CPC®, CPC-H®, or CPC-P® Apprentice: Examinees who are successful in passing the certification examination but have not yet met the required coding work experience will be awarded the initial designation CPC® Apprentice, CPC-H® Apprentice, or CPC-P® Apprentice. The CPC®, CPC-H®, or CPC-P® Apprentice is required to submit the annual CEUs while completing the coding work experience requirement. The apprentice will receive a certificate from AAPC for CPC® CPC-H® or CPC-P® Apprentice.
Requirements for removal of Apprentice designation for the CPC®, CPC-H®, CPC-P®: At least two recommendation letters verifying 2 years of on the job experience using the CPT®, ICD-9-CM, or HCPCS Level II code sets. At least one letter must be from a supervisor outlining your coding experience and amount of time in that capacity.
OR
A minimum 80 hour coding course AND one letter verifying one year of on the job coding experience from a supervisor. Proof of education may be sent in the form of a letter from the instructor stating the amount of contact hours or a certificate of completion stating the amount of contact hours.