cpc case study training

CPC Case Study

Cpc case study practice test.

There are 10 multiple choice questions in this LGV driver CPC case study practice test. Read the case study carefully and ensure you fully understand the scenario before starting the mock test. There may be more than one correct answer for each question. You need to score 8 out of 10 to pass. Good luck!

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Cpc case study questions and answers, the questions and answers to the cpc case study mock test above in an easy to view list. click question box to reveal the correct answer. you can print these questions out by clicking the printer icon..

CPC Case Study Practice Test

Mock theory test.

There are 12 multiple choice questions in this free CPC case study practice mock test. Read this carefully and ensure you fully understand the scenario before starting the test. You need to score at least 9 out of 11 to pass this test.

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• Driving and transport
• HGV, bus and coach drivers

Become a qualified heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or bus driver

Driver cpc part 2 test: case studies.

You can book the part 2 case studies test of the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence ( CPC ) as soon as you’ve got your provisional licence. You do not need to have passed the Driver CPC part 1 theory test.

If you’re requalifying as a heavy goods vehicle ( HGV ) or bus driver by taking parts 2 and 4 of the test, you cannot book your test online. You have to book by phone instead.

Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency customer services Telephone: 0300 200 1122 (choose option 01) Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm Find out about call charges

What to take to your test

You must bring one of the following:

• a Great Britain photocard driving licence
• a Northern Ireland photocard driving licence and paper counterpart
• an EU photocard driving licence (and paper counterpart, if you have one)

If you do not have a photocard driving licence, bring your paper licence and a valid passport.

Your test will be cancelled and you’ll lose your fee if you do not bring the right documents.

Revision and practice

You can use books or software to revise for the test and take practice tests.

You can buy:

• Driver CPC : the Official DVSA Guide for Professional Goods Vehicle Drivers online if you’re learning to drive a lorry
• The Official DVSA Guide to Driving Buses and Coaches book if you’re learning to drive a bus or coach

How the test works

The test is made up of 7 case studies you work through on a computer. The case studies are short stories based on situations that you’re likely to come across in your working life.

You’ll be asked between 6 and 8 multiple-choice questions on each case study.

The test lasts for 1 hour and 15 minutes, and the pass mark is 40 out of 50.

Your test result

You’ll get a letter with the results at the test centre.

You need the test pass reference number when you book your Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test.

The pass letter is valid for 2 years.

You need to pass the Driver CPC part 4 practical demonstration test within 2 years, otherwise you’ll have to pass the part 2 case studies test again.

If you fail the test

You’ll get a result letter with feedback telling you why you’ve failed.

You can book another case studies test straight away, but you cannot take it for another 3 clear working days.

Cancelled tests

You can apply for a refund of out-of-pocket expenses if DVSA cancels your test at short notice.

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• Study Material
• Multiple-Choice Test
• Hazard Perception
• Practice Case Studies
• Show me, Tell me
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Free Practice Case Study

Trevor and John are multi-manning a vehicle from the UK to France. They work for TSD Haulage who have been contracted to deliver car exhausts to a manufacturing plant. They are driving a curtain-sided lorry with a gross vehicle weight of 18 tonnes and carrying a 10 tonne load.

This is John’s first trip abroad and he will take the opportunity to learn the ropes from Trevor who has been driving on the continent for over 20 years. Trevor will prepare the vehicle and complete the CMR consignment note before collecting John from his home which is on the way to the ferry port.

Both drivers have just returned from a four-day rest and are keen to get the job done as quickly as possible.

Today is Monday and Trevor will drive the first part of the journey to the ferry port. They will stop for their daily rest at 21:00 in France.

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1 . Question

To qualify for multi-manning, John must be collected within:

• One hour of the start of the shift
• 50 km of the vehicle operating centre
• 25 km of the vehicle operating centre
• 45 minutes of the start of the shift

2 . Question

Trevor has completed 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving and must now take a  minimum break of 45 minutes.

