AAPC CPC (Certified Professional Coder) Bootcamp

AAPC CPC Program Overview

The AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification represents the gold standard credential that validates specialized expertise in medical coding for physician office settings. As healthcare organizations increasingly demand precise coding accuracy to ensure proper reimbursement and regulatory compliance while simultaneously confronting complex documentation requirements and evolving code sets, professionals who can expertly translate clinical documentation into accurate CPT, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM codes are in critically short supply.

Our intensive bootcamp targets aspiring medical coders and healthcare professionals seeking to master professional coding specialization. Through immersive coding exercises and real-world case scenarios, you'll develop practical competencies in abstracting provider documentation, assigning compliant medical codes, and navigating coding guidelines while building the knowledge foundation to excel on the CPC certification exam.

CIAT Unlimited Certification Exam Policy
Unlimited Certification Exam Policy*

All bootcamp programs include unlimited certification exam attempts. Students may retake their certification exam as many times as necessary until they achieve a passing score, providing confidence and reducing test anxiety.

Is the AAPC CPC Bootcamp for me?

This bootcamp is recommended for:

  • Healthcare professionals with foundational knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology seeking career transition into medical coding.

  • Medical office staff, billing specialists, and health information technicians looking to advance into professional coding roles with enhanced credentialing.

  • Recent healthcare program graduates aiming to distinguish themselves through the industry's most recognized medical coding certification.

  • Career changers with strong attention to detail and analytical skills who have completed prerequisite medical terminology and anatomy coursework.

Important: No previous medical coding experience is mandatory. However, participants must possess foundational knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. Our curriculum builds comprehensive coding expertise specifically for those with prerequisite medical knowledge.

AAPC CPC Prerequisites

All CPC Bootcamp students are required to have fundamental knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology. Students who do not have this knowledge must complete the following prerequisite courses offered by our partners, StraighterLine and Sophia Learning, before enrolling.

  • Medical Terminology

  • Anatomy and Physiology I

  • Anatomy and Physiology II

Bootcamp Structure

Our intensive training is delivered over 4 Saturdays through live virtual instruction. Participants engage in weekly Saturday sessions combining conceptual mastery with applied coding practice. This focused methodology serves dedicated learners pursuing rapid specialization in medical coding while maintaining the rigorous educational standards and comprehensive support CIAT is recognized for.

Bootcamps are 10 hours long with a 1-hour break and held on Saturdays from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT / 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET.

Be certification-ready in just 4 Saturdays — enroll now for only $2,495*

Bootcamp Schedule

Our bootcamp programs are delivered over 4 Saturdays with live online instruction. Students participate in weekly Saturday sessions, combining theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.

Bootcamps are offered throughout the academic year with multiple start dates:

Two Upcoming Sessions

Four Saturdays per Session

July Session
  1. 1 July 11
  2. 2 July 18
  3. 3 July 25
  4. 4 August 1
August Session
  1. 1 August 22
  2. 2 August 29
  3. 3 September 12
  4. 4 September 19

Unlimited Certification Exam Policy*

All bootcamp programs include unlimited certification exam attempts. Students may retake their certification exam as many times as necessary until they achieve a passing score, providing confidence and reducing test anxiety.


Course Breakdown by Session

Saturday 1

Coding Foundations & Diagnosis Coding

Build your base in medical coding: reimbursement systems, the major code sets (CPT, HCPCS Level II, ICD-10-CM), coding workflow, and documentation requirements. Then move into ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, including conventions, the Official Coding Guidelines, index navigation, combination codes, and laterality.

Saturday 2

Procedures - E/M, Surgery & Anesthesia

Master CPT procedure coding across three core areas. Start with evaluation and management coding, visit-level selection, time-based coding, and telehealth. Then tackle surgical coding, including global packages, modifiers, and operative report abstraction. Finish with anesthesia coding, time and base units, physical status modifiers, and monitored anesthesia care.

Saturday 3

Specialty & Supply Coding

Cover the remaining CPT sections and HCPCS Level II. Work through radiology and pathology coding, professional vs. technical components, and panel codes; medicine coding for immunizations, injections, and diagnostic testing; and HCPCS Level II for supplies, drugs, durable medical equipment, and prosthetics.

Saturday 4

Compliance & Exam Prep

Pull it all together with compliance and test readiness. Review medical necessity, NCCI edits, modifier application, and bundling rules, then shift fully into exam preparation with multi-specialty case studies, timed coding drills, code book navigation, and a full-length practice exam.

