Preparing for the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) exam can feel overwhelming, but a structured plan can make it manageable. Here’s a 7-day strategy to help you review, practice, and gain confidence before exam day.
Day 1: Understand the Exam & Gather Materials
- Review the CPC exam format: 150 multiple-choice questions, 5 hours, covering CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II.
- Gather codebooks, tabs, highlighters, and practice materials.
- Familiarize yourself with exam instructions and guidelines.
Tip: Knowing the structure reduces stress and helps you plan your study time efficiently.
Day 2: Master High-Yield CPT Codes
- Focus on Evaluation & Management (E/M) codes, common surgeries, and procedures.
- Learn frequently used modifiers: 25, 59, 50, 22, and 26.
- Highlight common office visit and hospital service codes in your CPT book.
Trick: Use mnemonics or flashcards for quick recall.
Day 3: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes
- Review common chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
- Focus on injuries, infections, and frequently coded conditions.
- Study excludes notes, specificity rules, and laterality.
Tip: Coding correctly from documentation is more important than memorizing codes.
Day 4: HCPCS Level II & Guidelines
- Learn HCPCS codes for supplies, medications, and equipment.
- Review ICD-10-CM and CPT guidelines thoroughly.
- Practice applying guidelines to sample patient charts.
Trick: Understanding the rules is often tested more than memorization.
Day 5: Practice Full-Length Exams
- Take a timed practice exam using official AAPC questions.
- Focus on time management: ~2 minutes per question.
- Review mistakes carefully and understand why you got them wrong.
Tip: Simulating exam conditions helps reduce anxiety on test day.
Day 6: Review & Drill Weak Areas
- Identify trouble spots from practice exams.
- Drill high-yield topics like modifiers, E/M coding, and guideline application.
- Use flashcards, charts, or quick reference sheets for fast review.
Trick: Short, repeated reviews improve recall under pressure.
Day 7: Relax & Final Preparation
- Light review of key concepts only—don’t cram.
- Organize your tabbed codebook and supplies for exam day.
- Get a good night’s sleep to ensure focus and energy.
Tip: Confidence and calmness are just as important as knowledge.
Bonus Tips for Exam Day
- Bring a tabbed, fresh codebook and a calculator if allowed.
- Read each question carefully; watch for key terms like “unspecified” or “initial encounter.”
- Manage your time efficiently; skip tough questions and return if needed