CPC Practice Test : Free Exam Questions & Study Guide
Achieving your CPC certification is the gold standard for medical coding professionals. The Certified Professional Coder credential validates your expertise in physician-based medical coding, including CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II.
Prepare for your certified professional coder cpc exam with our comprehensive study materials. Whether you are a new certified medical billing and coding specialist or an experienced medical certified coder looking to validate your skills, our free resources will help you pass. This guide supports your journey to become an aapc certified professional coder.
The certified medical coder certification exam tests your proficiency in CPT procedure codes, HCPCS Level II supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes across all body systems.
Free CPC Practice Test Questions
Take our free CPC practice test modules to evaluate your readiness. These CPC exam questions cover anatomy, medical terminology, and specific coding guidelines to help you pass your AAPC CPC certification exam.
CPC Exam Flashcards
Quick review for the Certified Professional Coder exam
CPC Exam Study Guide
Use our CPC exam study guide to master the key domains. From aapc cpc certification basics to advanced coding scenarios, this guide covers everything you need.
| What is the CPC exam? | The CPC exam is a certification test by AAPC for medical coders in physician office settings. It validates proficiency in CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding. |
| Who should take the CPC exam? | Anyone aspiring to become a certified professional coder, including billing specialists and healthcare administrators, should take this exam to advance their career. |
| Is the CPC exam open book? | Yes, the CPC exam is an open-book test. You are allowed to use approved CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books during the exam. |
| What does AAPC stand for? | AAPC stands for the American Academy of Professional Coders, the world's largest training and credentialing organization for the business of healthcare. |
| How many questions are on the CPC exam? | The CPC exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. It was previously 150 questions but was updated to 100 questions. |
| How long is the CPC exam? | Candidates have 4 hours to complete the CPC exam. This requires managing your time efficiently to answer all 100 questions. |
| What topics are covered on the CPC test? | The CPC test covers 17 domains, including Anatomy, Pathology, CPT surgical sections (10000-60000), Medicine, Radiology, and ICD-10-CM coding. |
| Is the CPC exam online or in-person? | You can take the CPC exam either online via Live Remote Proctoring (LRP) or in-person at a Meazure Learning test center. |
| How do I register for the CPC exam? | You can register for the CPC exam through the AAPC website. You must be a member of the AAPC to sit for the certification. |
| What is the CPC exam cost? | The CPC exam cost is typically $399 for one attempt or $499 for two attempts. AAPC membership fees are separate and required. |
| Are there prerequisites for the CPC exam? | While there are no strict prerequisites to take the CPC exam, AAPC recommends having an associate degree or equivalent experience in medical coding. |
| Can I reschedule my CPC exam? | Yes, you can reschedule your CPC exam up to 24 hours before your scheduled online appointment or according to the test center's policy. |
| What is the passing score for the CPC exam? | The passing score for the CPC exam is 70%. You must answer at least 70 of the 100 questions correctly to earn your credential. |
| When will I get my CPC exam results? | For online exams, preliminary CPC results are often available immediately, with official results within 3-5 business days. In-person exams may take longer. |
| What happens if I fail the CPC exam? | If you fail the CPC exam, you can retake it. AAPC often sells exam vouchers that include a free retake if the first attempt is unsuccessful. |
| Does the CPC certification expire? | The CPC certification does not expire as long as you maintain your AAPC membership and complete 36 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years. |
| What is the average CPC salary? | The average certified professional coder salary is approximately $58,055 annually. Experienced coders and those with specialty credentials earn more. |
| Does a CPC earn more than a non-certified coder? | Yes, certified professional coders typically earn 20-30% more than non-certified coders, making the certification a valuable investment. |
| What jobs can I get with a CPC certification? | With a CPC certification, you can work as a Medical Coder, Coding Auditor, Compliance Officer, or remote coding specialist. |
| Is the CPC certification worth it? | Absolutely. The CPC certification is highly respected and often required by employers for medical coding positions, leading to better job security and pay. |
CPC Test Format
The CPC test is structured to evaluate your ability to apply coding guidelines. Understanding the cpc practice exam format helps you prepare effectively.
Covers surgical procedures on the integumentary system.
- Topics: Lesions, grafts, burns
- Questions: ~6 Questions
Coding for the musculoskeletal system surgeries.
- Topics: Head to toe anatomy
- Questions: ~6 Questions
Respiratory, Hemic, Lymphatic, Mediastinum/Diaphragm.
- Topics: Nose to lungs procedures
- Questions: ~6 Questions
Digestive system procedures from lips to anus.
- Topics: Endoscopies, biopsies
- Questions: ~6 Questions
Medicine section codes (90000 series).
- Topics: Non-surgical services
- Questions: ~10 Questions
ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding guidelines.