John will take over as the driver

(mark two answers)

• The vehicle must stop for Trevor's 45 minute break to be considered legal
• Trevor may take the 45-minute break whilst the vehicle is still moving
• Trevor and John must take a 45-minute break at the same time
• Trevor can use the time to do paperwork whilst John is driving
• Trevor must place his tachograph card in slot 2
• Trevor can give John directions and driving advice whilst on his break

3 . Question

The daily individual driving limit today for John and Trevor is

• Ten hours for John and ten hours for Trevor
• Nine hours for John and nine hours for Trevor
• Thirteen hours for both drivers
• Twenty one hours for both drivers

4 . Question

What is the total maximum duty time for John & Trevor?

5 . Question

When multi-manning, the maximum period within which all duty time and daily rest must be completed is:

6 . Question

To carry out this delivery, which type of operators licence should TSD Haulage hold?

• Standard International licence
• Restricted International licence
• European operators licence
• TIR operators licence

7 . Question

The wheelbase of the vehicle is 5 metres and the centre of the load is 2 metres from the rear axle.

What is the load on the front axle?

8 . Question

What colour copy of the CMR consignment note must travel with the vehicle?

• White with a black border

CPC Exam Past Papers

Preparing to sit your CPC exams? We have collated a wealth of case study papers from OCR & SEGA. You can download these papers to help your studies.

If you want to pass your CPC exams first time, you need to enrol on one of our highly successful CPC courses. Click below for more information.

Transport Manager CPC Case Study exam

Are you studying the Transport Manager CPC? Looking to practice the case study exam? You can download the last five years’ OCR CPC past papers and all SEG past papers. Each case study contains the case study scenario, the question paper, and the associated examiner’s report.

These past exam papers will help you prepare to sit your CPC exams. You should replicate the exam setting as much as possible when attempting these papers.

Remember, you can use your course material for reference! The examiner’s report will provide insight into the pitfalls and common mistakes made on the papers, as well as dissecting the questions, helping you hone your knowledge ready for the CPC case study exam.

If you are studying towards the CPC exams, you can learn more about our range of Transport Manager CPC courses.

You can download the case study, question papers and examiner’s report for all OCR CPC past papers dating back to 2017.

Remember that figures and rules may have changed since these papers were released. These papers are still a great resource for practising costings and scheduling questions.

Those currently studying with us remember the e-learning postal contains many more practice papers and exercises, and your tutor is there to review each submission you make. Click here if you are looking for CPC multi-choice practice papers.

For more information on our tutor-supported CPC home learning package, click here. If you would like more information on the portal or would like a trial session to see how it would benefit you, call 01530 834 554.

OCR CPC past papers for Road Haulage

OCR 2017 HGV Exams

March case study

March question paper

March exam report

June case study

June question paper

June exam report

Sept case study

Sept question paper

Sept exam report

Dec case study

Dec question paper

Dec exam report

OCR 2018 HGV Exams

OCR 2019 HGV Exams

OCR 2020 HGV Exams

OCR 2021 HGV Exams

OCR CPC past papers for Passenger Transport

OCR PSV 2017 exams

OCR PSV 2018 exams

OCR PSV 2019 exams

OCR PSV 2020 exams

OCR PSV 2021 exams

SEG CPC Past Papers

The Skills and Education Group started offering CPC exams from June 2021. We have made all SEG past papers available for you to download, along with the examiners’ reports to give you an insight into how well the papers were answered and the pitfalls of that particular exam. You are allowed 2 hours 15 minutes to complete each paper. You can use any notes you have to answer the questions. If you plan to sit your CPC exam, you might benefit from our two day exam preparation session. We hold CPC exam prep sessions before each exam. Click here for our CPC exam preparation sessions .

