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American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is the world's largest training and credentialing organization for medical coding, billing, and healthcare compliance professionals. Offering comprehensive certification programs and continuous education, AAPC empowers healthcare administrators to excel in medical documentation, coding accuracy, and revenue cycle management.
Certified Professional Medical Auditor
Certified Professional Coder
You’ve chosen an education plan with a goal in mind and now you’re focused on making the most of your educational resources to ensure you’re setting yourself up for success in the job market. The single, most impactful recommendation we give to all new CIAT students starting out in the tech field is not to wait until graduation to start your IT career planning. When you start your career planning steps from day 1 of your program, you graduate career-ready and are more likely to find your first job quickly, with competitive salary ranges.
When it comes to medical auditing, the AAPC Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®) certification is the benchmark employers measure against when looking for potential employees.
Navigating the IT certification landscape by yourself can be challenging. If you’re wondering if this Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)® Certification certification training is right for you or you need help getting started on another path, we’re here to help.
What does the CPMA Certification cover?
The CPMA certification demonstrates your ability to improve the revenue cycle of virtually any healthcare practice through compliance. CPMAs use their advanced knowledge of coding and documentation guidelines to help physician practices remain compliant and profitable.
The CPMA® certification covers:
Auditing theory
Legal and regulatory issues
NCCI
RAC Audits
Audit scope and Statistical sampling
Medical record audit abstraction
Coding and reimbursement concepts
Medical record standards
Documentation guidelines
Coding and documentation compliance
Quality assurance
Evaluation management
Risk analysis
Communication
Is the CPMA® exam right for me?
The AAPC Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA®) certification exam tests your expertise in medical documentation guidelines, coding concepts, fraud, abuse, reimbursement, evaluation management, and compliance standards.
The exam involves high-level, advanced medical knowledge and is not intended for individuals who lack adequate training or experience. Gain the experience and knowledge you need to pass the CPMA certification exam with CIAT. Enrolling in CIAT’s Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Management degree program can help you gain the hands-on experience you need to succeed on the CPMA® certification exam. Apply today and take your first step to getting CPMA® certified!
What are my CPMA® Certification pathways?
At CIAT, our Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Management program is an excellent pathway to the CPMA® certification and other healthcare industry certifications.
How much does the CPMA® certification exam cost?
With our one-of-a-kind Unlimited Certification Exam Policy, your CPMA® exam voucher, retake costs, and exam prep software are included in the cost of your tuition for all Certificate and Degree programs. CIAT provides unlimited attempts at passing the CPMA® exam so you can take your exam without the added stress and worries about potential outcomes.
With our Unlimited Certification Exam Policy, you can save hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses over a DIY studying approach.
What topics are covered on the CPMA® exam?
The CPMA® exam covers a wide range of topics related to medical coding and documentation guidelines and compliance including:
Abuse
Audit scope and statistical sampling methodologies
Coding risk analysis
Communicaiton
Fraud
Governmental guidelines
Medical record auditing and abstraction
Penalties
What technical skills should I know before taking the CPMA® exam?
Before taking the CPMA® exam, you should feel confident in your knowledge of medical documentation, coding concepts, scope and statistical sampling methodologies, quality assurance and coding risk analysis, communication, coding violation penalties, fraud, abuse, reimbursement, and medical record auditing and abstraction.
Can I get a job if I pass the CPMA® exam?
Across the industry, there has been a shift towards tighter regulations on medical services reporting. With that shift, there’s been an increased demand for CPMAs who possess a clear understanding of how an organization is potentially at risk for non-compliance. CPMAs today help providers avoid liability and obtain proper reimbursement for their patient care.
Passing the CPMA® exam can help you increase your marketability as a healthcare professional and your earning potential. The technical skills validated through the AAPC CPMA® certification exam will help prepare you for job roles like:
Medical Claim/Bill Reviewer
Medical Coding Cmpliance Specialist
Medical Coding & Document Auditor
Revenue Cycle Management Consultant
Senior Medical Billing Specialist
Successfully passing your CPMA® certification exam is a critical step to advancing your healthcare career–the CPMA® certification is one of the most desirable certifications for medical auditing and compliance professionals. But earning your CPMA certification is just one step in the journey toward creating a rewarding healthcare career. Another critical step you can take involves strategically preparing for the job search process. It’s essential that you know how to leverage your skills and certifications to better position yourself in the job market.
CIAT's Career Services team provides personalized career services support to help you translate your specialized training and industry certifications into viable career opportunities. Our full suite of career services support includes resume building, LinkedIn profile optimization, mock interview support, career coaching, and job search support, and specialty workshops, to help ensure you can use what you’ve learned to compete for top positions in today’s job market.
How long does it take to study for the CPMA® exam?
Typically, students should prepare to allocate at least 10 weeks of studying to adequately prepare for the AAPC CPMA® certification exam.
Where can I take the CPMA® certification exam?
CIAT’s National City campus includes secure and authorized testing center facilities, available to local San Diego students and alumni. For our online students, we work closely with you to help locate and facilitate an authorized testing center near you.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIAT has enabled students to take the CPMA® certification exam remotely from the comfort of their own home through AAPC’s online proctoring process. AAPC’s live remote proctored (LPR) exam can be taken on a local computer at a location of your choosing.
How do I get CPMA® certified?
