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.
How to Prepare for the Online Proctored Exam
AAPC delivers online exams through Meazure Learning’s ProctorU platform. Complete these steps several days before your appointment, not the morning of:
- Review your Notice to Schedule email to confirm your date, time, testing window and ID requirements.
- Install the Guardian Browser. It is required, and you cannot launch the exam in Chrome, Safari, Edge or Firefox.
- Watch the official Guardian Browser tutorial so you know what the proctor sees and how the room scan works.
- Run the ProctorU equipment check for your webcam, microphone, speakers and internet connection.
- Review the ProctorU permitted materials and AAPC’s current testing policies.
- Prepare a quiet, private, well lit room at a desk, not a couch or bed, with nothing on the desk except your approved code books.
- Read the ProctorU Test-Taker Library for answers about breaks, room scans and internet interruptions.
What happens at check-in: your proctor verifies your identity and photo ID, scans your room and desk, checks your code books, then launches your exam. Log in 30 minutes early.
If you have a technical problem: stay calm and follow the proctor’s instructions. Do not close the Guardian Browser unless told to. If the problem happens before your appointment, contact ProctorU support right away.
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.
An on-site proctor monitors you and the center provides all equipment. Expect a security check on arrival and after any break. Rescheduling 15 days or less before your appointment carries a fee paid to Meazure Learning.
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.
What Causes a Forfeited Voucher
You lose your attempt if you do not show up, cancel or reschedule less than 48 hours before your exam, your ID name does not exactly match your AAPC profile, or you bring unapproved materials. If your name is wrong, contact AAPC at least 48 hours before your exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AAPC phasing out in person testing?
AAPC announced a move toward remote proctoring in 2022, but in person testing is still offered, so you can choose either format.
Can I use Chrome or Edge instead of the Guardian Browser?
No. The Guardian Browser is required to launch the online exam.
What ID do I need?
A valid government issued photo ID with a first and last name that exactly match your exam registration.
Are ADA accommodations available?
Yes. Apply with documentation and get approval before you schedule.
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.