SEG CPC past papers for Road Haulage

SEG 2021 HGV Exams

June case study and question paper

June examiners report

Sept case study & question paper

Sept examiners report

Dec case study and question paper

Dec examiners report

SEG 2022 HGV Exams

June 2022 - Case Study

June 2022 - Question Paper

June 2022 - Examiner report

September 2022 - Case Study

September 2022 - Question Paper

September 2022 - Examiner Report

SEG 2023 HGV Exams

March Question Paper

March Case Study

March Examiners Report

June Question Paper

June Case Study

June Examiner Report

SEG CPC past papers for Passenger Transport

SEG 2021 PSV Exams

September case study

September examiners report

December case study

December examiner report

SEG 2022 PSV Exams

CPC Case Study Test Module 2

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CPC Theory Test with Mod 2 & 4

Driver CPC also known as Certificate of Professional Competence, that means if you plan to drive an HGV/LGV vehicle on the road then you have to bring your Certificate of Professional Competence or CPC card with you. If you are not carrying the CPC cats with you while driving a vehicle on the road then plenty will charge on you.

So always keep your CPC card with you. Keep remembering to update your CPC card every 5 years. You can also read the expiry date over the CPC card, for the updation criteria of the CPC card you can go through with the initial CPC 35-hour course.

CPC training is divided into two parts CPC Theory Test and CPC Practical Test. Further you will read about these two tests and the CPC Theory Test Practice as well.

CPC Theory Test: Mod 2

The CPC Theory Test is part of the CPC Module 2 training . Your exam, which consists of six to seven case studies, will last for ninety minutes. You must have high grades for it. All of the questions are based on actual events, some of which are connected to LGV and HGV.

CPC Practical Test: Mod 4

There is a CPC practical test in this CPC module 4 . Some "show me-tell me" questions are necessary for passing this practical exam. Since it is a one-day course, your practical test will take place in the afternoon after your morning instruction. A minimum score of 85 out of 100 is required.

You need to get good scores on this practical test, CPC Mod 4. For the training, we will supply you with a truck, trailers, and a lorry. Following the instructions, you begin your practical exam. It barely takes a day to complete this procedure. This procedure, which tests your ability to drive a car safely, is also known as a safety procedure.

CPC Mod 4's primary goal is to raise awareness of vehicle safety while driving. First, you will receive instructions that will teach you how to operate a vehicle safely. One of the problems in the test series is operating a loaded vehicle accurately while adhering to all rules and regulations.

CPC Theory Test Practice & Case Studies Practice

For the CPC Theory Test Practice, you can take a reference from a book or watch any video related to the CPC Theory Test. You can analyze your performance by completing a practice test that includes multiple-choice questions related to the highway code, traffic signals, rules and regulations while driving a vehicle on the road. You can also prepare yourself for hazardous situations by purchasing some online courses.

On the other hand, for the CPC case study practice, you complete seven case studies on a computer to pass the test. The case studies are brief narratives based on scenarios that you may probably encounter in the course of your career. For every case study, there will be six to eight multiple-choice questions.

Also Read: Best HGV Driving School in Britain

Courses you may like:

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Driver CPC Case Study App for HGV/LGV/PCV

Prepare for the driver cpc part 2 case studies test using the uk’s largest database of professionally written cpc questions for hgv/lgv and pcv drivers..

WHAT’S INCLUDED?

• Practise hundreds of interactive multiple-choice questions.
• Covers every aspect of the DVSA syllabus with the largest database of professionally written CPC questions.
• Review your answers and read explanations to help improve your skills.
• Sit hundreds of mock tests.
• Over 40 minutes of professional video tutorials covering pre-driving checks, use of the tachograph and driver’s hours*
• Learn the latest rules and regulations from a searchable Highway Code.
• Keep a track of your progress to see if you’re test ready.
• Optional English voiceover to help those with reading difficulties or dyslexia.*
• No annoying ads to interrupt your learning.
• Free in-house customer services and technical support ( [email protected] ).

Practise interactive case studies covering the full DVSA syllabus:

• Customer Service
• Diet and Health
• Documentation
• Drivers’ Hours
• EcoSafe Driving
• Health and Safety
• Incidents, Emergencies and First Aid
• Legal Matters
• Licensing and Qualifications
• Risk Factors
• Speed, Height, Weight and Other Limits
• Tachograph Use
• Technical Matters
• Vehicle Loading, Unloading and Security
• Vulnerable Road Users
• Working Time Directive

* Internet access required for voiceovers and videos (WiFi recommended)

IMPORTANT: The revision materials in this app are NOT the actual questions you will be asked in the official test. The DVSA do not release any of the live CPC questions, nor do they publish a revision question set. The questions in this product have been written by experts within the industry and cover the DVSA’s CPC test syllabus.

