AAPC certification covering medical billing processes across the revenue cycle.
Who it's for
Healthcare professionals responsible for medical billing, claims processing, and revenue cycle management — AAPC's credential for the billing side of healthcare administration, distinct from (but complementary to) medical coding certifications.
What's covered
- Insurance and reimbursement fundamentals
- ICD-10-CM and claims processing
- Billing regulations and compliance
- Denials, appeals, and collections
What to expect
The exam is open-book — you're allowed approved code books during the test — so it's less about memorizing codes and more about knowing how to navigate billing regulations, payer rules, and claims workflows correctly under time pressure.
How to prepare
AAPC sells the official CPB study guide, an online training course, and practice exams directly through aapc.com; since the exam is open-book, part of your prep should include practicing navigation of your code books quickly, not just content review.
Certification details
- Certifying body: AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders).
- Eligibility: No formal prerequisites; AAPC recommends relevant coursework or billing experience.
- Exam format: 135 multiple-choice questions, 4-hour time limit, open-book (approved code books permitted), computer-based or paper exam.
- Content outline: Insurance types and plans, billing regulations/compliance, reimbursement methodologies, claims processing, denials/appeals, and collections.
- Recertification: Annual membership plus continuing education units (CEUs) required to maintain certification.
