CPC® Preparation Course – Pass CPC® Exam (2024)

FAQs

How many questions can you miss on the CPC exam and still pass? ›

You need to answer 70 questions correctly to pass the exam. The correct answers are worth 1 point each, and they are combined to calculate your final score. Your results are released to your AAPC account seven to ten days after you take the exam.

In order to pass the CPC exam, you need to get a 70% or better on the test. Always keep that in mind when you're taking the test. The long, multi-part questions that might have you look up three, four, or five codes are worth the same as the general knowledge questions.

Practicing for the CPC exam

Once you've studied, you'll want to take advantage of as many practice tests as possible. Treat practice exams like real tests. Study for them, follow time constraints, and note which questions you answered incorrectly. Go back and review the areas you struggled with.

The CPC exam can be challenging as it covers a wide range of topics and requires extensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines. However, with adequate preparation and practice, passing the exam is achievable.

“For a passing score of 70%, you must get at least 70 questions correct. If you incorrectly answer more than 30 questions, you will not pass.” Instead, it seems that the exam questions are divided into randomly created “areas of study” that have between 3 and 10 questions.

You'll have to rely on your knowledge of code sets, medical terminology, best practices, and the coding process in general to pass. Individuals who earn a score of 70 percent or better (105 correct questions) will pass the CPC exam. If you fail your first test, you are allowed one free retake.

To ensure accuracy and the quality of the exam, results will be available within 7-10 business days of completing the exam. This timeframe may vary based on volume and time of year. Results will show in the member area under MyAAPC > Exams in the exam details.

There's no doubt about it, the CPC^® exam is tough. A variety of sources show that ONLY about 50% of coders receive the necessary 70% score to pass the CPC^® Exam on the first try. That means that half of all test-takers need a second shot at passing. Who wants to take this test more than once?

You should plan to study for the AAPC CPC exam for at least two months. The more you know without having to utilize the books during the exam, the better. You'll ensure that you finish all of the questions in the allotted time frame to achieve the highest possible score.

Don't second-guess yourself.

Go through a question as quickly as you can and trust your first educated answer. The last thing you want is to get trapped in over-thinking. Remember — keeping the pace means answering more exam questions, which means a better score. You can go back to questions if time permits.

Can you self study for CPC exam? ›

CPC exam prep online self-study course is ideal for individual learners who are self-disciplined to complete online programs on their own at their own pace.

Yes, you can technically take the CPC exam without going to school. However, it is not recommended.

Exam results will be available within 7-10 business days of completing the exam. Results will show in the member area under MyAAPC>Exams in the exam details.

How many attempts for the CPC exam? You can take the CPC exam as many times as you like! Each entry fee entitles you to take the test once, and if you don't pass the first time, just schedule another test for a few months in the future.

There's no doubt about it, the CPC^® exam is tough. A variety of sources show that ONLY about 50% of coders receive the necessary 70% score to pass the CPC^® Exam on the first try. That means that half of all test-takers need a second shot at passing. Who wants to take this test more than once?

How many times can I take the exam with each payment? Members taking the exam will receive 1 attempt unless they purchased the 2-exam bundle.