Certified Medical Assistant Exam Guide
Passing the CMA exam is the concluding step in achieving certified medical assistant status. Familiarize yourself with the content of this comprehensive guide. The demand for certified medical assistants (CMAs) is robust, with growth outpacing that of many other occupations. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, CMAs are projected to experience a 16% employment increase from 2021 to 2031.
The path to becoming a certified medical assistant entails successfully completing the certification exam. This guide provides insights into the CMA exam, encompassing registration procedures, question types, study recommendations, and alternative methods of readiness.
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Understanding the Certified Medical Assistant Exam
Although various certification routes exist, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is the primary provider of certification. The medical assistant certification exam is endorsed by AAMA’s certifying board and evaluates candidates’ understanding of medical, clinical, and administrative responsibilities associated with CMAs. A successful outcome on this exam results in the award of the CMA credential.
Obtaining this certification yields several advantages for medical assistants:
Holding a certification expands the array of employment options for medical assistants. It underscores their commitment to the field and underscores their advanced grasp of CMA responsibilities. Some employers exclusively hire certified individuals, enhancing the individual’s employability.
CMAs enjoy augmented salary packages and potential bonuses.
Regardless of whether certification is mandated, those who are certified are more likely to sustain employment.
Since certification renewal is mandated every five years, CMAs stay abreast of evolving practices and protocols, heightening their attractiveness to employers.
Eligibility Requirements for the CMA Exam
To be eligible for the exam, candidates must satisfy one of the following categories:
Category 1
Candidates must have either completed or be in the process of completing a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Candidates can take the medical assistant certification test up to 30 days before completing their program.
Category 2
Individuals who graduated from a CAAHEP or ABHES program more than 12 months ago are eligible for the exam.
Category 3
Candidates who have previously passed the CMA exam can seek recertification.
Anticipating the Certified Medical Assistant Exam Experience
Upon fulfilling the requirements to take the CMA exam, you can commence preparation. Gaining insight into the exam’s administration, duration, content coverage, and recommended approach can mitigate potential surprises on the day of the test.
Administration of the Exam
Prometric, a provider of technology-based testing and assessment services, oversees exam administration. Once approval is granted by the AAMA to take the exam, candidates are allocated a 90-day window to schedule and complete the test at a Prometric testing facility.
Testing centers maintain continuous video and audio monitoring throughout the exam and employ digital cameras to confirm test-taker identities.
Exam Duration
The medical assistant certification exam is divided into four segments, each lasting 40 minutes, with optional breaks in between. The aggregate duration of breaks should not surpass 20 minutes. Opting out of the tutorial and breaks does not impact the overall exam time.
The maximum allotted time for the exam is 195 minutes, encompassing the tutorial period (15 minutes) and breaks (20 minutes). Once initiated, the exam cannot be paused, terminated, or rescheduled.
Question Types on the Exam
The exam consists of three sections: clinical competency, general knowledge, and administrative proficiency, containing a total of 180 questions. An additional 20 pre-test questions are interspersed randomly throughout the exam. These pre-test questions do not influence the test-taker’s final score.
The exam segments encompass inquiries designed to assess the test-taker’s competence and aptitude. Topics covered encompass medical procedures, legal considerations, and billing practices.
| Category | Number of Questions | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Competency | 106 questions | Clinical workflow: Patient intake and discharge; Safety and infection control; Procedures/examinations; Pharmacology |
| General | 38 questions | Legal and ethical issues; Communication |
| Administrative | 36 questions | Billing, coding, and insurance; Appointment and health information management |
Certified Medical Assistant Exam Guide
Understanding the Difficulty of the Exam
During the period from July 2019 to July 2020, the AAMA administered a total of 7,482 exams, with 67% of the test-takers achieving a passing grade. The challenge level of the medical assistant certification exam is influenced by the amount of time an individual invests in their study efforts.
Medical Assistant to Registered Nurse
To enhance preparedness, the AAMA suggests engaging in medical assistant certification practice tests and carefully observing the time taken to answer each question. A strategic approach involves tackling the questions that appear straightforward and revisiting those that pose difficulties. This approach allots more time for addressing challenging questions.
Process for Exam Registration
The exam registration process comprises the following steps:
Confirm eligibility.