The Official Highway Code is Crown Copyright material and reproduced under the terms of the Open Government Licence. ‘The Complete’ is a brand name owned by Driving Test Success Ltd. App developed by Imagitech Ltd ©2021. All rights reserved.

Driver CPC Case Study Test UK 4+

Pass the hgv, lgv & pcv part 2, imagitech ltd.

• #21 in Education
• 4.2 • 369 Ratings

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Description.

Prepare for the GB/NI 2024 Driver CPC Part 2 case studies test using the UK’s LARGEST database of professionally written CPC questions for HGV/LGV and PCV drivers. WHAT’S INCLUDED? - Practise hundreds of interactive multiple-choice questions. - Covers every aspect of the Great Britain and Northern Ireland DVSA syllabus with the largest database of professionally written CPC questions. - Review your answers and read explanations to help improve your skills. - Sit hundreds of mock tests. - Over 40 minutes of professional video tutorials covering pre-driving checks, use of the tachograph and driver’s hours* - Learn the latest rules and regulations from a searchable Highway Code. - Keep a track of your progress to see if you’re test ready. - Optional English voiceover to help those with reading difficulties or dyslexia.* - No annoying ads to interrupt your learning. - Free in-house customer services and technical support ([email protected]). Practise interactive case studies covering the full DVSA syllabus: • Customer Service • Diet and Health • Documentation • Drivers' Hours • EcoSafe Driving • Health and Safety • Incidents, Emergencies and First Aid • Legal Matters • Licensing and Qualifications • Risk Factors • Speed, Height, Weight and Other Limits • Tachograph Use • Technical Matters • Vehicle Loading, Unloading and Security • Vulnerable Road Users • Working Time Directive ------------------------------------------------------------------------- * Internet access required for voiceovers and videos (WiFi recommended) IMPORTANT: The revision materials in this app are NOT the actual questions you will be asked in the official test. The DVSA do not release any of the live CPC questions, nor do they publish a revision question set. The questions in this product have been written by experts within the industry and cover the DVSA’s CPC test syllabus. The Official Highway Code is Crown Copyright material and reproduced under the terms of the Open Government Licence. ‘The Complete’ is a brand name owned by Driving Test Success Ltd. App developed by Imagitech Ltd ©2024. All rights reserved.

Version 1.0.50

Addition of subtitles for videos. Minor bug fixes.

Ratings and Reviews

369 Ratings

I passed JUST 41-50

I studied for around 6 hours using this app for one week. There were questions in the test that were not covered in this app I think resulting in my low score. I had done multiple mock tests on the app and quick tests but within the 6 hours had not covered all the content as it kept repeating the same case studies. There should be an option to practice individual case studies allowing you to complete the full content. Also the ability to flag a hole case study rather than individual questions would be handy, I had over 100 questions flagged. App is expensive but worth it for the pass had I failed my review may have been different 🙂

I downloaded this app on the recommendation of a friend in preparation for my CPC test. I had previously completed my theory and hazard perception 1 week prior and had my CPC booked for today (28feb) nearly a month later from sitting my theory and hazard perception, this was due to lack of available appointments. I started revising 2 weeks before my test, first going through all the case studies and then running 2 practice tests a day, flagging any questions I got wrong along the way and revisiting them on a daily basis. I would strongly suggest completing your theory first as a lot of the questions and answers are transferable, I would also suggest maybe sitting your CPC at least 2 weeks apart to give you time to go through this app. This way a lot of the theory stuff should still be fresh in your head. The questions on the actual test are “easy” if you’ve managed to pass your theory and can comfortably get a passing mark on this app. I was able to complete my test within 20 minutes or so. Definitely worth the cost and would recommend to anyone wanting to get a pass mark.

