Difference Between CPC-A and CPC Certification

Many aspiring medical coders assume that passing the CPC exam automatically grants full certification. However, that’s not always the case. Some candidates receive the CPC-A designation instead of full CPC certification after passing the exam. This often happens due to an incomplete understanding of the certification requirements. But in that moment, this leads to disappointment and leaves candidates to question what this means for their future, naturally raising concerns such as;

• Will I get hired with apprentice status?
• Does the “A” reduce my credibility?
• Will it limit my job opportunities?

The reality is that both CPC-A and CPC certification for medical coding represent significant achievements, but they reflect different levels of professional experience. Therefore, rather than viewing CPC-A as a setback, it should be understood as a transitional stage in your coding career. Read this guide to clearly understand what CPC-A means, how it differs from full CPC status, and the exact steps you can take to move from apprentice to fully certified professional with confidence.

What Does CPC-A Mean, and How Is It Different from Full CPC Certification?

CPC-A certification stands for Certified Professional Coder – Apprentice. The “A” designation is given to candidates who successfully pass the CPC exam but have not yet met the required professional coding experience. It confirms that you have demonstrated strong knowledge of medical coding concepts, guidelines, and procedures through the exam, but are still in the process of gaining hands-on industry experience.

Full CPC certification for medical coding, on the other hand, is awarded to candidates who pass the exam and meet the required work experience criteria set by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). This credential reflects both theoretical competency and verified practical experience. 

CPC-A vs CPC Certification: Quick Comparison

From the above table, hopefully, it is now clear that both CPC-A and CPC require passing the same exam. The only difference is verified work experience. Once you meet the experience or education requirements and submit documentation, you can remove the “A” and obtain full CPC certification.

How to Remove the “A” (Apprentice) from Your CPC-A Credential?

To remove the “A” (Apprentice) from your CPC-A credential, you have three ways.

Option 1: Work Experience Only

You need 2 years of on-the-job coding experience. Your experience can come from a current employer, previous employer, externship, or a combination of these. Coding experience gained before or after earning your CPC-A certification is accepted. To qualify, you must submit an official employment verification letter from your employer, supervisor, or HR department. 

Documentation Requirements:

You must submit an official employment verification letter that:

• Is printed on the company letterhead
• Includes your start and end dates
• Clearly describes your coding duties
• Is signed and dated
• Includes current contact information
• Must be submitted as a non-editable PDF

Option 2: 1 Year Experience + Education

The second option combines one year of coding experience with additional education. You must complete one year of on-the-job coding using CPT®, ICD-10-CM, or HCPCS Level II codes, verified by your employer through an official letter that meets the same documentation requirements as Option 1. 

In addition to work experience, you must complete the education requirements mentioned below;

• Complete the Practicode program (minimum 600 cases with 70% overall score)

                                                         OR

• Complete an 80-hour medical coding course from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or an approved institution

These are the proofs of completion that need to be submitted.

• Certificate
• Transcript
• Instructor letter confirming 80 contact hours

Option 3: Education Only (No Work Experience)

The third option allows you to remove the “A” designation without work experience by completing both AAPC’s Practicode program and an 80-hour medical coding course. Practicode requires successfully completing at least 600 coding cases with a minimum overall score of 70%. 

Additionally, you must complete an 80-contact-hour medical coding course from AAPC or an equivalent institution. AAPC Distance Learning students typically do not need to submit documentation, as the system automatically verifies completion. 

Other students must upload official documentation, such as a certificate, transcript, or an instructor’s letter, confirming the required contact hours. Processing of submitted documents generally takes 2–4 weeks.

Last Step

Once you meet the chosen pathway requirements, any of the above-mentioned three options. Submit proof of education or experience via the Apprentice Removal Application and await approval. After verification, your credential will be upgraded to full CPC status.

Conclusion

Hopefully, you now have a clear understanding of what CPC and CPC-A certifications mean and how they differ. If you have already passed the CPC exam and earned the CPC-A designation, you can follow the step-by-step options outlined above to remove the apprentice status and achieve full certification. 

If you are just beginning your journey, understanding the experience and education requirements in advance can help you qualify for full CPC certification at first time.  Also, you can read this guide on the top 10 reasons to start a career in medical billing and coding to ensure that you make a smart move.