Overview

Both COC (Certified Outpatient Coder) and CPC (Certified Professional Coder) are respected credentials in their field. This comparison helps you understand the key differences and choose the right path.

COC (Certified Outpatient Coder)

• •Certifying Body: American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)
• •Exam Format: 100 multiple-choice questions (100 scored)
• •Time Limit: 4 hours
• •Fee: $425
• •Pass Rate: ~70%
• •Validity: 2 years (with CEUs)

CPC (Certified Professional Coder)

The CPC certification offers a different scope and focus within the same professional field.

Key Differences

1. Scope of Practice: COC focuses specifically on outpatient coder, while CPC covers a different scope.
2. Exam Difficulty: COC has a pass rate of ~70%.
3. Cost: COC costs $425.
4. Career Impact: Both credentials enhance professional credibility and may lead to increased earning potential.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose COC if your practice focuses specifically on outpatient coder. Choose CPC if your scope is broader or different. Many professionals hold both credentials.

Content Domains

The COC exam covers: Medical Terminology (7), Anatomy (7), Coding Guidelines (3), Payment Methodologies (13), ICD-10-CM (15), HCPCS (7), CPT (13), Surgery/Modifiers (22), Cases (10).

FAQ

How many questions are on the COC exam?

The COC exam has 100 multiple-choice questions with a 4 hours time limit. 100 questions are scored.

How much does the COC exam cost?

The COC exam fee is $425.

What is the pass rate for COC?

The pass rate for the COC exam is ~70%.

How long is COC certification valid?

The COC credential is valid for 2 years (with CEUs).