The router
What does CPC stand for?
By Oliver Wakefield-Smith, Digital Signet. Updated July 2026.
Five unrelated things, depending on who is asking. The advertising metric is the most common meaning in search; the other four belong to transport law, medical billing, patents and trade statistics. One-line cues below; pick the one you meant.
Meaning 1 of 5 · Advertising
Cost per click
The price you pay each time someone clicks your ad. The most common meaning in search.
Pick this if: You run ads, or you are learning marketing metrics.
Meaning 2 of 5 · UK transport
Driver CPC
The Driver Certificate of Professional Competence: 35 hours of periodic training every 5 years.
Pick this if: You drive a lorry, bus or coach professionally.
Meaning 3 of 5 · Medical billing
Certified Professional Coder
The AAPC credential for coders who translate clinical records into billing codes.
Pick this if: You work in, or are entering, medical coding.
Meaning 4 of 5 · Patents
Cooperative Patent Classification
The EPO and USPTO's joint scheme for classifying patent documents.
Pick this if: You are searching or filing patents.
Meaning 5 of 5 · Statistics
Central Product Classification
The UN's standard classification of products, goods and services.
Pick this if: You work with trade or economic statistics.
Came here for the advertising metric after all? Start at what is CPC or go straight to the calculator.