Passed 1st time

I used this app solidly for a week before my test and managed to pass it. While I do not recommend cramming like this, it is a testament to how much the app covers. (Give yourself 2 weeks minimum) What was frustrating is during the practice tests, any answers you got wrong it would just say no, the correct answer is ____. Instead I think instead of a straight yes or no there should be an explanation to give some context as to why a certain question is correct. E.g. Dave is able to drive 10 hours instead of 9 in a regular day as he is under domestic rules not EU rules.

App Privacy

The developer, Imagitech Ltd , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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CPC Case Study

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There are 6 questions in this CPC case study. Read the scenario carefully and ensure you understand it fully. You need to score at least 5 out of 6 to pass.

Sign up to keep track of your progress

Tests Taken

Average Score

Your Progress

You're doing well! Carry on practising to make sure you're prepared for your test. You'll soon see your scores improve!

Do you wish to proceed?

1256 votes - average 4.8 out of 5

CPC Case Study Quick View

Click the question box to reveal the correct answer. You can print the CPC Case Study questions and answers by clicking the printer icon below.

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PCV Driver CPC Module 2 Case Studies

Free Practice Case Study

If you’re aiming to qualify as a professional Bus driver and drive a bus or coach for a living, you’ll need a full PCV Driver CPC qualification.  The material and practice case studies in this course will give the knowledge  required to pass the PCV (bus) module 2 case studies test.

Attempt a practice case study and get a feel for our unique learning material before purchase.

Remember, If you don’t pass first time,  we’ll give you a full refund!

How to Pass CPC Exam: Free CPC Practice Exam #1 (2023)

Ready to get started? Our free, full-length, interactive CPC mock exam consists of 100 questions across all 17 categories you'll see on the official Certified Professional Coder exam. Click here to start practicing!

Welcome to our first full-length, free CPC practice exam! We've designed this test to be as close to the AAPC exam as possible, to help you get the most realistic and helpful practice and feedback possible.

Read on to learn how to use it for best results, or click here to skip down to the test questions and get started. Or, download the exam as a PDF below:

The CPC Exam has 100 questions from 17 categories

The exam is composed of 100 questions, drawn from the same 17 medical billing and coding categories you will see on the actual exam:

• CPT 10000 - Integumentary System (Skin, nails, hair)
• CPT 20000 - Musculoskeletal System
• CPT 30000 - Respiratory System
• CPT 40000 - Digestive
• CPT 50000 - Reproductive
• CPT 60000 - Nervous system
• Lab pathology (Panels, drug testing, chemistry, transfusions_
• Medical specialties (Immunizations, psychiatry, ophthalmology, cardiovascular, pulmonary, genetics, chemotherapy)
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• HCPCS Level II (Medicare-related codes)
• ICD-10-CM Coding
• Coding Guidelines (both ICD & CPT)
• Compliance and Regulations (Medicare, HIPAA, national/local coverage, reimbursement, and RVUs)
• Healthcare Law & Ethics

How long is the CPC exam?

The 2023 CPC exam is 4 hours long, done in 1 sitting.

You can start and stop the exam at any time, and your progress will be automatically saved.

How can I get the best results from this practice exam?

On the real CPC, you'll be either in your own personal space, taking the exam on a video call with the rest of the test-takers, or in a live test center with other test takers. The 2023 exam is 100 questions, done in a single sitting of 4 hours long.

To get the best results from this practice test, treat this full-length practice exam as if it was the real thing. Find a quiet room, and carve out a solid block of four hours where you will have total quiet, just like if you were taking the real exam.

Turn off your phone and let friends and family know that you will be unavailable, because you are taking the time to practice for the CPC.

Finally, try to complete the test in a single sitting. It's okay to take bathroom breaks, just like on the real exam, but try to eat about 2 hours beforehand

Practice tests will help you get used to the length and material of the real CPC

One of the largest reasons students find the CPC exam challenging is because of the length of the exam.

4 hours is a long time to sit and answer test questions at one stretch!

Taking a real, full-length practice test will help you get used to the length of the exam, and help you get your routine right for test day.

