Overview – American College of Physician Advisors Certification (ACPA-C)

As the only national, non-profit organization dedicated to and led by physician advisors, the American College of Physician Advisors (ACPA) is dedicated to educating the professionals in this field.

The Learning Center (TLC), which for years has served as the cornerstone of physician advisor education, has recently been expanded and updated. It includes content created by national subject matter experts covering topics in utilization/case management, clinical documentation integrity, revenue cycle, and program optimization. From this knowledge bank, topics foundational to excelling in the role of physician advisor have been collated to create the ACPA Certification Module Set and ACPA Certification Exam.

The certification exam consists of 100 questions written and edited by nationally recognized physician advisors encompassing the entire spectrum of a physician advisor’s professional scope. It tests practical, mandatory knowledge points and serves as a benchmark for the industry. Those who pass the exam and become ACPA-Certified (ACPA-C) can be confident they possess the requisite knowledge to perform the duties of a physician advisor in any setting.


Pathways to Receive ACPA Certification

Eligibility to Sit for the ACPA-C Exam can be Accomplished in One of Two Ways:

  1. Complete at least one of two versions of the ACPA’s physician advisor curriculum:
  2. Proof of physician advisor experience/established knowledge base via:
    • Submission of a curriculum vitae demonstrating at least three years working as a physician advisor
    • Submission of prior, alternative physician advisor certification (accepted for this pathway until August 1, 2025)

We invite and encourage you to take the next step in demonstrating your proficiency as a physician advisor.

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Certification FAQs

Renewal – American College of Physician Advisors Certification (ACPA-C)

How to Renew ACPA Certification

How to Renew Your ACPA-C:

You will have to renew your ACPA-C every three years after the year you earned it. All expirations dates are December 31 of the expiration year. See Renewal Schedule Graphic.

On the first and then every other renewal period, you will need to attend at least one National Physician Advisor Conference (NPAC) hosted by ACPA in-person or virtually between the date you received your certificate and/or last renewed your certificate and the date it expires.

On the second and then every other renewal period, you will need to attend at least one National Physician Advisor Conference (NPAC) hosted by ACPA in-person or virtually between the date you last renewed and the date your certificate expires as well as retake and pass the current ACPA-C Exam.

Additional instructions for renewal will be released soon.

Start ACPA-C Today
Download/Enlarge Renewal Schedule Infographic
Certification FAQs

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