Understanding What is CPC-A Certification: A Complete Guide

The Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice (CPC-A) certification, offered by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), is an essential credential for individuals entering the medical coding field. This certification marks the early phase of a coder’s career, signifying that the holder has foundational knowledge of medical coding but has not yet acquired the two years of required professional experience to fully qualify as a CPC. In this guide, we will explore what CPC-A certification is, the benefits it offers, and how individuals can work toward obtaining and maintaining it. Additionally, we will provide a detailed look at the transition from CPC-A to the full CPC certification, career prospects, and more.

Key Takeaways for Successfully Obtaining CPC-A Certification

  • CPC-A Designation: The CPC-A certification represents the apprentice status for new coders, allowing them to enter the medical coding workforce while accumulating the necessary two years of professional experience to attain full CPC certification.

  • Examination Requirements: To earn the CPC-A designation, candidates must pass the CPC exam, which covers a broad spectrum of coding knowledge, including various coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes.

  • Ongoing Education: Maintaining the CPC-A certification requires ongoing education, including 100 continuing education credits over four years to ensure the coder's skills remain up to date and competitive.

What is CPC-A Certification?

The CPC-A credential is awarded to individuals who are in the early stages of their medical coding careers. It acknowledges that they have basic proficiency in medical coding principles but are still in the process of meeting the experience requirements for full certification. Achieving the CPC-A certification enables entry-level coders to gain valuable experience while establishing their professional credibility within the healthcare industry.

The certification is issued by AAPC, a leading organization that specializes in medical coding, billing, and auditing certifications. AAPC's recognition assures employers that an individual has a solid understanding of medical coding practices and is capable of performing basic coding tasks. The CPC-A exam assesses proficiency in several critical areas, including medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems, and documentation standards. Passing the exam demonstrates the individual's ability to apply coding knowledge in real-world settings.

Why Pursue CPC-A Certification?

Pursuing the CPC-A certification provides several advantages, particularly for those who have recently completed medical coding programs. The certification is an ideal starting point for those new to the medical coding field, as it allows individuals to begin their professional careers while working towards full certification. Here are a few key reasons to pursue the CPC-A certification:

  • Improved Job Prospects: Many employers prefer to hire certified coders over non-certified candidates. The CPC-A certification is widely recognized and can improve your chances of finding a job in medical coding.

  • Increased Earning Potential: Although the CPC-A certification represents the apprentice phase, it still opens the door to higher-paying job opportunities. Certified coders generally earn more than their non-certified counterparts.

  • Professional Recognition: Holding the CPC-A certification demonstrates that you have foundational knowledge in medical coding, making you more credible to employers and peers in the healthcare industry.

Benefits of Medical Coding Certifications

Earning a medical coding certification, such as the CPC-A, offers numerous benefits for aspiring coders:

  • Higher Job Prospects: Certified coders are often preferred by employers, and medical coding jobs are projected to grow in demand as healthcare services continue to expand.

  • Career Advancement: Certification can pave the way for higher-level positions, including medical coding supervisor, auditor, and compliance officer.

  • Increased Salary: Certified professionals can earn a higher salary compared to their non-certified counterparts. According to AAPC, the average salary for certified coders is around $58,000 per year.

  • Professional Credibility: Certification boosts your credibility in the field, making it easier to secure promotions and take on new challenges within the healthcare industry.

Who Should Pursue CPC-A Certification?

CPC-A certification is perfect for those who are just starting their careers in medical coding or have recently completed medical coding programs. The certification is also ideal for healthcare workers transitioning into medical coding from other roles, such as medical assistants or office administrators,

  • New Graduates: Those who have completed a medical coding program and are seeking employment in the field should pursue CPC-A certification as a means to gain professional recognition and improve their job prospects.

  • Healthcare Professionals: Those already working in healthcare but looking to specialize in coding will find the CPC-A certification an important credential to demonstrate their expertise.

Prerequisites for CPC-A Certification

To be eligible for the CPC-A certification, candidates must meet certain prerequisites:

  • Education: Candidates typically need an associate degree or diploma in health information management, medical coding, or a related field. While some individuals may be eligible to bypass formal education, completing an accredited coding program is strongly recommended to prepare for the CPC exam.

  • Training: Candidates must complete a medical coding education program that provides comprehensive instruction in key areas like anatomy, medical terminology, pathophysiology, and coding standards. These foundational topics are critical for success in the CPC exam.

