How to Get AAPC CPC Certification: Step-by-Step Guide

For anyone looking to enter the healthcare industry, a career in medical coding can be a rewarding and stable choice. The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is the most recognized credential in the field. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to earn your CPC certification, from understanding the role of a medical coder to passing the exam and advancing your career.

What is a Medical Coder?

Medical coders are essential to the healthcare system. They translate healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into universal medical alphanumeric codes. This process is crucial for billing insurance companies, tracking health trends, and ensuring that medical records are accurate and consistent.

The demand for qualified medical coders is on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the employment of medical records and health information technicians will grow significantly in the coming years. This growth is driven by an aging population and the increasing need for data in healthcare.

Step 1: Understand the CPC Certification

The CPC certification demonstrates your proficiency in medical coding for services performed by physicians and other healthcare providers. Earning this credential shows potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge to accurately apply CPT®, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes.

Step 2: Choose Your Educational Path

While a degree is not required to become a medical coder, a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology is essential. You can gain this knowledge through various educational programs.

There are several paths you can take, from university certificate programs to more flexible online diplomas. Here’s a comparison of a few options:

When choosing a program, consider factors like accreditation, cost, schedule flexibility, and whether the curriculum prepares you for certification exams.

Step 3: Become an AAPC Member

To take the CPC exam, you must be a member of the AAPC. Membership provides access to a wealth of resources, including networking opportunities, educational materials, and discounts on AAPC products. As of early 2025, an individual membership costs $222, and a student membership is $157.

Step 4: Prepare for and Schedule the CPC Exam

The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. A passing score is 70% or higher. The exam covers 18 areas of knowledge, including:

• Evaluation and Management
• Anesthesia and Surgery
• Radiology and Pathology
• Medicine
• ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding guidelines

The cost of the exam is $399 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts. You can register for the exam through your AAPC account.

To help you prepare, dedicate adequate time to review all three code sets and practice applying them to real medical scenarios.

Step 5: Pass the Exam and Understand the Apprentice (CPC-A) Designation

Once you pass the CPC exam, you will be designated as a Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A) unless you have two years of prior medical coding experience. The “A” signifies that you have the knowledge of a certified coder but have not yet proven your experience in the field.

While some employers will hire a CPC-A, having the full CPC credential can open up more job opportunities.

Step 6: Remove Your Apprentice Status

To remove the “-A” from your credential, you need to demonstrate two years of on-the-job experience. This can be achieved in a few ways:

• Two Years of Work Experience: Submit letters from your employers verifying two years of experience using the CPT®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets.
• Education and Experience:
  • One year of work experience combined with the completion of a coding preparation course of at least 80 contact hours.
  • One year of work experience combined with the completion of AAPC’s Practicode program, which consists of 600 real-world coding cases.
• Education and Practicode: Completion of both an 80-hour coding course and the Practicode program can also fulfill the two-year requirement.

For more details on this process, contact AAPC directly or check their website for the most current requirements.

Step 7: Maintain Your Certification

To maintain your CPC certification, you must be a current AAPC member and earn 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. CEUs can be earned through webinars, workshops, and local chapter meetings.

Your Future in Medical Coding

Earning your CPC certification is a significant accomplishment that can lead to a stable and rewarding career in the healthcare industry. With a strong job outlook and competitive salaries, becoming a certified medical coder is an excellent choice for those interested in the business side of medicine.

Ready to take the next step? Explore our career resources for medical coders to learn more.