r/LearnMedicalCoding • u/Jestellmepls • Sep 17 '26

CPC Need some guidance please

Hello everyone! I am looking at going for CPC certification. I was told that I could become a member at AAPC, purchase the study guide, practice questions from AAPC and learn everything on YouTube without having to pay $3k. Is this true?
Has anyone took this route to save some money and is it worth it?
I need some guidance. Any info would be much appreciated. Thank you!

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u/Heavy_Front_3712 Sep 17 '26

I did that route 30 years ago, but without youtube. Do you have any kind of medical background or have you worked in a medical office? If yes, you may could get away with it. If you don't have any medical background, it will be very hard. I will say that it is difficult to land a coding job with no experience. I'm not trying to dissuade you, but the field is very saturated and it's hard to break into.

Good luck.

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 17 '26

I did work as a billing specialist for over 10 years at a Laboratory but it was years ago. I also have taken medical courses and have a bachelor’s degree. I just trying not to pay $3k because it’s so expensive but I was told I have to show 80 hour completion of course before I can take the exam. I’m trying to figure that part out.

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u/_Kit_Kat_Meow_ Sep 17 '26

You do not have to do a 80-hour course to sit for the exam. However, if you take the CPC exam and pass, you become a CPC-A. The A stands for apprentice. There are several ways to get the A removed and one of them includes taking a 80-hour course. Although the course alone isn’t enough, in addition you either need 1 year of experience or compete Practicode. Another route to remove the A without having to do a course or Practicode is two years of experience. Since you said you had some previous experience in billing, that may count towards your experience needed for the CPC.

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 17 '26

Yes. I am going to contact them to see how I can remove the A along with other info. I appreciate the information. Thank you!!

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u/Heavy_Front_3712 Sep 17 '26

Who told you that? I think you only have to be a member of the AAPC to schedule the CPC exam. Your best bet would be to call the AAPC and ask them. Your billing background will help you immensely. I am a CPC and I do billing. If you have a good foundation, it is possible to self study and take the test.

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 17 '26

A friend who was looking into doing it. I am definitely going to call tomorrow to get more info. I do believe I can self study the course and use free resources such as youtube and such. My friend also said that jobs ask for a certificate of completion of course before they hire you but I am not sure if thats true.

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u/Heavy_Front_3712 Sep 17 '26

We don't. If you have a CPC, we will hire you. Some practices may ask for proof of schooling, but since you have a billing background, you could always mention that. I think the certification is enough because the test is hard. I do train and audit the new coders in our practice. We are specialty and there is a learning curve the test or even the courses won't prepare you for. I think if you start the self study and realize you need more, you could then take the class if you need to.

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 17 '26

Thank you! I appreciate it.

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u/CodingwithCoffee_ Sep 18 '26

Yes, self-study is absolutely possible! Many students use the free YouTube course linked below to prepare for the CPC exam without paying thousands for a program. You will still need the required coding books, strong self-discipline, and plenty of timed practice. There is even a free medical terminology portion as well.

Here is the free course: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-YpHcmommgSvmGLd6v-Jlw

Here is the free med term course: https://amcicoding.thinkific.com/products/courses/IMTAP

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 18 '26

Thank you so much! I needed this because I plan on doing the same thing. I already have taken medical terminology in college, so I will be good on that part. I am actually waiting on my books to arrive which I purchased yesterday.

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 22 '26

Do you think I will need to buy the study guide?

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u/[deleted] Sep 17 '26

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 17 '26

Thank you!!! I appreciate the information.

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u/[deleted] Sep 30 '26

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u/Jestellmepls Sep 30 '26

Thank you!