The Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) is a medical coding certification from the American Academy of Professional Coders that evaluates outpatient facility coding knowledge, including ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, CPT coding guidelines, HCPCS Level II coding, Medicare guidelines, payment methodologies, compliance, revenue codes, and APCs.
Candidates pursuing the Certified Outpatient Coder credential typically prepare for roles such as Certified Outpatient Coder, outpatient hospital coder, outpatient facility coder, or ASC coder in outpatient hospital facilities, outpatient facility settings, and ambulatory surgical centers.
Key exam facts include:
- Exam code: COC
- Exam length: 240 minutes
- Question count: 100 questions
- Passing score: 70%
- Delivery: Testing center exam or online exam
AAPC COC — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This FAQ section summarizes key aspects of the AAPC COC exam, including format, difficulty, and preparation. For official eligibility, policies, and updates, visit the AAPC’s official exam page.
SECTION A: AAPC COC Exam Overview & Legitimacy
This section explains what the COC certification represents, who typically pursues it, and how it relates to outpatient coding work. It also clarifies that the credential is a professional certification, not a license.