Gather essential documentation.
Review exam guidelines and protocols.
Set a commencement date for the 90-day testing period.
Apply for the exam once granted a 90-day testing window by the AAMA.
Schedule the exam appointment.
Scoring Mechanism for the Exam
Scores are determined based on the number of correct responses provided during the exam. The scoring scale ranges from 200 to 800, with the minimum passing score set at 430. To maintain accuracy, the AAMA periodically conducts a study, approximately every three years, to establish the standard level of competency. Consequently, they might adjust the passing score as deemed appropriate.
Strategies for Achieving Success in the Certified Medical Assistant Exam
Effectively preparing for the exam involves leveraging available resources. Engaging in practice exams and enrolling in review courses can significantly contribute to effective exam readiness. Acquiring a solid understanding of standard medical terminology is also beneficial, as a foundational grasp of the healthcare domain can greatly assist test-takers.
1. Grasp Exam Content Beyond Mere Memorization
The exam might incorporate questions and subject matter not explicitly covered in official study materials. A robust comprehension of terminology and procedures can facilitate determining correct responses for questions that may not be addressed in the study materials. Test-takers must be capable of applying their knowledge rather than merely reproducing information.
2. Utilize Practice Tests
Engaging in medical assistant certification practice tests represents a highly effective approach to exam preparation. These practice tests offer both an overview of the exam’s content and assistance with managing time within the specified limit.
The AAMA provides a CMA practice exam that can be accessed for a fee of $30. Test-takers are granted the opportunity to take this 200-question practice exam twice. Additionally, a complimentary sample practice exam containing five questions is available.
3. Enroll in Review Courses
The AAMA offers accredited medical assisting program review courses through its local chapters. These courses furnish candidates with study guides, practice tests, and a thorough review of exam material. Participating in such courses allows test-takers to refresh their understanding and ensure comprehension of the exam’s concepts.
Individuals interested in review courses can explore the AAMA website to identify state and local chapters that may offer relevant opportunities in their vicinity.
4. Identify Focus Areas Requiring Additional Attention
Employing practice tests, study guides, and the AAMA’s content outline, test-takers can identify sections of the exam where they may require further improvement. This targeted approach enables individuals to concentrate their study efforts on material that demands heightened attention.
Study Resources
Beyond review courses, various free online study resources are available to aid in exam preparation.
Quizlet Flashcards
Quizlet is a no-cost online platform that furnishes flashcards designed to aid in reviewing and studying diverse subject matter. The following links encompass flashcards suitable for supporting
CMA exam preparation:
Vitals
Procedures
Drug schedules
Phlebotomy
Pharmacology
Chegg Flashcards
Chegg facilitates the creation and sharing of flashcards intended to aid in studying specific topics. The platform offers a dedicated CMA exam review that includes over 500 flashcards.
YouTube
YouTube can serve as a valuable study resource due to its collection of instructional videos elucidating proper techniques for calculating heart rate from an electrocardiogram, administering injections, disinfection protocols, and other pertinent subjects.
AAMA Practice Questions
The AAMA supplies practice questions in the following subject domains:
Anatomy and physiology
Medical terminology
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Certified Medical Assistant Exam
How many attempts can one make to retake the certified medical assistant exam?
Candidates are granted a total of three opportunities to take the exam. Individuals seeking recertification also have three attempts at their disposal. Each new attempt necessitates a fresh application and exam fee. Failing to pass the exam after three attempts renders the individual ineligible for certification.
What is the cost associated with taking the certified medical assistant exam?
For AAMA members and individuals currently enrolled in or having recently completed a CAAHEP or ABHES program, the fee is $125. All other test-takers are required to pay $250. These fees are nonrefundable.
What constitutes a passing score on the certified medical assistant exam?
Exam scores span from 200 to 800, with the minimum passing score established at 430. The AAMA periodically evaluates exam results, approximately every three years, to ascertain whether adjustments to the passing score are warranted.
How long does it take to receive exam scores following completion of the certified medical assistant exam?
Upon concluding the exam at the testing center, test-takers promptly receive a pass/fail notification. An official score report is subsequently dispatched about three weeks after the exam date. Exam status can also be accessed by logging into the AAMA’s My Certification Information portal.
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