How Much CPT Certification Cost
There are various factors that can influence the cost of obtaining CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) certification. These factors include the specific certifying organization you choose, the type of training program you opt for (such as in-person classes, online courses, or self-study materials), as well as any additional materials or resources that may be required, such as textbooks or study guides. Additionally, fees for the certification exam itself may vary. Therefore, it's important to research and consider all these factors when planning to obtain CPT certification.
AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders)
AAPC offers the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification, which covers CPT coding along with ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II codes.
Exam Fee:
The CPC exam fee is $399. This fee includes one free retake.
Membership Fee:
To take the CPC exam, you must be an AAPC member. The annual membership fee is $180.
Training Program:
AAPC offers various training programs, ranging from self-paced online courses to instructor-led courses. The cost can range from $1,495 to $2,995, depending on the type of course.
Study Materials:
Purchasing study materials such as the CPC study guide ($99.95) and the CPT codebook (approximately $109.95) is recommended.
AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association)
AHIMA offers the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification, which also covers CPT coding.
Exam Fee:
The CCS exam fee for AHIMA members is $299, while the fee for non-members is $399.
Membership Fee:
AHIMA membership fees range from $79 to $199 annually, depending on the membership type.
Training Program:
AHIMA provides training programs and resources, with costs varying based on the course structure and materials.
Study Materials:
Purchasing AHIMA's recommended study materials, including the CCS exam preparation books and the CPT codebook, is advised.
Other Training Providers
Various other educational institutions and online platforms offer CPT certification training programs. Costs can vary widely:
Training Programs:
These can range from a few hundred dollars for basic online courses to several thousand dollars for comprehensive programs that include extensive materials and support.
Exam Preparation:
Additional costs for exam preparation courses, practice exams, and tutoring services may apply.
Summary of Costs
- Exam Fees: $299 to $399
- Membership Fees: $79 to $199 annually (optional but often required)
- Training Programs: $1,495 to $2,995 (depending on the provider and course structure)
- Study Materials: $100 to $200 (codebooks and study guides)
Example Total Cost (AAPC)
- Exam Fee: $399
- Membership Fee: $180
- Training Program: $1,495 (self-paced online course)
- Study Materials: $200
- Total Estimated Cost: $2,274
The costs provided are rough estimates and are subject to variation based on promotions, discounts, and specific course offerings. It is advisable to regularly verify the most up-to-date information directly from the certifying organizations and training providers to ensure accurate pricing.
