FAQ
Straight answers.
The questions people actually ask before they trust a program with their certification.
Is this affiliated with AAPC?
No. The Clean Claim is an independent study program published by SmartestDesk. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by AAPC or the AMA. CPC and Certified Professional Coder are registered trademarks of AAPC; CPT is a registered trademark of the AMA. We reference the exam's published format and code structure; we reproduce none of their copyrighted text.
What score do I need? Why do you train at 75%?
The real CPC passes at 70%. We hold you to 75% on purpose — train above the line so the line takes care of itself. A passing average can still hide a soft domain the real exam will find, which is exactly what the After-Action Report is built to surface.
Is the practice exam really shuffled every time?
Yes — both the question order and the four answer choices re-shuffle on every attempt. Repeat runs test whether you know the code, not whether you remember that 'the answer was C.'
Do I need the code books?
Yes, by design. The CPC is open-book and hands you nothing you didn't bring. You'll want the current-year (2026) AMA CPT® Professional Edition specifically, plus any ICD-10-CM and any HCPCS Level II. We train you to move through them fast — that's the whole point of the Navigator notes.
How long do I have access?
60 days for the Manual or the Exam, 90 days for the Bundle. The window isn't a meter — it's a freshness guarantee. The code sets update every January, and the window keeps what you study current to the exam you'll sit.
What if I fail my exam?
Then you get back up, and we'll be here. No prep program can honestly promise a pass — anyone who does is selling you something. What we promise is verified material, an honest bar, and an After-Action Report that shows exactly where to spend your next two weeks.
Can I try before I buy?
Yes. The free sample is open right now — real questions, real rationales, real Navigator notes, no email wall. If the sample doesn't convince you, the full program shouldn't have your money.