Exam Comparison
CPC vs COTA
Comparing the AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and the NBCOT Certified OT Assistant (COTA). Both fall under Allied Health & Medicine. Both are covered by the Allied Health Exam Prep app.
CPC vs COTA: At a Glance
| Detail | CPC | COTA |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) | NBCOT Certified OT Assistant (COTA) |
| Governing Body | AAPC | NBCOT |
| Number of Questions | 100 | 190 |
| Time Limit | 4 hours | 4 hours |
| Passing Score | 70% | 450 (scaled) |
| Exam Fee | $425 USD for one attempt / $499 for two | $540 online / $595 paper (retake $430 / $485) |
| Category | Allied Health & Medicine | Allied Health & Medicine |
| C3RT App | Allied Health Exam Prep Soon | Allied Health Exam Prep Soon |
Content Areas Compared
CPC Domains
- Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology
- ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding
- CPT Evaluation and Management Coding
- CPT Surgical Coding by Body System
- CPT Medicine, Radiology and Pathology
- HCPCS Level II
- Compliance and Regulatory Guidelines
COTA Domains
- Evaluation and Assessment (with OTR)(20%)
- Intervention Planning(18%)
- Intervention Implementation(46%)
- Outcomes and Follow-up(16%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CPC and COTA?
The CPC (AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC)) is administered by AAPC and consists of 100 questions. The COTA (NBCOT Certified OT Assistant (COTA)) is administered by NBCOT and consists of 190 questions. Both are Allied Health & Medicine credentials.
Can I take both the CPC and the COTA?
Yes, the CPC and COTA are separate credentials with separate eligibility requirements. Each is awarded by a different governing body (AAPC and NBCOT respectively). Check the official requirements for each before registering.
Which should I take first, CPC or COTA?
The right sequence depends on your career goals and current credentials. The CPC is offered by AAPC with a passing score of 70%, while the COTA is offered by NBCOT with a passing score of 450 (scaled). Review the eligibility requirements for each with the respective governing bodies before deciding.
Does C3RT cover both the CPC and the COTA?
C3RT is building apps for both the CPC and the COTA. Both will be available on iOS and Mac.
The AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is administered by AAPC. The NBCOT Certified OT Assistant (COTA) is administered by NBCOT. C3RT is not affiliated with either organisation. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners.