each of the 100 multiple-choice questions. You can save time by reading the answer choices before reading each question and by saving the more difficult questions for last. It’s important to answer every question, even if you aren’t sure. Your best guess is better than no answer at all. The cases are worth the same 1 point as any other question so save them for last as they take more time.

Exam tip: All questions even the coding cases are worth 1 point each so save the long cases for last.

Helpful resources from Coding Clarified:

AAPC CPC Exam Tips https://codingclarified.com/tips-to-pass-the-aapc-cpc-exam/  

Process of Elimination for the AAPC CPC Exam https://codingclarified.com/process-of-elimination-for-the-aapc-cpc-exam/  

Prep your Medical Coding Manuals for AAPC CPC Exam https://codingclarified.com/prep-your-medical-coding-manuals-for-aapc-cpc-exam/  

Good Luck