Can You Use 2025 Coding Books For the CPC Exam in 2026?

This is one of the most common questions I get from students preparing for certification exams:

“Do I need to buy the newest coding books, or can I use last year’s?”

If you’re taking an exam in 2026, here’s the clear answer:

You may use the 2025 coding books — but you may NOT go back more than one year.

Let’s walk through exactly what that means. Want to watch a video on this instead? GO HERE

The Official AAPC Rule

According to the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), exam candidates are permitted to use coding manuals from one year prior to the exam year.

For a 2026 exam:

• ✅ 2025 ICD-10-CM book – allowed

• ✅ 2025 CPT book – allowed

• ✅ 2025 HCPCS Level II book – allowed

🚫 You may NOT use books older than one year.

That means:

• ❌ 2024 (or earlier) ICD-10-CM

• ❌ 2024 (or earlier) CPT

• ❌ 2024 (or earlier) HCPCS

These are not permitted for a 2026 exam.

Interested in learning more or signing up for a medical coding course? GO HERE