CPC Practice Exams and Formula for Success

We get asked this question often, so here is the formula we recommend for passing the CPC® exam.

CPC Practice Exams and Formula for Success

1. Take a full coding course where you get plenty of opportunity to practice coding. See the details on CCO’s Physician-Based Medical Coding Course.
2. Watch all of the CCO Medical Coding Review Blitz videos and mark up your coding manuals with the Bubbling and Highlighting™ (BHAT®) technique.
3. Practice Blitz exam-taking techniques by completing TIMED practice exams.
   1. Start with the free Trial exam, then move on to the 60-question practice exams.
   2. Allow yourself about an hour for every 25 to 30 questions.
   3. Complete each exam in one sitting, somewhere you won’t be disturbed, so it feels like the real thing.
   4. Use a timer to count down 60 minutes at a time, per the Blitz technique.
   5. Review every rationale thoroughly, including the questions you got right.
   6. Repeat until you consistently score 85% or higher.
4. Go over any questions you don’t understand with an instructor or a seasoned coder. CCO students can bring these questions to their coach.

Where to Get CPC Practice Exams

CCO practice exams are taken online in the CCO Exam Center. Every exam includes answer rationales and 30 days of access.

1. Trial CPC Practice Exam: 50 questions, free except for a small platform fee. A good place to start.
2. CPC Practice Exams: Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz, 60 questions each. Buy them one at a time or together in the CPC Exam Bundle. See the CPC Practice Exams page for current pricing.

Lifetime purchases of the Physician-Based Medical Coding Course made through December 31, 2026 include the Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz practice exams as a bonus.

Learn More About CPC Practice Exams

CPC Practice Exams: The Key to Passing Your CPC Exam (Video)