CPC Exam: Most Asked Questions (2026 FAQ)
Answers to the most common questions about the AAPC CPC exam: format, cost, study time, code books, scoring, retakes, and exam-day strategy.
If you're preparing for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, you probably have the same questions thousands of candidates ask every year. Here are clear, no-fluff answers to the ones that come up most often.
About the exam
How long is the CPC exam and how many questions are there?
The CPC exam is 4 hours long and contains 100 multiple-choice questions.
What's the passing score?
You need 70% — that's 70 out of 100 questions correct.
Is the CPC exam open book?
Yes. You're allowed the current-year ICD-10-CM, CPT (AMA Professional Edition), and HCPCS Level II code books. Handwritten notes and tabs are permitted; printed notes are not.
How much does the CPC exam cost?
Around $399 for AAPC members (one free retake included) and higher for non-members. Always confirm on the AAPC website — pricing is updated periodically.
Can I take the CPC exam online?
Yes. AAPC offers both online proctored (from home) and in-person options at testing centers. Both have the same content and time limit.
How many times can I retake it?
Your exam fee includes one free retake. After that, you pay again per attempt.
About preparation
How long does it take to prepare for the CPC exam?
Most candidates need 6 to 12 weeks of consistent study (10–15 hours/week). If you have no medical coding background, plan closer to 4–6 months including a foundations course.
Do I have to take the official AAPC course?
No. Self-study is a valid path if you're disciplined and have access to good materials. The AAPC course is convenient but not required.
Which code books should I buy?
The current-year editions of:
- ICD-10-CM (any publisher with the official guidelines)
- CPT Professional Edition (AMA — required, others are not allowed)
- HCPCS Level II (any publisher)
Buying last year's edition is the most expensive mistake candidates make.
How do I tab my code books?
Tab by chapter/section in ICD-10-CM and CPT, plus a few high-yield guidelines (E/M, modifiers, NCCI). Don't over-tab — 30–50 tabs per book is plenty. See How to Prepare for the CPC Exam for the full strategy.
How many practice questions should I do?
At least 1,000 exam-style questions is the benchmark most successful candidates hit before sitting the real thing. That's exactly what this site provides — 8 full mock exams plus the Advanced Practice Pack.
About the content
Which sections are weighted the heaviest?
- E/M (Evaluation & Management) — typically the largest CPT block
- Surgery (especially Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Digestive)
- ICD-10-CM Guidelines — sequencing, combination codes, 7th characters
- Modifiers and NCCI edits
Do I need to memorize codes?
No. The exam tests whether you can find the right code quickly and apply the rules. Speed in the index + tabular verification beats memorization every time.
How much anatomy and medical terminology is on the exam?
Roughly 8–10 questions directly, but anatomy knowledge is essential for coding surgery and pathology questions correctly. Don't skip it.
Exam-day strategy
How should I manage my time?
You have about 2 minutes 24 seconds per question. Do a fast first pass (~90 minutes) answering everything you're confident about, mark the rest, and use the remaining time for the harder questions. Full breakdown in 10 CPC Exam Day Tips.
What should I do if I'm stuck on a question?
Mark it and move on. Never spend more than 3 minutes on one question during the first pass. Eliminate two clearly wrong answers, then come back later.
Should I change my answers when I review?
Only if you find a clear, specific reason (a guideline, a missed modifier, a misread word). Otherwise, trust your first instinct — it's right more often than not.
After the exam
When do I get my results?
Online proctored exams: usually within 7–10 business days. In-person: similar timeframe.
What happens if I don't pass?
You get one free retake with your original exam fee. Use the score report to identify your weakest sections and focus there.
What is the "apprentice" designation (CPC-A)?
If you pass the exam but have less than 2 years of coding experience, you receive the CPC-A credential. To remove the "A", submit proof of 2 years of experience or complete AAPC's Practicode program.
Ready to practice?
The fastest way to find out if you're ready is to take a timed mock exam under real conditions.
Start with the practice section — 8 full mock exams plus the Advanced Practice Pack, 1,000 questions total, with rationales for every answer.