Nobody wants to know how to fail the AAPC CPC exam, so the following tells you what to look out for. You just need to be aware of certain CPC exam rules that can result in you getting disqualified or automatic failure. You can consider this as a quick checklist of what not to do when you’re in the medical coding certification or AAPC CPC exam hall. So let us discuss what are the things you shouldn’t do that breaks the exam rules.
Leave your cell phone behind
First of all, you’re not allowed to bring your cell phone to the exam. This also goes for any electronic devices like smart phones, tablets, mobile gaming consoles, etc. You wont have any place to stow them during the exam anyway, so the best solution is to just not bring them at all.
Bring the right tools
With that said, make sure you do bring the required items for the medical coding certification exam. Check with the CPC exam proctors several days beforehand to know what you’ll need. Basically you’ll need a picture ID, your member ID, #2 pencils, as well as the CPT, ICD-9CM, and HCPCS II manuals.
Keep up to date
Remember that the code sets for each coding book are updated every year, so it’s essential for you to have up to date books. Using out of date books would obviously puts you at a disadvantage, with substantial penalization. The exams are updated every January for the new code sets, so you can’t use upcoming year’s book for the exam. Do keep in mind that the exam proctors may not clarify test questions during the CPC exam.
Tabbing your coding books
You’re permitted to tab your coding books for quick reference, whether you inserted, glued, pasted, taped, or stapled it in the manuals. Having handwritten notes in the coding books are also acceptable only if they pertain to daily coding activities. The guideline is that they should be used with the intent to earmark a page with words or numbers, not supplement information in the book.
Keep it to yourself
Finally, any attempt to smuggle exam materials out of the exam hall will result in you failing the AAPC CPC exam. If you exhibit collaborative or disruptive behavior, then it can be cause for immediate action by the proctors. Because the CPC exam materials are confidential, you may not copy or discuss the questions with others during or following the examination. Now that you know how to fail the AAPC CPC exam by breaking the exam rules, be sure to keep all the points here in mind and you’ll do well to pass the AAPC CPC exam.
