Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the AAPC Certified Evaluation and Management Coder certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the AAPC CEMC exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The AAPC Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Specialty Coding + Medical coding, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as evaluation and management coding, documentation review, CPT® and ICD-10-CM guideline application within real-world settings like physician practices, outpatient settings, healthcare revenue cycle departments and related settings.
The syllabus outline below reflects the core domains and expectations defined by the official AAPC certification framework and aligns with the cognitive and professional standards assessed in the AAPC CEMC exam. Candidates can use this guide alongside official vendor resources and structured practice to align their preparation with current exam standards and professional expectations for medical coders, evaluation and management coders, coding auditors and related roles
AAPC CEMC Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | AAPC Certified Evaluation and Management Coder |
| Credential | AAPC Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC) |
| Vendor | American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) |
| Exam Code | CEMC » AAPC CEMC Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Proctored exam; online remote proctoring or testing-center delivery where available |
| Exam Duration | 240 mins |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Price |
$325 for one attempt $399 for two exam attempts |
| Scheduling Window | Available dates and times shown after exam voucher purchase and scheduling |
| Schedule Exam | AAPC |
| Trainings/Resources | Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC) Online Training Course |
| Sample Questions | AAPC CEMC Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | AAPC CEMC Certification Practice Exam |
AAPC CEMC Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books |
|---|---|
| Core knowledge areas |
- ICD-10-CM, CPT®, and HCPCS Level II coding principles as they apply to E/M services - Application of 2021 E/M guideline updates for office and outpatient visits - Documentation and compliance requirements to support accurate code selection |
| Medical decision making (MDM) and time-based coding |
- Assigning levels of service based on the complexity of MDM - Proper use of time as a controlling factor in service selection - Documentation standards for history, exam, and decision-making elements |
| Inpatient, outpatient, and specialty E/M services |
- Coding for office visits, preventive medicine services, and consultations - E/M coding for hospital admissions, subsequent visits, and discharge services - Critical care, prolonged services, and other time- or complexity-based encounters |
| Compliance and audit readiness |
- Identifying undercoding and overcoding risks in E/M services - Applying payer rules and NCCI edits related to E/M - Supporting compliance through thorough documentation and internal auditing practices |
The AAPC CEMC certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Specialty Coding + Medical coding. The exam evaluates competencies such as evaluation and management coding, documentation review, CPT® and ICD-10-CM guideline application, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as medical coders, evaluation and management coders, coding auditors and related roles working in settings such as physician practices, outpatient settings, healthcare revenue cycle departments and related settings.
To prepare effectively for the AAPC Certified Evaluation and Management Coder exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
