Credential type: certification examination · verified on the issuer's site September 20, 2026 issuer page
Developed by AAPC, the Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) validates expertise in reviewing medical records and billing practices. The exam spans five domains: E/M documentation and audit, surgical documentation and audit, diagnostic services audit, compliance and regulatory issues, and quality improvement. Candidates must demonstrate ability to apply coding guidelines, detect compliance risks, and drive quality initiatives within health‑care organizations.
Medical auditors, coding specialists, compliance officers, and health‑care managers who regularly review E/M, surgical, or diagnostic documentation should pursue CPMA to formalize their audit expertise and demonstrate advanced competency.
Review AAPC’s official study guides and complete the practice exams on the AAPC training portal. Focus on each domain’s key concepts, memorize coding rules, and practice audit scenarios. Use flashcards for compliance statutes and quality‑improvement metrics. Schedule timed mock exams to build stamina for the 340‑minute, 100‑question linear format. Join a study group to discuss tricky cases and reinforce learning.
Focuses on evaluating Evaluation and Management notes for completeness, accuracy, and appropriate level of service. Candidates must assess documentation against coding criteria, identify gaps, and apply correct E/M codes consistently.
Examines operative reports, postoperative notes, and related records to ensure surgical services are documented and coded correctly. Review of procedure descriptions, implant tracking, and compliance with surgical coding standards is required.
Targets laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic claims. Candidates must verify that test orders match clinical indications, assess proper use of CPT codes, and detect overutilization or unbundling errors within the billing cycle.
Focuses on federal fraud and abuse statutes, OIG guidance, and payer regulations. Candidates must recognize kickback risks, self‑referral rules, and exclusion criteria, and apply safe‑harbor provisions during audits to ensure compliance.
Addresses methods for measuring and enhancing care quality through audit data. Candidates learn to develop performance metrics, conduct root‑cause analysis, and implement corrective action plans that align with regulatory expectations.
Arrive early, bring a valid photo ID, and have your confirmation email ready. The linear exam lasts 340 minutes with 100 multiple‑choice questions; pace yourself, flag uncertain items, and review answers before submitting.
The CPMA exam contains 100 multiple‑choice questions presented in a linear format. All questions must be answered in the allotted 340‑minute window, and there is no penalty for guessing.
A score of 70 percent or higher is required to pass the CPMA certification. The exam is scored on a scale that reflects mastery of the five domain areas.
The CPMA test is a 340‑minute, linear exam lasting just under six hours. It is administered in one continuous session, allowing you to manage time across all 100 questions.
CPMA certification is valid for two years. Renewal requires meeting AAPC’s continuing education criteria, which includes completing the required number of credits and paying the renewal fee before expiration.
Verified 2026-09-02
Content was compiled from AAPC’s official exam guide and study documentation, cross‑referenced with additional AAPC resources, and synthesized into concise editorial sections to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with the certification objectives.