Certified Professional Coder (CPC): Requirements & Exam Details
Informational only — not financial or career advice. Exam fees and certification requirements change, and the figures here are accurate only as of the listed verification date. Confirm the current fee and rules directly with the certifying body before you register or budget. We report the official-body exam fee for a single attempt; it excludes prep courses, materials and retakes, and is not the total cost of certifying.
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Candidates should note that there are no published prerequisites to sit for the CPC exam; however, AAPC membership is required to hold the certification. AAPC membership costs $299 annually. The base examination fee is $499 for a single attempt. Candidates who hold current AAPC membership receive an exam fee of $399. The certification includes one free retake attempt.
The CPC credential remains valid for one year and requires annual continuing education units (CEUs) for renewal. The exam fee of $499 for non-members and $399 for members is accurate as of June 2026 and is subject to change. Since eligibility requirements, fees, and renewal rules are established and may be updated by the AAPC, candidates should verify all current requirements, costs, and procedures directly on the AAPC's official website before registering for the examination.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Prerequisites | None (AAPC membership $299/yr to certify) |
| Base exam fee | $499 |
| Fee notes | non-member $499 / member $399; 1 free retake |
| Validity / renewal | Annual CEUs |
Register with the issuer. Eligibility, fees and renewal rules are set by AAPC and can change — confirm on the official page.
Estimate your certification cost →