AAPC CPB Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The CPB exam has 135 multiple-choice questions and a four-hour time limit (AAPC taking-the-CPB-exam page). An overall score of 70 percent or higher is required to pass, which means at least 95 questions correct. Candidates who fall short are told which areas scored 65 percent or lower. This portal's practice mock has 135 questions.

The CPB is a recognized credential for medical billers, and it shows employers that you understand claims, reimbursement and compliance rules.

Medical billing students and working billers who want a recognized credential. Coding-focused credentials are separate AAPC exams.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

The sources reviewed show no standing retake policy for the CPB; a free-retake offer tied to certain training packages was a limited-time promotion. Check the AAPC pages for current retake terms.

An overall score of 70 percent or higher is required to pass, which is at least 95 correct answers. Format: 135 multiple-choice questions in four hours. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The CPB exam has 135 multiple-choice questions and a four-hour time limit (AAPC taking-the-CPB-exam page). An overall score of 70 percent or higher is required to pass, which means at least 95 questions correct. Candidates who fall short are told which areas scored 65 percent or lower. This portal's practice mock has 135 questions. 135 multiple-choice questions · 4 hours · pass: 70 percent or higher (at least 95 correct). An overall score of 70 percent or higher is required to pass, which is at least 95 correct answers.

• Types of insurance21.5%
• Billing regulations12.6%
• HIPAA and compliance5.2%
• Reimbursement and collections14.1%
• Claims and billing14.1%
• Coding7.4%
• Case analysis25.2%

The content outline spreads questions across 7 areas: Types of insurance (21.5%); Billing regulations (12.6%); HIPAA and compliance (5.2%); Reimbursement and collections (14.1%); Claims and billing (14.1%); Coding (7.4%); Case analysis (25.2%).

The sources reviewed list no formal eligibility prerequisite for the CPB exam. AAPC membership affects study-material pricing, and proctors may ask for photo identification.

$425 for one attempt and $499 for two attempts were listed on AAPC pricing; older pages show lower amounts. Study guides are priced separately, with member discounts.

AAPC credentials are kept active through annual membership and continuing education units; confirm the current requirement with AAPC.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Case analysis (25.2%); Types of insurance (21.5%); Reimbursement and collections (14.1%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 135 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the materials listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check AAPC before you register.