Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Exam: Full Comparison
The Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential from AAPC sits alongside several other allied-health certifications that people often weigh against it — but they aren't interchangeable. The CPC is a specialist coding credential, while the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from AAMA and the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from NHA are clinical/administrative generalist credentials, and the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) from NHA is an entry-level billing-and-coding credential. This page compares scope, difficulty, ideal candidates, and prerequisites so you can pick the path that matches your career goal.
Scope of each exam
- CPC (AAPC): Deep, physician-office medical coding — CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II across anatomy, medical terminology, and payer/compliance rules. The CPC exam has 100 questions and a 4-hour (240-minute) time limit.
- CMA (AAMA): Broad medical-assisting competency spanning clinical (patient intake, phlebotomy, vitals, assisting procedures) and administrative duties.
- CCMA (NHA): Similar clinical-plus-administrative medical-assisting scope, positioned as an alternative pathway to CMA-style roles.
- CBCS (NHA): Entry-level billing and coding — claims processing, insurance, and foundational coding — narrower and more introductory than the CPC.
Difficulty
The CPC is generally considered the most demanding of the four for coding specifically, because it tests applied coding across all body systems and requires a passing score of 70%. The CMA and CCMA are broad rather than deep — they demand competency across many clinical and administrative tasks rather than mastery of code sets. The CBCS is the most approachable entry point into coding and billing, but it is not a substitute for the CPC when employers require certified professional coders.
Who each is for
| Exam | Best for |
|---|---|
| CPC (AAPC) | People who want to work as professional medical coders in physician offices or coding/auditing roles. |
| CMA (AAMA) | People pursuing hands-on clinical + front-office medical assistant roles. |
| CCMA (NHA) | People wanting a clinical medical assistant role via NHA's certification pathway. |
| CBCS (NHA) | Newcomers who want an entry-level foothold in medical billing and coding before (optionally) advancing to the CPC. |
Prerequisites
Requirements differ by certifying body and can change, so always confirm eligibility on each organization's official site before registering. In practice, the CMA (AAMA) is tied to completion of an accredited medical-assisting program; NHA credentials (CCMA, CBCS) typically expect relevant training or experience; and the CPC is open to candidates who prepare via coursework or experience, with AAPC recommending coding education. Verify current prerequisites directly with AAPC, AAMA, and NHA.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CPC harder than the CBCS?
For coding specifically, yes — the CPC is a professional-level credential that tests applied coding across all body systems and requires a 70% passing score, while the CBCS is an entry-level billing-and-coding certification. Many people start with the CBCS and later pursue the CPC.
Should I take the CPC or a medical assistant exam (CMA/CCMA)?
It depends on the job you want. If you want to be a medical coder, the CPC is the targeted credential. If you want a hands-on clinical and front-office role, the CMA (AAMA) or CCMA (NHA) fits better. They serve different career paths, not the same one.
How long is the CPC exam and what score do I need to pass?
The CPC exam is 100 multiple-choice questions with a 4-hour (240-minute) time limit, and the minimum passing score is 70%. The exam fee is $425 for one attempt. Confirm current details on the AAPC site before scheduling.