Take this practice exam as if it was the real thing, and you won't be surprised on test day - you'll be a seasoned pro!

How many times can I take the practice exam?

As many times as you like!

For those of you who want to do your absolute best, we recommend taking 3-5 different practice exams over 2-3 months.

Taking 3-5 exams will help get you intimately familiar with the structure of the CPC, and let you know what material you need to study. You'll have plenty of opportunity to study in between exams, and on test day, the real CPC will feel like old hat.

Take this practice test as many times as you like, and be sure to check out the rest of our CPC exam preparation materials as well.

Official CPC Practice Exam

Don't forget to use your CPT®, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books!

100 Questions (Suggested time: 4 hours)

Haven't completed the interactive CPC practice exam? Scroll up to complete the test!

Once you've completed, you'll see your score and a breakdown of questions here, to help you see where you did well, and where you could improve.

As always, we're cheering for you!

All done? Don't forget to get feedback!

Congrats on finishing your first CPC practice exam! Every bit of effort you put in is going to help you score better and continue on the path of becoming a medical billing and coding professional.

Once you've finished the test, take five minutes to reflect on what was easy for you, what was challenging this time, and where you could improve.

• What was easy for me:
• What was challenging for me:
• What I could improve next time:

Think about types of questions that were hard, what questions you spent your time on, and any material that you might want to go back and review. Spending a little time doing this while the exam is fresh will help you figure out exactly what to do next.

What's next?

Feel free to use our feedback tool to see where you need to study up to score even better on your next exam!

Feeling ready for more practice? Try our list of 800+ Free CPC Practice Exam Questions , or check out the rest of our 100% free CPC practice exams and mock tests. You got this!

Or: Feeling ready for the real thing? Start picking your date to take the Official Certified Professional Coder Exam and get certified by the AAPC.

We're cheering for you!

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How to study for the CPC exam

Medical coding is a fantastic career, and you’re so close to earning your Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential that you can taste it. But when it comes to passing the  CPC exam , close can feel scary. Not to worry, though. We have the help you need.

Compiled here isn’t just a top-of-mind tip sheet. We polled hundreds of CPCs who have gone before you — some passing on their first exam attempt, others passing after numerous tries — and structured the strongest and most cited of their insights in what we consider the best CPC exam study tip list you’ll find. So, courtesy of your peers, our esteemed AAPC members …

Plot your course to medical coding certification

When you have a goal, it helps to have a vision for the path ahead. A plan decides in advance on spur-of-the-moment distractions. A plan arranges for support, preempting stress and confusion. A plan counts the costs, removing elements of surprise when the going gets tough.

Your plan doesn’t need to be finite, just foreseen. Get a vision for what it’s going to take to get you across the finish line. And commit.

Passing the exam should be a priority. Study regularly. Devise a strategy tailored to your weaknesses. Maybe that means no TV or cell phone until you’ve logged your study time for the day. Maybe that means joining a study group. Don’t let long periods pass between study sessions.

Spend time in the zone. Multi-hour study sessions are great, so long as you’re fully present and alert. If your schedule is packed, or if it’s hard to find a sizable window free of fatigue, then go for quality. Try 15-minute study sessions throughout the day. Experiment to find a routine you can own.

Believe aggressively. Know this upfront — you will have moments of cluelessness. It’ll pass, so resist doubt. Affirm yourself. I have what it takes .

I will put in the work because I’m worth it. Belief is your firewall. You must believe you will pass the exam. 

CPC exam basics

The CPC exam is open book. You’ll be given 4 hours to complete 100 multiple-choice questions. Passing will require you to answer 70% of the questions correctly. The categories tested include:

Integumentary Surgical Coding

Respiratory Surgical Coding

Nervous System Surgical Coding

Endocrine System Surgical Coding

Digestive System Surgical Coding

Urinary System Surgical Coding

Musculoskeletal System Surgical Coding

Mediastinum & Diaphragm Surgical Coding

Male/Female Genital Surgical Coding

Hemic & Lymphatic Surgical Coding

Maternity & Delivery

Eye & Ocular Adnexa Surgical Coding

HCPCS Level II

Evaluation and Management

Anatomy and Physiology

Medical Terminology

Coding Guidelines

Practice Management

Learn what to study for the CPC exam

Not all areas of the CPC curriculum require equal study time.  From your CPC training course, you know that some chapters took longer to digest than others. Evaluation and management, for example, is more challenging than the urinary chapter. The same challenges will influence how you divide your study time.

