Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO®)
Build your future in healthcare compliance with the CPCO certification.What is a Certified Professional Compliance Officer?
The CPCO credential validates advanced expertise in healthcare compliance. Earning the CPCO demonstrates proficiency in understanding and applying compliance program guidance, federal regulations, fraud and abuse laws, and industry standards that protect organizations from risk.
This certification is designed for coders, billers, auditors, and administrators who want to expand into compliance leadership. CPCO-certified professionals are prepared to oversee compliance programs, identify vulnerabilities, and implement corrective actions that ensure organizations remain compliant and audit-ready.
Why earn the CPCO certification?
Stand out with a core credential that positions you for leadership in healthcare compliance
Validate your ability to design, manage, and evaluate compliance programs
Gain deeper knowledge of federal regulations including HIPAA, False Claims Act, Anti-Kickback Statute, and Stark Law
Position yourself for career growth in compliance, auditing, and healthcare administration
What does the CPCO cover?
The CPCO credential proves you are skilled in:
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
Who should earn the CPCO?
Professional coders, billers, and auditors seeking to expand into compliance leadership roles
Compliance officers and managers looking for formal validation of their expertise
Healthcare administrators responsible for oversight of compliance programs and regulatory adherence
Experienced coders ready to move into auditing and compliance career paths
Experience requirements
The CPCO exam requires an understanding of a wide variety of compliance topics and issues. CPCO candidates should undertake training and/or have two years of experience working with compliance programs.
Prior to the CPCO exam, you should be extremely familiar with key elements required for compliance programs, including the daily operational aspects. You should also be familiar with key laws and regulations impacting compliance programs, physician practices, and policies used to address potential fraud and abuse, including associated penalties and fines. Additionally, you should know where to go and how to research information to identify correct practices to mitigate compliance risks.
Be aware that this is a challenging, high-level examination which is not meant for individuals with limited or no compliance experience or training.
If you don’t have compliance experience or working knowledge of these subjects, we offer recommended prerequisite courses to prepare you for the CPCO® preparation course. Learn more.
Maintaining your certification
To maintain your credential, you must maintain your AAPC annual membership, and earn 36 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years.
Move up in your career with the CPCO.
Becoming a CPCO-certified professional demonstrates your commitment to protecting your organization from compliance risks while supporting ethical, accurate operations. This credential highlights your readiness to take on leadership roles in compliance, auditing, and administration. Whether you want to grow into compliance management, expand beyond coding and billing, or strengthen your organization’s compliance framework, the CPCO is your pathway to professional advancement.
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