AAPC CPC Exam Details

CPC

Exam Code

240 Min

Exam Duration

100

Questions

70%

Passing Score

  • Icon Image
    Medical Coding Proficiency (100%)

    Medical Record Review & Abstraction - Clinical documentation interpretation, identifying codable procedures and diagnoses, recognizing documentation deficiencies, and formulating effective provider queries.

  • Icon Image
    CPT Procedure Coding (40%)

    Evaluation and management services, anesthesia, surgery across all body systems, radiology, pathology and laboratory, and medicine services with proper modifier application.

  • Icon Image
    ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding (30%)

    Accurate diagnosis code assignment, sequencing principles, coding to the highest specificity, applying official coding guidelines, and supporting medical necessity.

  • Icon Image
    HCPCS Level II Coding (15%)

    Supply codes, drug codes, DME, orthotics, prosthetics, ambulance services, and temporary national codes.

  • Icon Image
    Coding Guidelines & Compliance (15%)

    Official coding guidelines (CPT, ICD-10-CM), NCCI edits, modifier usage, bundling rules, documentation requirements, medical necessity, compliance regulations, and reimbursement principles.

Hands-On Medical Coding Practice: Code Real Clinical Scenarios

You'll gain practical experience through realistic case scenarios reflecting authentic physician office coding challenges:

Evaluation & Management Coding
Evaluation & Management Coding

Office Visit Level Selection & Documentation Review

Surgical Coding Mastery
Surgical Coding Mastery

Operative Report Abstraction & Global Period Application

Anesthesia Service Coding
Anesthesia Service Coding

Time-Based Coding & Modifier Assignment

Diagnostic Coding Accuracy
Diagnostic Coding Accuracy

ICD-10-CM Code Selection & Sequencing

Multi-Specialty Integration
Multi-Specialty Integration

Complex Case Studies Across Medical Specialties

NCCI Edits & Compliance
NCCI Edits & Compliance

Bundling Rules & Modifier Application

Medical Necessity Validation
Medical Necessity Validation

Supporting Diagnosis with Appropriate Documentation

Timed Coding Simulation
Timed Coding Simulation

Exam-Paced Practice with Code Book Navigation

Career Support for Bootcamp Students

Career Support For Bootcamp Students

Professional development resources to accelerate your medical coding career launch:

  • Exclusive access to hundreds of CIAT partner employment opportunities
  • Premium SkillsFirst AI-powered resume optimization and interview simulation tools
  • Participation in professional development seminars and networking events

Bootcamp FAQs

The AAPC CPC Bootcamp serves dedicated learners ready to master the high-demand medical coding profession. This intensive training is engineered for:

  • Healthcare professionals with foundational medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology knowledge seeking transition into professional coding roles.

  • Medical office staff, billing specialists, and clinical support personnel pursuing career advancement through industry-recognized certification.

  • Recent healthcare program graduates seeking to distinguish themselves with the most recognized medical coding credential in the industry.

  • Career changers who have completed prerequisite medical knowledge coursework and possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and commitment to accuracy.

Through AAPC-approved instructor-led training, comprehensive coding practice laboratories, and unlimited examination opportunities, participants acquire the specialized competencies and recognized credentials commanding competitive compensation in this talent-hungry market.

Absolutely. CIAT's 4-Saturday CPC intensive delivers rapid, focused acquisition of this industry-standard, high-value credential that can launch your healthcare career. Through live expert-led sessions, dedicated coding practice environments, personalized tutoring support, and unrestricted exam attempts, you'll build comprehensive readiness to excel on certification and immediately transition into medical coding positions where qualified professionals are actively recruited.

No previous medical coding experience is mandatory. However, participants must possess foundational knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and pathophysiology. Our curriculum builds comprehensive coding expertise specifically for those with prerequisite medical knowledge. If you lack this foundation, you must complete the prerequisite Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology courses through our partners StraighterLine or Sophia Learning before enrolling in the CPC bootcamp.

Unlike self-directed learning, CIAT's CPC bootcamp delivers live mentorship from AAPC-approved certified instructors possessing extensive real-world coding expertise, access to comprehensive case study libraries and coding scenarios unavailable through standard channels, premium examination simulations, and unlimited certification attempts. This comprehensive approach builds both confidence and practical competency, ensuring participants can immediately apply medical coding skills in professional contexts beyond simply achieving certification.