Concentrate on the more complex areas. Invest your time and effort to ensure you understand key concepts and difficult coding scenarios. Examples: HIV, metastatic cancer, chronic pain, infusions

Identify your weaknesses and give those areas extra attention.

Know your modifiers. Understand the purpose of each modifier and when the modifier should be appended.

Know your medical terminology . The exam will ask questions pertaining to anatomy and medical terminology, and you’ll need to know these subjects to extract important details for coding. Break out the flashcards for a refresher before exam day.

Know the letter ranges for ICD-10 and number ranges for CPT ® codes . With limited time on test day, the ability to recognize basic info about a code because you know its ranges can mean the difference between passing the CPC exam and not having enough time to finish the test.

Code ranges allow you to instantly narrow down potential answers. If a question asks about a code pertaining to the musculoskeletal system, for example, you can eliminate all codes that don’t begin with the number 2.

Acclimate yourself to the language in the code books . Exam questions use verbiage in code descriptors and code notes. You’ll want to understand the language well enough to look up the answers.

Know the official code guidelines

The guidelines provide instructions for proper code selection. Coders need to read their code books cover to cover and pay special attention to guidelines.

Review guidelines for each code set — and review often, particularly the challenging guidelines.

The goal is not to memorize guidelines but to understand them . You need to know how to interpret and apply what you read. You should be able to recognize the rationale, purpose, logic, and intent of the guideline by exam day. To help learn how a guideline is applied, review codes that the guideline applies to. And practice!

Get the basic applications down . Be sure you can respond accurately to Includes, Excludes, Code First, Code Also, etc., without a second thought.

Be sure you can follow sequencing rules . This is heavily factored into the CPC exam (as in real-world coding). You’ll want to practice sequencing.

Know where to find specific guidelines . Here, too, you don’t need to memorize where every guideline is. You only need to tab and mark your books. (We outline book marking tips below.)

Know what topics are covered in chapter-specific guidelines. This will alert you to when you should check a guideline prior to making a code selection.

Don’t forget to review coding conventions , notations, EXCLUDES notes for ICD-10, and parenthetical notes for CPT ® .

Prep your medical code books

The CPC exam is open book, and everything you need to know is in your CPT ® , ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II code books . The more intimately you know your books, the kinder time will be to you on exam day.

The goal is to be able to quickly locate anything and everything — codes, guidelines, tables, instructions, illustrations, etc. — so continue familiarizing yourself with the parts of your books.

Tabbing your books will help you identify pages. Most people reserve tabbing for guidelines and chapters in the tabular lists, but anything you need extra help with is an area you might want to tab. You might also want to tab the things you don’t normally search for.

These are your books, so tab and mark them according to your needs. Some people feel that tabs get in the way, others feel they’re essential for the exam. Do what works for you.

Be strategic when marking your books. You don’t want to lose important notes in the chaos of too many notes. The same goes for highlighted text. Try to keep your notations relevant to the exam.

Make notes where you can find them. Some people prefer to write short notes near the codes versus filling blank pages with notes. Choose whatever approach helps you quickly locate what you need.

You may not add writing surface to your books . Taping, gluing, or stapling anything into your code books is prohibited. This includes sticky notes.

Tips for adding notes in your books are recommendations others found helpful . Choose only what makes sense for you.

For codes with guidelines that give you trouble, write the guideline next to code. Some people also do the reverse — adding code examples next to the guideline.

Draw an E/M table to help you determine E/M services (CPT ) ® .

Mark out of sequence codes (CPT ) ® .

Write definitions of procedures next to the codes in CPT ® or highlight differences between codes with subtle variations of body parts or layers (e.g., integumentary).

