Avoid These Common Mistakes on the CPC® Exam – Expert Tips to Pass on Your First Try

Are you preparing for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) exam but feeling nervous about making costly mistakes? You're not alone. Every year, thousands of test-takers lose valuable points—not because they don't understand how to look up codes—but due to avoidable errors that can cost them a passing score.

In this article, we’ll cover the top mistakes CPC candidates make, and more importantly, how to avoid them. These insider tips can boost your confidence and help you walk into exam day with a solid strategy.

 

🕒 Mistake #1: Poor Time Management

The CPC exam consists of 100 randomized questions with a strict time limit of 4 hours, giving you approximately 2.4 minutes per question.

➡️ Solution:

Start by quickly identifying what the question is asking. Many case-based questions might look long, but they may only require you to find CPT or ICD-10-CM codes. Skip time-consuming questions and flag them to return later. Practice this strategy using AAPC’s official mock exams to get comfortable with the exam platform.

🎯 Pro Tip: All questions carry equal weight, so don’t let a two-page operative report cost you time when a simple question on skin layers is worth the same one point.

 

📘 Mistake #2: Not Knowing How to Use Your Coding Books Efficiently

Your success in the CPC exam heavily depends on your ability to navigate the ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II books quickly and accurately.

➡️ Solution:

·         Know how to find guidelines, tables, and code ranges quickly.

·         Understand that with ICD-10-CM, you must go from the Alphabetic Index to the Tabular List.

·         For CPT, familiarize yourself with search strategies based on code ranges and section guidelines.

🧠 Whether you're using paper books or AAPC’s eBooks, practice navigating through them before the exam. Remember: if you're using eBooks, highlighting and notes are not available, so become comfortable using a clean version of the books provided in the exam platform.

 

📋 Mistake #3: Struggling with E/M Coding

Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding remains one of the most challenging sections for CPC candidates.

➡️ Solution:

Make sure you understand:

·         The 2021 E/M guidelines for office visits

·         When to use Medical Decision Making (MDM) versus Time

·         Key differences between E/M levels

Spend time practicing real-world scenarios and know where your E/M guidelines are located in your CPT book. If you're still finding it difficult, consider a dedicated E/M course to deepen your understanding.

 

✂️ Mistake #4: Misunderstanding Modifiers

Modifiers are tricky, and the CPC exam often uses them to test your attention to detail.

➡️ Solution:

·         Understand the difference between Modifier 51 (multiple procedures) and Modifier 59 (distinct procedural service).

·         Know when to apply Modifier 25 for separately identifiable E/M services.

🔍 Use Appendix A in your CPT book to review full modifier definitions—not just the brief descriptions on the flap.

 

🤔 Mistake #5: Second-Guessing Yourself

It’s normal to feel unsure on exam day, but don’t let anxiety override your preparation.

➡️ Solution:

If your initial instinct is based on solid reasoning, stick with it unless you can clearly disprove it. Use the flagging feature for review if you’re on the fence. Avoid overthinking every question—you've prepared for this.

 

✅ Final Thoughts: Strategy is Just as Important as Knowledge

Passing the CPC exam isn’t just about knowing codes—it’s about having the right strategy:

·         Manage your time wisely

·         Navigate your coding books efficiently

·         Understand critical topics like E/M and modifiers

·         Use the exam platform features like flagging and navigation tools