AAPC Exam Slot Booking: A Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Candidates
The American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) certifications are highly sought after in the healthcare coding field, and Indian professionals often pursue these credentials to enhance their careers. For Indian candidates, booking an AAPC exam slot requires careful planning and awareness of specific requirements. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the process:
1. Check Eligibility Requirements
Education: Ensure you meet AAPC’s educational criteria (e.g., high school diploma or equivalent).
Work Experience: Verify clinical coding experience requirements (varies by certification).
Previous Attempts: Check if you have existing exam attempts and their status.
2. Create an AAPC Account
Visit the official AAPC website (www.aapc.com).
Click "Create Account" and fill in your details (name, email, contact number).
Set a secure password and complete verification.
3. Schedule Your Exam Date
Log in to your AAPC portal and navigate to "Exam Scheduling".
Select "Upcoming Exams" to view available dates.
Important for Indians:
Choose dates in your local time zone (IST). AAPC exams are offered in specific time slots (e.g., 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM CDT).
Convert CDT (Central Daylight Time) to Indian Standard Time (IST) using online tools.
4. Select an Exam Center
AAPC partners with global testing centers like Pearson VUE or Prometric.
Search for test centers in India (e.g., cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai).
Confirm the center’s address, contact details, and availability.
5. Pay the Exam Fee
The fee for most AAPC certifications is $325 (subject to change).
Payment options include credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) and net banking.
Note for Indians: Ensure your payment gateway supports international transactions.
6. Confirm Your Booking
After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with:
Exam date, time, and venue.
Admittance letter (print and carry to the exam center).
Save this email securely; it’s required for entry.
7. Pre-Exam Preparation
Use AAPC’s official study materials (CPC, CPT, or other certifications).
Practice with sample questions from AAPC’s QBank.
Review coding guidelines (e.g., ICD-10-CM, HCPCS).
8. Exam Day Tips for Indians
Arrive at the test center 1 hour early (IST).
Bring government-issued ID (e.g., Aadhaar, passport) and admit letter.
Use a calculator approved by AAPC (check the list beforehand).
9. Post-Exam Follow-Up
Results are typically released in 4-6 weeks.
If you pass, you’ll receive a certification and ID card.
If you fail, wait 60 days before retaking the exam.
Common Issues & Solutions
Time Zone Confusion: Use tools like Time zone converter to avoid mistakes.
Payment Rejection: Try a different payment method or contact AAPC support.
Center Availability: Book early, as Indian slots fill quickly.
Final Notes
AAPC exams are not available on weekends or public holidays.
Retake fees are $150 for the same exam and $200 for a different certification.
For further assistance, contact AAPC’s customer support at support@AAPC.com or +1-877-290-0429 (Mon–Fri, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM CDT).
By following these steps, Indian candidates can efficiently book their AAPC exam slots and pursue certifications that open global career opportunities in healthcare coding. 🌟
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