What is a CPC-A certification?

Question:

What is a CPC-A certification?

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Answer:

The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) offers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam for individuals who desire to become certified medical coders. To earn the CPC certificate, individuals are required to have two years of on the job experience, possess an associate's degree (recommended, but not required), maintain current membership with the AAPC, pay the examination fee, and pass the CPC certification exam. However, test-takers who fail to submit proof of on the job experience may still sit for the exam and earn apprentice status (CPC-A).

Individuals who desire apprentice designation to be removed from a current CPC-A certificate must submit two letters of recommendation to verify that the minimum two years of job experience has been fulfilled. One letter of recommendation must be submitted from the employer on official company letterhead and the other recommendation may be submitted by a co-worker. However, current CPC-A certificate holders who submit proof of completion of at least 80 contact hours of coding preparation coursework are only required to have one year of on the job experience (which must be confirmed through an employer letter of recommendation on official company letterhead).

To learn more about how to become a medical coding specialist, please check out this informative article How to Become a Medical Coding Specialist: Job Description & Requirements

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