  • Experience: While the CPC-A designation does not require two years of coding experience, candidates are encouraged to gain hands-on practice through internships, volunteer work, or part-time coding roles to improve their chances of passing the CPC exam.

Eligibility Requirements for CPC-A Certification

The eligibility criteria for CPC-A certification include:

  1. Medical Coding Education: Completing an AAPC-approved medical coding program.

  2. CPC Exam: Passing the CPC exam with a score of at least 70%.

  3. Experience: At least one year of medical coding experience is recommended, though it is not required for CPC-A certification.

  4. 80 Contact Hours of Training: Completing 80 hours of medical coding training or coursework to ensure readiness for the exam.

The CPC-A Certification Exam

The CPC exam is the primary certification test for medical coders, and it is recognized as the gold standard in the industry. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering 17 knowledge areas, including CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes.

  • Exam Format: The exam is four hours long and is designed to test the candidate’s ability to apply coding knowledge to real-world situations.

  • Content Areas: The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology, diagnostic coding, procedure coding, and medical coding guidelines. Coding documentation is a significant component of the exam, contributing 10.1% to the overall score.

  • Passing Score: To pass the CPC exam, candidates must score at least 70%.

Preparing for the CPC-A Exam

Proper preparation is key to passing the CPC exam and earning the CPC-A certification. Here are some tips for success:

  • Study Comprehensive Resources: Use study guides, textbooks, and online resources provided by AAPC to familiarize yourself with the exam content.

  • Practice with Mock Exams: Take practice exams to test your knowledge and become familiar with the format and timing of the actual exam.

  • Join Study Groups: Join study groups and forums to discuss topics with fellow candidates and gain insights from experienced coders.

  • Time Management: Plan your study schedule in advance to ensure you cover all the necessary topics and have time for revision.

Transitioning from CPC-A to Full CPC Certification

Once you have acquired two years of hands-on coding experience, you can transition from CPC-A to full CPC certification. To do so, you will need to submit verification of your coding experience, including two letters of recommendation and proof of the 80 contact hours of coding-related coursework.

  • Experience: The experience requirement can be fulfilled by gaining practical experience in medical coding or by combining one year of coding work with 80 hours of additional training.

  • Documentation: Submit the required documentation to prove your work experience and educational achievements.

Continuing Education and Maintaining CPC-A Certification

Maintaining the CPC-A certification requires ongoing education to keep up with the latest changes in medical coding practices. Over the course of four years, you must complete 100 continuing education credits, with at least 60 of those credits coming from Class A activities. Extra Class A credits can count toward Class B requirements, providing flexibility in how you meet the total credit count. If you're exploring the Best Medical Billing and Coding Certification Programs in 2025, institutions like AMBCI (American Medical Billing and Coding Institute) offer pathways that support both initial certification and continued education to meet these requirements efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The CPC-A certification signifies that an individual is an apprentice in medical coding and has passed the CPC exam but has not yet met the two-year professional experience requirement for full certification.


  • CPC-A certification is ideal for recent graduates from medical coding programs and those new to the field of medical coding who are looking to build their credentials and gain experience.


  • Candidates need an associate degree or diploma in a related field, completion of relevant coursework in medical coding, and preparation for the CPC exam.


  • To transition, you need to accumulate two years of practical coding experience and submit verification letters to remove the apprentice designation.


  • CPC-A certification increases job prospects, boosts credibility, and enhances salary potential for new coders, providing a strong foundation for career advancement.


6 Lesser-Known Facts about CPC-A Certification:

CPC-A holders often earn more than non-certified coders, even during their apprenticeship.

The CPC exam contains questions covering 17 different areas of coding, ensuring a broad scope of knowledge.

AAPC members have access to a wealth of resources, including webinars, workshops, and discounts on continuing education credits.

  • AAPC: Member Benefits - This page outlines the benefits of being an AAPC member, including access to resources and discounts.

The medical coding industry is expected to grow by 8% by 2030, leading to more opportunities for certified coders.

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians - This page provides statistics on the growth of medical coding and billing jobs.

With a CPC-A certification, coders are eligible for remote job opportunities, a growing trend in the healthcare industry.

Transitioning from CPC-A to CPC can open the door to higher-paying positions and more specialized coding roles.

  • AAPC: CPC-A to CPC Advancement - This link explains how the transition from CPC-A to CPC can provide access to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

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