🧠 CPC Professional Coder Test PDF 2026

📝 What is the passing score for the CPC exam?

Most CPC exams require 70-75% to pass. Check the official exam guide for exact requirements.

⏱️ How long is the CPC exam?

The CPC exam typically allows 2-3 hours. Time management is critical for success.

📚 How should I prepare for the CPC exam?

Start with a diagnostic test, create a 4-8 week study plan, and take at least 3 full practice exams.

🎯 What topics does the CPC exam cover?

The CPC exam covers multiple domains. Review the official content outline for the complete list.

Which Code Books to Bring on Exam Day

CPT Professional Edition (current year) — required, heavily tabbed

ICD-10-CM (current year) — required, with color tabs by chapter

HCPCS Level II (current year) — required

Tab your CPT by major section: E&M, Anesthesia, Surgery subsections, Radiology, Pathology, Medicine

Highlight the CPT surgery section guidelines — they're tested directly

Annotate ICD-10-CM with instructional notes and 'use additional code' reminders

AAPC allows sticky notes and printed reference sheets inside your code books

No electronic devices, no smartphones — only printed, physical code books

Check AAPC's current approved materials list before your exam date

CPC Exam Day Checklist

Valid government-issued photo ID — required at Pearson VUE

AAPC member ID or exam confirmation number

CPT Professional Edition (fully tabbed and annotated)

ICD-10-CM (tabbed, current year)

HCPCS Level II (tabbed, current year)

Pencils — pencils are faster for marking answers to review

Arrive 30 minutes early for check-in and locker assignment

You get a 10-minute break at the midpoint — use it

Flag any question you're unsure about and return to it

Budget your time: aim for 2 minutes per question maximum

CPC Questions and Answers

How many questions are on the CPC exam?

The CPC exam has 150 multiple-choice questions. You have 5 hours and 40 minutes (340 minutes) to complete it — roughly 2.3 minutes per question. All questions are scenario-based and require you to apply coding knowledge, not just recall definitions.

What is the CPC passing score?

You need a 70% to pass — that's 105 correct out of 150 questions. If you score between 65–69%, AAPC allows one retake of the failed sections (rather than the full exam) within six months. Below 65% requires a full retake.

Is the CPC exam open book?

Yes. The CPC is an open-book exam. You can bring current-year CPT Professional Edition, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books — fully tabbed and annotated. No electronic devices are allowed. The open-book format doesn't make it easy; it makes time management the hardest part.

How hard is the CPC exam on the first try?

AAPC reports roughly a 70% first-time pass rate for candidates who complete their coursework. Without formal training, first-attempt pass rates drop significantly. Most successful candidates study 3–6 months and practice with full-length timed mock exams before sitting.

What's the difference between CPC and CCS?

CPC (Certified Professional Coder) is AAPC's credential — it focuses on physician/outpatient professional fee coding using CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) is AHIMA's credential — it focuses on hospital inpatient coding using ICD-10-PCS and DRGs. Different setting, different code sets, different career paths.

Can I use printed reference sheets on the CPC exam?

AAPC allows handwritten notes and printed reference sheets inserted inside your approved code books. Standalone loose-leaf reference sheets that aren't physically inside a code book are generally not permitted. Check AAPC's current exam materials policy before your test date — the rules can change.

(CPC) Certified Professional Coder Practice Test