Code Book Requirements for the CPC Exam
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam requires specific code books to ensure examinees have the necessary resources to complete the test accurately. Below is a comprehensive guide to the code book requirements, allowed formats, and recommendations for the CPC exam.
Overview of Required Code Books
For the CPC exam, the following code books are required:
AMA's CPT® Professional Edition
ICD-10-CM, any publisher
HCPCS Level II, any publisher
These books must be either the current year's editions or the previous year's editions, depending on the exam year. For example, for the 2026 CPC exam, both 2025 and 2026 editions are allowed, but using the latest edition is strongly recommended to avoid disadvantages due to code changes.
Allowed Formats: Physical vs. eBooks
Examinees can choose between physical books and eBooks, but there are specific guidelines:
Physical Books: You may bring your own printed copies of the required code books. Ensure they are the approved editions.
eBooks: Only official eBooks provided by the exam platform are allowed. Personal eBooks or scanned/printed copies are not permitted. If you select eBooks, they will be available within the exam platform during your test. Be sure to finalize your eBook or print book selection in your AAPC account at least 48 hours before the exam.
Recommendations for Book Editions
While older editions are allowed, it is recommended to use the latest editions to ensure you have the most up-to-date information. Using older books may put you at a slight disadvantage due to code changes.
General Guidelines for AAPC Exams
Code sets are updated annually, and current-year books are strongly recommended.
For print books, you may use one copy each from the current or previous year, or a mix of both.
For eBooks, only current-year versions are provided in the testing platform.
FAQs
Can I use scanned or printed copies of books for the CPC exam?
No, scanned or printed copies of books are not allowed. Only the official code book sets will be allowed to be used during the exams.
What happens if I use older editions of the code books?
Older editions, such as 2024 books for the 2026 exam, would result in a forfeit exam voucher
Are all four current-year books required for the CPC exam?
No, only three approved code books are required: CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II. You do not need all four current-year books.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure you are well-prepared for the CPC exam with the correct and most up-to-date resources.