Definitely. AAPC CPC represents the industry's gold standard medical coding certification, positioning you for in-demand positions including Certified Professional Coder, Medical Coding Specialist, Physician Office Coder, and Outpatient Coding Professional. The current strong demand for qualified medical coders enables certified professionals to command competitive compensation packages and excellent job security.

Note: Unless you have two years of medical coding experience, you will initially earn the CPC-A (Apprentice) designation upon passing the exam.

All CIAT bootcamps deliver live virtual instruction featuring interactive coding exercises and real-time instructor engagement.

The CPC intensive runs over 4 Saturdays, 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM PT / 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM ET.

Absolutely: YES! Truly unrestricted. Your initial exam voucher is provided upon successful bootcamp completion ensuring adequate preparation. Following an unsuccessful first attempt, you'll complete 2 practice examinations scoring 85% or higher demonstrating readiness before receiving your subsequent voucher. After 2 unsuccessful attempts, we offer complimentary bootcamp instruction repetition to reinforce your knowledge and provide enhanced support.

You may retake the examination as many times as required until successful! Following your first unsuccessful attempt, you'll complete 2 practice examinations achieving 85% or higher scores, this identifies knowledge deficiencies and ensures stronger preparation for your next attempt.

We provide continuous support through supplementary practice resources and unlimited exam vouchers at zero additional cost. Your success is our objective.

Refunds are calculated based on how much instruction you’ve received:

  • Withdrawal by Saturday 1 conclusion (16 hours or 20% completion) = 80% refund

  • Withdrawal by Saturday 2 conclusion (32 hours or 40% completion) = 60% refund

  • Withdrawal by Saturday 3 conclusion (48 hours or 60% completion) = 40% refund

  • Withdrawal after Saturday 3 (exceeding 60% completion) = no refund available

No reimbursement is available once Saturday 3 concludes (30 instructional hours or 60% course completion). This policy maintains fairness as you've received the substantial majority of course material and instruction at this juncture.

Yes. Your bootcamp certification accomplishments convert to transfer credits applicable toward any CIAT certificate or degree pathway. This enables smooth progression from intensive bootcamp training to comprehensive academic programs while maximizing your learning investment value. Academic advisors provide guidance integrating your certifications into your customized degree plan.

Unless you have two years of professional medical coding experience prior to taking the CPC exam, you will receive the CPC-A credential upon passing. The "A" indicates apprenticeship status, which requires two years of coding experience to remove. Upon submitting proof of two years of coding experience, your apprentice designation will be removed from your credential. AAPC's Practicode and Externship programs can reduce your apprenticeship period by one year.

You may use the following approved code books during your exam:

  • AMA's CPT Professional Edition (current year)

  • ICD-10-CM (current year, any publisher)

  • HCPCS Level II (current year, any publisher)

Current year books are highly recommended as code sets are updated annually. You may choose to utilize books from the preceding year, the current year, or a combination of both; however, only one copy of each book is allowed. Both printed books and eBooks are permitted during the certification exam.

To pass the CPC certification exam, you must complete the exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly (70 out of 100 questions). The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. If you incorrectly answer more than 30 questions, you will not pass the exam. Our examination preparation emphasizes comprehensive mastery rather than minimal competency, guaranteeing thorough readiness for exam success.

Ready to reserve your spot in a bootcamp?

Reserve My Spot

Have Questions?

Connect with a CIAT advisor to discuss course details, enrollment options, or inquire about volume discounts for employee training. We’re here to guide you through the process and support your individual or organizational goals.

Updating dates...

Select a bootcamp topic above to see available dates.

*By submitting this form, you are giving your express written consent for California Institute of Applied Technology to contact you regarding our educational programs and services using email, telephone or text – including use of automated technology for calls and periodic texts to any wireless number you provide. Message and data rates may apply. This consent is not required to purchase goods or services and you may always call us directly at 877-559-3621. You can opt-out any time by calling us or responding STOP to any text message.

California Institution

401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950

New Mexico Institution

1717 Louisiana Blvd., NE., Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM, 87110

California Institute of Applied Technology participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

California Institute of Applied Technology Logo

© 2026 California Institute of Applied Technology | info@ciat.edu | (877) 559 - 3621 | Privacy Policy

California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

* Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Bootcamp, Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after program completion. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Industry certifications and/or courses may change at any time to address industry trends or improve student outcomes.