What's Covered on the CPC® Exam: All 17 Sections Explained
By Kaplan CertPrep Editorial Team · Jun 05, 2026 · 2 min read
The CPC® exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering 17 distinct coding sections. It tests your ability to apply CPT® codes, ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, and HCPCS Level II codes across a full range of medical specialties — plus federal compliance knowledge. You have 4 hours to complete the exam and must score 70% or higher to pass.
The CPC® Exam at a Glance
100 multiple-choice questions, 4 hours, 70% passing score, open-book format. The exam is designed to certify that you can accurately translate clinical documentation into correct codes — not just look up a code in isolation, but apply guidelines, sequencing rules, and payer logic in realistic scenarios.
- Exam fee: $425 for a single attempt; $499 for a two-attempt package
- Code sets tested: CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II
- AAPC membership required to sit for the exam
CPT® Section 1: Evaluation and Management (E/M)
One of the most heavily tested areas. The 2021 outpatient E/M guideline changes are in effect and fully tested. Office and outpatient visits (99202–99215) are now level-selected based on medical decision-making (MDM) or total time — not the old three-component system.
CPT® Section 2: Anesthesia
Tests a specialized base unit + time unit billing methodology that exists nowhere else in CPT®. Includes physical status modifiers (P1–P6) and qualifying circumstance codes. A smaller section but requires learning a distinct billing framework.
CPT® Section 3: Surgery
The largest and highest-weight section. Covers Integumentary, Musculoskeletal, Respiratory, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Urinary, Reproductive, Nervous System, and Eye/Auditory subsections. Know the surgical package concept: the global surgical package includes the preoperative visit, the procedure, and routine postoperative care.
CPT® Sections 4–6: Radiology, Pathology, and Medicine
Radiology tests professional component (modifier -26) vs. technical component (modifier -TC) and global billing. Pathology covers surgical pathology levels (88300–88309). Medicine covers immunizations, chemotherapy administration, infusion/injection coding, ophthalmology, psychiatry, and physical therapy.
ICD-10-CM: Diagnosis Coding
Tests sequencing rules, combination codes, chapter-specific guidelines (particularly for neoplasms, injuries, pregnancy, and Z codes), laterality, and the difference between coding a definitive diagnosis vs. a presenting sign or symptom.
HCPCS Level II and Compliance
HCPCS Level II covers DME, drug codes (J-codes), supplies, and transportation. Compliance questions cover HIPAA, fraud vs. abuse, the False Claims Act, and the seven elements of an effective compliance program. Often straightforward if studied but frequently skipped by candidates focused on coding.