- Topics: Compliance, regulations
- Questions: ~20+ Questions
Focus heavily on the Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting. Many questions test your ability to apply these rules rather than just looking up a code. Practice with a CPC study guide daily.
CPC Score Calculator
Calculate your potential score based on correct answers (100 total questions)
CPC Salary Information
Average annual salary for a Certified Professional Coder in the United States.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Monthly Income | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (Non-Certified) | $45,000 | ~$3,750 | 0-1 Years |
| Certified (CPC-A) | $52,000 | ~$4,333 | 1-2 Years |
| Mid-Level CPC | $58,055 | ~$4,837 | 3-5 Years |
| Senior Coder/Auditor | $72,000 | ~$6,000 | 5-10 Years |
| Manager/Director | $85,000+ | ~$7,083+ | 10+ Years |
Certified coders earn an average of 27% more than their non-certified colleagues. Adding specialty credentials can boost CPC salary even further.
How to Become a Certified Professional Coder
Follow this roadmap to earn your certified professional coder certification. Completing certified medical coder programs or a certified medical coder online course is a great first step.
- Complete Education - Enroll in certified professional coder training or a certified professional coder course to build your foundation.
- AAPC Membership - Join the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) to be eligible for the exam.
- Prepare for Exam - Use a free CPC practice test and study the official guidelines. You can also take a certified professional coder online course.
- Schedule Exam - Register for the CPC exam online or at a testing center.
- Pass CPC Exam - Score 70% or higher. If you lack experience, you'll earn the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation.
- Gain Experience - Remove the "Apprentice" status by submitting proof of 2 years of on-the-job experience.
- Maintain Certification - Complete 36 CEUs every two years to keep your credential active.
CPC Certification Costs
Understanding the CPC certification financial investment is crucial. Obtaining your certified coder certificate includes exam fees, membership, and study materials.
Many certified professional coder classes include exam vouchers. Student membership rates are also lower. Look for bundles that combine the CPC exam and study materials.
CPC Career Opportunities
Diverse specialties for a certified professional medical coder or certified billing coder.
CPC Testing Contacts
Contact the AAPC for inquiries regarding american academy of professional coders certification.
Search for "certified professional coder jobs near me" or certified coder medical roles on the AAPC job board or LinkedIn to find opportunities in your area.
CPC Test Day Checklist
Start Your CPC Prep
Join thousands of students using our cpc practice exam tools to become certified professional coders. Don't leave your future to chance.
TAKE CPC PRACTICE TESTCPC Renewal Requirements
To maintain your CPC certification, you must meet AAPC renewal requirements. This ensures your certified medical coder skills remain current.
Earn CEUs through local chapter meetings, AAPC webinars, and medical coding workshops. Keep your american academy professional coders membership active to avoid retaking the exam.
CPC Exam Questions and Answers
What is the CPC exam?
The CPC exam is the gold standard for medical coding certification. It tests your knowledge of medical coding certification exam topics like CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes required for physician billing. It is the key to professional medical coder certification.
Where can I find certified professional coder jobs near me?
You can find certified professional coder jobs near me by searching the AAPC job board, LinkedIn, and hospital career pages. Networking with your local AAPC chapter is also highly effective for finding certified professional coder programs.
Is the AAPC medical coding certification hard?
Yes, the AAPC medical coding certification exam is challenging with a pass rate of around 50-60%. Thorough preparation using a CPC study guide is essential. Is the american academy professional coders certification worth it? Yes, absolutely.
Can I take the CPC exam online?
Yes, the AAPC offers the CPC exam online through Live Remote Proctoring (LRP). This allows you to take the test from home, making it easier to earn your certified professional coder (cpc) credential.
What books do I need for the CPC exam?
You need current editions of the CPT (AMA Professional Edition), ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books. These are the only references allowed during the open-book CPC certification exam.
What is the difference between CPC and CCS?
The CPC certification focuses on physician office coding (outpatient), while the certified coding specialist (CCS) credential from AHIMA focuses on hospital inpatient coding. Both differ from a certified billing & coding specialist.
How much does a certified medical coder make?
The average certified professional coder salary is approximately $58,055 per year. Specialized coders and those with years of experience can earn significantly more, often exceeding $80,000.
Are there medical coding certificate programs near me?
Yes, community colleges and vocational schools offer medical coding certificate programs near me. You can also find aapc approved schools offering comprehensive online training for certified professional coder programs.
How do I become a certified medical biller and coder?
To become a certified medical biller and coder, complete a training program, join the AAPC, and pass the CPC certification exam. A certified medical billing and coding specialist may have different requirements.
Is there a free CPC practice exam?
Yes, we offer a free CPC practice exam on our website. It includes realistic cpc exam questions to help you gauge your readiness and identify areas for improvement.