Write main terms, prefixes, and suffixes on your anatomical illustration pages next to corresponding body parts.

Tips for highlighting information in your books are also suggestions.  Choose only what you find helpful.

ICD-10 highlights

Code first notes, use additional code notes, codes that are excluded from a category

CPT ®  highlights

Keywords in the subsection guidelines (e.g., new and established patient definition in the E/M section)

Keywords in the Repair (Closure) guideline section defining simple, intermediate, or complex repairs.

Guidelines for services included with Adjacent Tissue Transfer or Rearrangement procedures.

Key words in the Musculoskeletal System guidelines defining surgical procedures, such as closed, opened, percutaneous skeletal fixation, or manipulation.

All parenthetical notes found in the code description or following the code.

Make note of procedures performed percutaneously, with any type of scope (endoscope, laparoscope, etc.), or by open technique (meaning the doctor had to cut into the patient to perform the procedure)

Practicing for the CPC exam

Use smart tools. Once you’ve studied, you’ll want to take advantage of as many practice tests as possible.

Treat practice exams like real tests . Study for them, follow time constraints, and note which questions you answered incorrectly. Go back and review the areas you struggled with. Retest and repeat.

Keep practicing for time management . To complete the CPC exam in the allotted 4 hours, you need to answer questions in about 2.4 minutes or less. Practice like an athlete to improve your pace.

Keep practicing for test-taking skills . Eliminating answers is an effective strategy for both accuracy and time management. Identify the answers that are most likely incorrect and move forward with your better options.

Keep practicing for accuracy . Keep practicing until you score 80% minimum.

All examinees

Read your emailed guidelines  three days before the exam so they’re fresh in your mind.

Watch AAPC's exam tutorial . This informational guide covers technical requirements, materials permitted, and how to navigate the electronic exam.

Have your ID ready — a valid, government-issued photo ID is required for your exam. Temporary, copies, paper or digital IDs are not permitted.

Live Remote Proctored (LRP) examinees

Test your external webcam and maybe have a backup plan in the event of unexpected technical issues.

Test your internet speed on speedtest.net to make sure upload and download speed is 5.0 Mbps.

Clear your testing area as the room you test in needs to be clear of whiteboard, calendars, and sticky notes with writing. All landline phones, books and miscellaneous items should be placed out of reach.

Block out your exam time with household members and let them you will need 100% privacy to ensure there will be no interruptions during your exam.

Confirm which materials are permitted for an LRP exam. For example, a printed copy of the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines is not allowed.

Testing center examinees

Verify the start time and examination address a few days prior to your test date. If you’re unfamiliar with the exam site, consider mapping your driving directions in advance. Factor potential delays and arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

Confirm which materials are permitted for a testing center exam.

Certification exam eve

Close your books. You’re done studying. If you’re taking the Live Remote Proctored (LRP) electronic exam, set up your webcam and test area, and try to have a good night sleep.

In the morning, enjoy a healthy breakfast (nothing too heavy) and bring light snacks and water to keep you energized during the exam.

Stay positive. Breathe. Repeat your mantra —  I can do this. I’ve got this . Deep slow breaths.

We would say  good luck , but you know this exam isn’t about luck. We know it, too. We’re going to wish you well, instead. You are ready. You’ve worked hard. All of us at AAPC are rooting for you.

About the author

Thought leadership team, editorial staff / aapc.

The AAPC Thought Leadership Team is a distinguished consortium of experts, visionaries, and thought leaders committed to shaping the landscape in the industry. With a deep understanding of the profound impact our industry has on society, this council serves as a guiding force, driving the development and implementation of ethical standards in coding practices.

Certified Professional Coder (CPC ) ® Training

The CPC credential is the gold-standard credential for medical coders. AAPC's CPC Certification Preparation Course is an entry-level course that prepares you to take your CPC exam.

Set yourself up for success. Get the pre-requisite training you need.

Medical coding and billing takes time and practice to learn. And getting up to speed on the terminology and knowledge required can be like learning a whole new language. 

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