Free Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Exam Questions and Answers
Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) is part of AAPC coding credentials. AAPC credentials certify coding accuracy against the current CPT, ICD-10-CM and HCPCS Level II code sets, and the exams are open book — three current-year manuals, one of each.
The first 10 questions on this page are free to read, answers included — no account and no card. A plan opens the rest of the bank, the full timed practice test and your weak-topic reporting.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
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- 130 mins · 70%
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- Reviewed weekly
Recommended: Switch to Test Mode to start a practice test that simulates the real exam experience.
Question #1
A patient presents with a fever and cough. What is the priority diagnosis?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: C
Pneumonia is commonly associated with fever and cough, making it a priority diagnosis to address.
Was this answer correct?Question #2
During an inpatient stay, a patient is diagnosed with heart failure. Which code should be prioritized?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: C
I50.9 is the code for heart failure, unspecified, which should be prioritized for diagnosis coding.
Was this answer correct?Question #3
What is the primary code for a patient diagnosed with diabetes and a foot ulcer?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: C
E11.621 specifies Type 2 diabetes with a foot ulcer, making it the most accurate choice.
Was this answer correct?Question #4
A patient is admitted with septic shock. What is the principal diagnosis code?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
R65.21 refers to severe sepsis with septic shock, which is crucial for inpatient coding.
Was this answer correct?Question #5
A 70-year-old female patient is admitted with chest pain and is diagnosed with unstable angina. Which code should be used?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: D
I20.0 represents unstable angina specifically, the accurate choice for this diagnosis.
Was this answer correct?Question #6
A patient undergoes surgery for acute appendicitis. Which code reflects the condition accurately?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: C
K35.80 refers to acute appendicitis, other codes either are too general or not applicable.
Was this answer correct?Question #7
If a patient has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is admitted for respiratory failure, which should be coded first?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: D
J44.9 is the code for unspecified COPD, which should take precedence in this scenario.
Was this answer correct?Question #8
A patient is admitted for major depressive disorder and has a history of substance abuse. Which diagnosis should be prioritized?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
F32.9 represents major depressive disorder, and in this context, it takes priority over substance abuse issues.
Was this answer correct?Question #9
A patient has hypertension and is being treated for a stroke. Which diagnosis code should be used first?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: B
I63.9 is the appropriate code for stroke, it is critical to capture the stroke as the principal diagnosis.
Was this answer correct?Question #10
During an inpatient stay, a patient develops a wound infection post-surgery. How should this be coded?
Please select an optionIncorrectCorrect answer: A
T81.44XA specifies surgical wound infection, essential for coding complications during an inpatient stay.
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Other AAPC certifications
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FAQ
Learn More: https://www.aapc.com/certifications
- Q1: What is the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) exam?
- A: Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) is a AAPC certification exam. Judging by the questions in our bank, it concentrates on patient, code, admitted, diagnosis and presents.
- Q2: What topics does the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) exam cover?
- A: Questions in our Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) bank cluster around patient, code, admitted, diagnosis, presents, diagnosed, inpatient and hospitalized. Working through the full set is the quickest way to find which of these you are weakest on.
- Q3: How should I prepare for Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)?
- A: Work through the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) practice questions here, checking your answer on each one, then sit the practice test to rehearse the exam under timed conditions before the real thing.
- Q4: Are these real Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) exam questions?
- A: They are drawn from officially released past questions and from community members who have sat Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC). Answers are verified and updated weekly.
- Q5: Where do I register for the Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) exam?
- A: Register through AAPC directly at https://www.aapc.com/certifications. Exampractice is not affiliated with AAPC and does not administer the exam.
- Q6: Is there a free Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) sample?
- A: Yes. Every Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) page shows a free sample of real questions. Upgrading opens the full bank and the practice test.
- Q7: What are AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) Certification Exams validate your expertise in medical coding, billing, auditing, compliance, and practice management within the healthcare industry.
- Q8: Why should I pursue AAPC Certification?
- A: AAPC Certification enhances your professional credibility, demonstrating your skills and knowledge in medical coding and healthcare administration. This can lead to better job opportunities, higher salaries, and career advancement.
- Q9: What are the benefits of AAPC Certification?
- A: Benefits include recognition of your expertise, improved job performance, access to exclusive resources, continuing education opportunities, and staying current with the latest industry standards and practices.
- Q10: Who should take AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: Medical coders, billers, auditors, compliance officers, and healthcare administrators should consider these certifications to validate their skills and advance their careers in the healthcare industry.
- Q11: What types of AAPC Certification Exams are available?
- A: AAPC offers various certification paths, including Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), and many specialty certifications tailored to specific healthcare roles and expertise levels.
- Q12: How do I prepare for AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: Preparation can include official AAPC training courses, study guides, practice exams, and hands-on experience in medical coding and healthcare management.
- Q13: Where can I take AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: AAPC Certification Exams can be taken at authorized testing centers worldwide or online, providing flexibility to fit your schedule and location.
- Q14: How do AAPC Certifications impact my career?
- A: AAPC Certifications significantly boost your career by demonstrating your expertise to employers, making you a more competitive candidate for advanced roles and promotions in the healthcare industry.
- Q15: Are there any prerequisites for AAPC Certification Exams?
- A: Some exams may have prerequisites, such as foundational knowledge or prior certifications. Check the specific requirements for each certification path on the AAPC website.
- Q16: How often do I need to recertify for AAPC Certifications?
- A: AAPC Certifications typically require continuing education units (CEUs) and recertification every two years to ensure that certified professionals stay updated with the latest industry standards and practices.