The certified professional coder (CPC) credential recognizes an individual who has demonstrated professional competency and passed a rigorous medical coding certification examination sponsored by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Since 1988, AAPC has provided certification and training for outpatient- and practice-based medical coders, helping to advance the medical coding profession. AAPC now has more than 82,000 members, and more than 59,000 members have achieved CPC certification. CPC certification demonstrates an individual has relevant work experience, a thorough knowledge of coding and a commitment to further grow and develop in their profession.

Exam Eligibility                                                                                                                           
AAPC strongly recommends individuals have an associate degree and 2 years of coding experience prior to sitting for the exam. Individuals who do not have 2 years of work experience may still sit for the CPC exam; however, the credential awarded is designated as certified professional coder-apprentice (CPC-A). The CPC-A credential is replaced with the full CPC credential once the individual either submits two recommendation letters verifying 2 years of on-the-job coding experience or completes a minimum 80-hour coding course and submits one recommendation letter verifying at least 1 year of on-the-job coding experience.

Exam Preparation
A number of methods are available to prepare for the CPC exam, ranging from online distance learning to traditional courses taught in a classroom setting. Preparation tools include in-depth courses geared for beginning coders as well as study guides and shorter review classes for those with a background in coding. To help examinees gauge their readiness for the exam, AAPC offers online practice exams that contain the same types of questions at the same difficulty level as those found on the actual exam. Taking a practice exam beforehand is an ideal way for an examinee to gain experience with taking this type of an exam and to assess their current level of preparation for the exam.

About the Exam
The CPC exam measures proficiency and knowledge of the correct application of CPT, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes and ICD-9-CM diagnosis codes used for billing professional medical services to payers. The CPC exam is a challenging exam that evaluates a physician practice coder's knowledge of the following areas:

The 5.5-hour exam is a 150-question multiple-choice format test. Examinees are permitted to bring CPT, ICD-9-CM and HCPCS Level II manuals (see the AAPC Web site for approved versions of each manual). No other reference materials are allowed during the exam. Individuals with a solid understanding of coding fundamentals, anatomy and terminology should be able to answer each examination question by referring to the appropriate manual or through careful reasoning. All code sets used on the exam match the calendar year the exam is taken (i.e. exams taken in 2009 use 2009 codes; exams taken in 2010 use 2010 codes).

An overall score of 70 percent is a passing score on the exam. Although the exam is grouped into sections, the sections are not scored independently--every question is of equal weight. Exam results are provided to the examinee within 7 to 10 business days following the exam date.

Exams are offered nationwide in cooperation with AAPC local chapters or through an AAPC-licensed instructor. Upcoming exam dates and locations may be found on the "Locate an Exam" listing, found under the "Certification" tab on the AAPC homepage. The exam registration fee is $300 for regular members and $260 for students in an AAPC-approved curriculum program. The registration fee includes two exam attempts--examinees who do not pass the exam on their first attempt are allowed one free retake. A current AAPC membership is required to sit for an exam. Student membership is available for $70/year; full AAPC membership is $120.

Why Become Certified
Obtaining CPC certification is a way to demonstrate to employers and peers your competence, knowledge and skill in medical coding. Certification shows you:

• Can reduce denial rates through accurate coding.
• Can increase charge captures by properly applying coding rules.
• Are committed to your career.
• Will abide by a code of ethics, ensuring your coding is accurate and compliant.
• Will continue to further your knowledge and abilities through continuing education.

In today's health care environment, those statements speak loudly to a potential employer.

David Maxwell is vice president of product management at AAPC.