The best way to get CPMA certified is to build a strong base of advanced medical coding, auditing, and compliance knowledge. Enrolling in CIAT’s Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Management program can help you gain the expertise, skills, and confidence you need to earn a passing exam score, and turn that passing exam score into a rewarding healthcare career.
Join over 2,000 students who have enrolled in CIAT accredited Certificate and Degree programs and are on their path to launching or advancing their careers. Our extensive, custom designed curriculum provides training for up to 14 industry certifications, including CPMA®.
No exam fees
Unlimited exam attempts*
Hands-on training through on-campus and virtual online classes
Online test preparation workshops
Test preparation software
One-on-one support from certified instructors
Accredited Certificate and Degree programs to beef up your resume
Personalized career services support including resume building and job placement support
* Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in the degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 90 days after graduation. The following are single attempt exams and are not eligible for a retake voucher: CEH, CASP, CISSP, DevNet & CCNP. See certification exam policy for more details.
What is the minimum passing score required to earn the CPMA® certification?
To pass the CPMA® certification exam, you must complete the certification exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. For a passing score of 70%, you must get at least 70 questions correct. If you incorrectly answer more than 30 questions, you will not pass the exam.
Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) certification is the gold standard when it comes to medical coding in a physician office setting.
Navigating the IT certification landscape by yourself can be challenging. If you’re wondering if this Certified Professional Coder (CPC)® Certification certification training is right for you or you need help getting started on another path, we’re here to help.
Is the CPC® exam right for me?
The AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) certification exam tests your knowledge of medical coding proficiency, including your understanding of CPT® procedure codes, HCPCS Level II procedure and supply codes, and ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes.
Success on the CPC® certification exam requires advanced knowledge of medical terminology, pathophysiology, and anatomy. Enrolling in CIAT’s Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Management degree program can help you develop the specialized knowledge and skills you need to ace your CPC® certification exam. Apply today and take your first step to getting CPC® certified!
What topics are covered on the CPC® exam?
The CPC® exam covers a wide range of topics related to medical coding proficiency including:
Medical record review
Information abstraction to support accurate coding
Documentation deficiencies identification
Effective provider queries for proper code capture
Assigning accurate CPT, HCPCS Level II, and ICD-10-CM medical codes for diagnoses and procedures
Keen understanding of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology required to correctly code professional provider services and diagnoses
Proficiency across a wide variety of services including evaluation and management, anesthesia, radiology, surgery, pathology, and medicine.
Solid medical coding guidelines and regulations, compliance, and reimbursement knowledge
Understanding of how to handle issues such as medical necessity, claims denials, bundling issues, and charge capture
Understanding of how to best integrate medical coding and payment policy changes into a practice’s reimbursement processes
What technical skills should I know before taking the CPC® exam?
Before taking the CPC® exam, you should feel confident in your knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, pathophysiology, and competencies required to successfully perform the job of a medical professional coder.
Can I get a job if I pass the CPC® exam?
Passing the CPC® exam and obtaining your certification can help you increase your marketability as a healthcare professional and your earning potential. Today, there are thousands of job openings for medical coders. The technical skills validated through the AAPC CPC® certification exam will help prepare you for promising opportunities in the healthcare field such as:
CPC Certified Billing Specialist
Certified Coder
Medical Bill Reviewer & Processor
Medical Billing Specialist
Successfully passing your CPC® certification exam is a critical step to advancing your healthcare career–the CPC® certification is one of the most desirable certifications for medical coding professionals. But passing the CPC® exam is only one step of the equation. The other step? Knowing how to leverage your skills and certifications to better position yourself in the job market.
How long does it take to study for the CPC® exam?
Typically, students should prepare to allocate at least 10 weeks of studying to adequately prepare for the AAPC CPC® certification exam.
What are my CPC® Certification pathways?
At CIAT, our Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Management program is an excellent pathway to the CPC® certification and other healthcare industry certifications.
How much does the CPC® certification exam cost?
With our one-of-a-kind Unlimited Certification Exam Policy, your CPC® exam voucher, retake costs, and exam prep software are included in the cost of your tuition for all Certificate and Degree programs. CIAT provides unlimited attempts at passing the CPC® exam so you can take your exam without the added stress and worries about potential outcomes.
Where can I take the CPC® certification exam?
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, CIAT has enabled students to take the CPC® certification exam remotely from the comfort of their own home through AAPC’s online proctoring process. AAPC’s live remote proctored (LPR) exam can be taken on a local computer at a location of your choosing.
How do I get CPC® certified?
The best way to get CPC certified is to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence around critical medical coding professional knowledge. Enrolling in CIAT’s Associate of Applied Science in Healthcare Management program can give you the resources and tools you need to translate your knowledge into a passing exam score, and that passing exam score into a prosperous healthcare career.
Join over 2,000 students who have enrolled in CIAT accredited Certificate and Degree programs and are on their path to launching or advancing their careers. Our extensive, custom designed curriculum provides training for up to 14 industry certifications, including CPC®.
What is the minimum passing score required to earn the CPC® certification?
To pass the CPC® certification exam, you must complete the certification exam within four hours and answer 70% of the questions correctly. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. For a passing score of 70%, you must get at least 70 questions correct. If you incorrectly answer more than 30 questions, you will not pass the exam.
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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 Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality