Welcome to the official MedicoExam syllabus guide for the AAPC Certified Professional Compliance Officer certification. This page delivers a clear, structured overview of the AAPC CPCO exam, including key exam details, syllabus topics, and preparation references to support effective study planning. The AAPC Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) is intended for professionals pursuing roles aligned with Core + Compliance, with assessment centered on applied competencies such as healthcare compliance program management, risk assessment and auditing, privacy security and ethics within real-world settings like physician practices, healthcare organizations, compliance departments.
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 CPCO 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 compliance professionals, healthcare auditors, revenue cycle and practice management professionals
AAPC CPCO Exam Summary and Key Details
| Exam Name | AAPC Certified Professional Compliance Officer |
| Credential | AAPC Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) |
| Vendor | American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) |
| Exam Code | CPCO » AAPC CPCO Certification Practice Exam |
| Exam Delivery Mode | Online at home with a live remote proctor or on a computer at a testing center |
| Exam Duration | 240 mins |
| Number of Questions | 100 |
| Passing Score | 70% |
| Exam Price |
$425 for one attempt $499 for two exam attempts |
| Scheduling Window | Schedule after purchasing the exam through AAPC |
| Schedule Exam | AAPC |
| Trainings/Resources | Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) Online Training Course |
| Sample Questions | AAPC CPCO Exam Sample Questions |
| Recommended Practice | AAPC CPCO Certification Practice Exam |
AAPC CPCO Exam Syllabus Topics and Weighting
| Topic Areas | Topic Details, Courses, Books |
|---|---|
| Core compliance knowledge |
- Elements of an effective compliance program - Federal healthcare regulations and enforcement agencies - Fraud and abuse laws and the role of compliance officers in prevention and oversight |
| Risk assessment and auditing |
- Identifying risk areas in coding, billing, and documentation - Conducting internal audits and investigations - Developing corrective action plans and monitoring outcomes |
| Privacy, security, and ethics |
- HIPAA privacy and security rules - Safeguarding protected health information (PHI) - Ethical decision-making and standards for compliance professionals |
| Compliance program administration |
- Structuring and implementing compliance programs - Training and educating staff on compliance requirements - Reporting, communication, and maintaining compliance across an organization |
The AAPC CPCO certification exam is designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and applied professional judgment in Core + Compliance. The exam evaluates competencies such as healthcare compliance program management, risk assessment and auditing, privacy security and ethics, ensuring candidates are prepared for real-world responsibilities as compliance professionals, healthcare auditors, revenue cycle and practice management professionals working in settings such as physician practices, healthcare organizations, compliance departments.
To prepare effectively for the AAPC Certified Professional Compliance Officer exam, candidates are encouraged to review official vendor materials, complete structured practice assessments, and gain hands-on experience relevant to their professional role.
