Taking The CPC Exam and becoming a Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) is probably one of the most important steps you can take to advance your career in medical coding.

The CPC® is recognized as the standard for physician based coding. Certified Professional Coders are an important part of a physicians compliance and profitability and typically earn 20% more than non certified coders.

The CPC® exam consists of 150 questions about the right application of CPT®, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes. The testing is based on physician practice knowledge as opposed to the COC® exam which is designed around knowledge of hospital based coding practices.

Once you pass the exam and are certified you are considered a professional coder.

Below is the CPC Exams Study Guide. It is an excellent starting point for preparing for the CPC exam.