Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
Examination 2026–2027 | Comprehensive
Question Practice Test with Answers &
Rationales| Free Pdf Access
1. Which organization administers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
credential?
A. AAPC
B. AHIMA
C. AMA
D. CMS
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) administers the CPC
credential, one of the most recognized coding certifications in the healthcare industry.
2. What is the primary focus of a CPC-certified professional?
A. Physician office and outpatient coding
B. Inpatient hospital administration
C. Nursing care management
D. Laboratory testing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CPC professionals primarily code services performed in physician offices,
clinics, and outpatient settings.
3. Which coding system is used to report diagnoses?
,A. ICD-10-CM
B. CPT
C. HCPCS Level I
D. CDT
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ICD-10-CM is used to classify and report diseases, conditions, and injuries.
4. Which coding system is used to report physician procedures and services?
A. CPT
B. ICD-10-CM
C. ICD-10-PCS
D. DRG
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CPT codes describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures performed by
healthcare providers.
5. Which organization maintains the CPT code set?
A. American Medical Association (AMA)
B. AAPC
C. AHIMA
D. CMS
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The AMA develops and updates the CPT coding system annually.
6. What does HCPCS Level II primarily report?
A. Supplies, equipment, medications, and non-physician services
B. Inpatient procedures
C. Diagnoses only
D. Laboratory values
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: HCPCS Level II codes supplement CPT by reporting items and services not
included in CPT.
, 7. What is the first step in assigning a diagnosis code?
A. Review provider documentation
B. Submit the claim
C. Apply modifiers
D. Verify reimbursement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Accurate coding begins with complete review of clinical documentation.
8. What is the purpose of ICD-10-CM coding?
A. Classify diagnoses and conditions
B. Determine salaries
C. Schedule procedures
D. Assign revenue codes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ICD-10-CM provides a standardized system for reporting diseases and
conditions.
9. What is the purpose of CPT coding?
A. Report medical services and procedures
B. Identify diagnoses
C. Process payroll
D. Classify medications
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CPT codes communicate the services performed by healthcare providers.
10. What is medical necessity?
A. Justification that services are reasonable and necessary
B. Insurance eligibility
C. Revenue code assignment
D. Scheduling priority
Examination 2026–2027 | Comprehensive
Question Practice Test with Answers &
Rationales| Free Pdf Access
1. Which organization administers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
credential?
A. AAPC
B. AHIMA
C. AMA
D. CMS
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) administers the CPC
credential, one of the most recognized coding certifications in the healthcare industry.
2. What is the primary focus of a CPC-certified professional?
A. Physician office and outpatient coding
B. Inpatient hospital administration
C. Nursing care management
D. Laboratory testing
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CPC professionals primarily code services performed in physician offices,
clinics, and outpatient settings.
3. Which coding system is used to report diagnoses?
,A. ICD-10-CM
B. CPT
C. HCPCS Level I
D. CDT
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ICD-10-CM is used to classify and report diseases, conditions, and injuries.
4. Which coding system is used to report physician procedures and services?
A. CPT
B. ICD-10-CM
C. ICD-10-PCS
D. DRG
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CPT codes describe medical, surgical, and diagnostic procedures performed by
healthcare providers.
5. Which organization maintains the CPT code set?
A. American Medical Association (AMA)
B. AAPC
C. AHIMA
D. CMS
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The AMA develops and updates the CPT coding system annually.
6. What does HCPCS Level II primarily report?
A. Supplies, equipment, medications, and non-physician services
B. Inpatient procedures
C. Diagnoses only
D. Laboratory values
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: HCPCS Level II codes supplement CPT by reporting items and services not
included in CPT.
, 7. What is the first step in assigning a diagnosis code?
A. Review provider documentation
B. Submit the claim
C. Apply modifiers
D. Verify reimbursement
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Accurate coding begins with complete review of clinical documentation.
8. What is the purpose of ICD-10-CM coding?
A. Classify diagnoses and conditions
B. Determine salaries
C. Schedule procedures
D. Assign revenue codes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ICD-10-CM provides a standardized system for reporting diseases and
conditions.
9. What is the purpose of CPT coding?
A. Report medical services and procedures
B. Identify diagnoses
C. Process payroll
D. Classify medications
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CPT codes communicate the services performed by healthcare providers.
10. What is medical necessity?
A. Justification that services are reasonable and necessary
B. Insurance eligibility
C. Revenue code assignment
D. Scheduling priority
