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Most Frequently Asked Questions in the CPC Exam 2025

Most Frequently Asked Questions in the CPC Exam (2025 Update) 🏆 Most Frequently Asked Questions in the CPC Exam (2025 Update) If you’re planning to build a career in medical coding, the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam by AAPC is your first big step. It’s one of the most respected credentials in the medical coding industry — and passing it opens doors to career opportunities in hospitals, BPOs, and healthcare companies across India and abroad. To help you prepare, here are the most frequently asked questions about the CPC exam in 2025, along with expert answers from Unicode Healthcare Services —  leading Best medical coding training institute in Hyderabad, Bangalore 1. What is the CPC Exam? The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, conducted by AAPC, validates your knowledge and proficiency in medical coding using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II codes. It ensures that you can accurately code medical procedures and diagnoses used for billing and reimbursement. 2. What is the CPC Exam Pattern in 2025? The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that must be completed in 4 hours. The questions test your understanding of: Coding guidelines (CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS) Anatomy and physiology Medical terminology Coding compliance and ethicsYou’ll need to demonstrate accuracy and speed in applying the correct codes to medical scenarios. 3. How Many Marks Are Needed to Pass the CPC Exam? You must score 70% or above (i.e., 70 correct answers out of 100) to pass the CPC exam. The passing percentage remains consistent every year. 4. Is the CPC Exam Open Book? Yes. The CPC exam is open book, meaning you can bring your AAPC-approved coding manuals — CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. However, you cannot bring any handwritten notes or additional materials beyond what AAPC allows. 5. How Can I Prepare Effectively for the CPC Exam? The best way to prepare is through structured training and mock practice.At Unicode Healthcare Services, students receive: Comprehensive CPC syllabus coverage Weekly mock tests and case studies Real-time coding scenarios for practice Doubt-clearing sessions with certified trainers This approach ensures students are exam-ready and confident on test day. 6. What Are the Benefits of Earning a CPC Certification? Holding a CPC certification offers several advantages: Globally recognized credential Higher salary potential Access to job roles in hospitals, MNCs, and healthcare BPOs Increased job security and career growth Eligibility for advanced coding roles like CIC, COC, or CRC 7. What Is the CPC Exam Fee in India? As of 2025, the AAPC CPC exam fee in India is approximately $399 (USD) for non-members and $299 (USD) for AAPC members. However, AAPC often offers combo packages with training and retake options. 8. What Study Materials Do I Need for CPC Preparation? You’ll need the latest year editions of: CPT® Professional Edition ICD-10-CM (Volume 1 & 2) HCPCS Level IIUnicode Healthcare Services provides students with updated study materials and access to CPC mock exams based on real AAPC patterns. 9. Is Medical Coding a Good Career in India? Yes! Medical coding is one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers in India. With rising demand from US-based healthcare companies, certified coders enjoy excellent job stability, flexible work options, and international career opportunities. 10. How Long Does It Take to Prepare for the CPC Exam? Most students need 3 to 6 months of focused preparation, depending on prior medical knowledge. Unicode Healthcare Services offers fast-track and regular CPC training batches to suit different learning needs. 11. Can I Write the CPC Exam Online? Yes. AAPC allows both online (remote proctored) and in-person exam options. The online exam is conducted via a secure testing platform with webcam monitoring. 12. How Many Attempts Are Allowed for the CPC Exam? AAPC provides two exam attempts with the initial registration fee. If you don’t pass on the first attempt, you can retake the exam once for free. 13. What Happens After Passing the CPC Exam? After passing, you receive your CPC-A (Apprentice) credential. Once you gain practical coding experience (minimum 1 year) or complete AAPC’s practicode, your title upgrades to CPC (Certified Professional Coder) — without the apprentice tag. 14. Can a Non-Medical Background Student Clear CPC? Absolutely! Many successful coders come from non-medical or non-life science backgrounds. With the right training at Unicode Healthcare Services — covering medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines — students can easily master CPC concepts. 15. What Are Common Mistakes Students Make in the CPC Exam? Spending too much time on one question Ignoring modifiers or coding guidelines Poor time management Not practicing mock papers Overlooking anatomy and terminology basics Unicode’s mock exams and feedback sessions help eliminate these errors before the real test. 16. What Is the Career Scope After CPC Certification in India? After CPC certification, you can work in: Hospitals and medical billing companies Healthcare BPOs (WNS, Omega, GeBBS, Cognizant) Insurance companies EHR and RCM firms Roles include Medical Coder, Coding Auditor, Quality Analyst, or Trainer — with salaries ranging from ₹3.5L to ₹8L per annum for certified coders. 17. Which Is the Best CPC Training Institute in India? If you’re looking for the best CPC training institute in Hyderabad, Unicode Healthcare Services stands out for: India’s highest CPC scores (up to 98%) Certified AAPC trainers 100% placement assistance AI-based coding simulation tools Offline and online class options Conclusion The CPC exam is a milestone in your journey toward a successful medical coding career. With the right preparation, guidance, and mentorship, you can not only pass the exam but also build a rewarding career in healthcare revenue management. At Unicode Healthcare Services, we’ve helped 8+hundreds of students clear their CPC exams with top scores — and you could be next!