How to Remove the Apprentice ("A") Designation from Your CPC Certification
Removing the apprentice ("A") designation from your CPC certification is a critical step in advancing your professional credentials. This guide outlines the requirements, documentation, and processes involved in successfully completing the apprentice removal process.
Overview of Apprentice Removal
The apprentice designation indicates that a CPC-certified individual is in the process of gaining the required work experience. To remove this designation, you must meet specific education and work experience requirements set by AAPC.
Documentation Requirements
To remove the apprentice designation, you must provide the following:
1. Proof of Work Experience
Requirement: Two years (24 months) of on-the-job medical coding experience.
Documentation: A letter of recommendation from your employer verifying your experience. The letter must: - Be on official company letterhead. - Include exact dates of employment. - Be physically signed (wet signature).
2. Education Requirements
Option 1: Completion of the AAPC CPC course, which grants one year of credit toward the two-year requirement. You must still document one additional year of work experience.
Option 2: Completion of Practicode, which can fulfill the remaining experience requirement if employer documentation is unavailable.
3. Additional Documentation
Transcripts or Certificates: If you are counting education toward eligibility, submit an unofficial transcript or a certificate of completion that explicitly lists contact hours (minimum 80 hours).
Instructor Letters: While not mandatory, an instructor letter can serve as supplementary documentation.
Submission Process
Follow these steps to submit your apprentice removal application:
Log in to your AAPC account.
Click your name in the top-right corner.
Select the "Apprentice" link from the dropdown menu.
Choose "Apprentice Removal Application" from the left column.
Upload the required documentation, including employer letters, transcripts, or certificates.
Submit the application for review.
Alternative Pathways
If you are unable to meet the standard documentation requirements, consider the following alternatives:
Practicode Completion: Completing Practicode can fulfill the experience requirement if employer letters are unavailable.
Multiple Employers: If your experience spans multiple employers, submit letters from each employer to total at least two years of verified experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can coworker letters be used as proof of work experience?
No, letters must come from a supervisor or HR representative. Coworker letters are not accepted as primary documentation.
What if my employer cannot provide a letter on official letterhead?
If obtaining a letter on letterhead is not possible, completing Practicode is an alternative pathway to meet the requirements.
Do I need to resubmit documentation after completing two years of experience?
Yes, you must resubmit the apprentice removal letter once you have completed the full two years of experience.
Is a relieving letter acceptable as documentation?
No, a relieving letter is not accepted. You must submit a letter of recommendation verifying your coding experience.
Do I need to submit anything if I completed the AAPC course and Practicode?
If both are recorded correctly in your account, the apprentice designation is removed automatically. No additional submission is required.
Conclusion
Removing the apprentice designation from your CPC certification is a straightforward process if you meet the education and work experience requirements. Ensure all documentation is complete and submitted through the AAPC dashboard for a smooth review process. For additional guidance, refer to the official AAPC apprentice removal requirements page.