The Certified Professional Claims and Denials (CPCD) certification, offered by AAPC, validates a professional's ability to manage compliance programs, meet documentation requirements, conduct audits, and apply regulatory standards in health-care billing. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions administered in a linear format over three hours. Passing requires a score of 70% and the credential remains valid for two years.
Medical coders, billing specialists, compliance officers, and health-care administrators with at least one year of experience in claims processing or denial management should consider the CPCD to demonstrate expertise in compliance and audit practices.
Review AAPC's official study guide and practice exams, focusing on each domain's key concepts. Build flashcards for compliance elements, documentation rules, audit procedures, and regulatory citations. Take timed practice tests to become comfortable with the linear format and 100-question count. Analyze incorrect answers to identify gaps, then revisit the relevant sections in the guide. Schedule regular study sessions and use AAPC's online training modules for reinforcement.
This domain covers the core components of an effective compliance program, including written policies, designated compliance officers, training, monitoring, and response mechanisms. Understanding how each element integrates to mitigate risk is required for the exam.
Documentation Requirements focuses on the standards for accurate claim submission, supporting documentation, record retention, and audit trails. Candidates must know what information must be captured to satisfy payer and regulatory expectations.
Audit and Monitoring examines methods for internal review, risk assessment, data analysis, and corrective action planning. Mastery of audit cycles and monitoring tools helps ensure ongoing compliance within health-care organizations.
Regulatory Standards covers federal statutes, regulations, and guidance that govern claims processing, including anti-kickback rules, fraud and abuse statutes, and OIG compliance guidance. Knowing the applicable standards is required for accurate billing.
Arrive early, bring a valid photo ID, and have your confirmation email ready. The exam is linear, so answer each of the 100 multiple-choice questions in order within the three-hour window. Manage time, and flag questions to review before submitting.
The CPCD exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions presented in a linear format. You must work through each question sequentially during the three-hour testing period. All questions count toward the final score.
The exam requires a minimum score of 70% to pass. Scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers out of the 100 questions.
The CPCD test is a three-hour, 180-minute exam. You have the full duration to answer all 100 questions in the linear sequence. Take short breaks only if needed, as the clock continues to run.
AAPC members pay $299 for the CPCD exam, while non-members pay $399. The fee covers the three-hour testing session and a printed score report. Payment is made during registration on the AAPC website.
Verified 2026-09-02
Content was compiled from AAPC's official exam guide and study documentation, cross-referenced with the latest OIG compliance guidance. Information was distilled into concise sections to reflect the exam's domains and format.