[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified medical assistants (CMAs) are highly sought-after healthcare professionals. Are you looking to become one of them? One essential step in [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/medical-assistant/how-to-become/”]becoming a CMA[/hen-ui-link] is passing the CMA certification exam.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Learn everything you need to know about the CMA certification test, including how to register, examples of exam questions, and study tips.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-flex gap=”xl” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-flex gap=”xs” align=”left” direction=”column”][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Popular Online Medical Assisting Programs[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ color=”subtext”]Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”belowTheFold” /][/hen-ui-flex][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Is the Certified Medical Assistant Exam?[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The American Association of Medical Assistants administers the CMA exam, which assesses candidates’ knowledge and skills needed to work as [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/medical-assistant/how-to-become/”]competent, safe medical assistants[/hen-ui-link]. This timed, computerized test includes 200 questions and is divided into four sections with three optional breaks.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam covers anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, clinical procedures, and administrative tasks. Your certification will remain current for 60 months before requiring renewal.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Benefits of Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning the certification provides medical assistants with many benefits:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Holding a certification provides medical assistants with increased employment opportunities. It highlights their dedication to the field and displays their advanced knowledge of [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/medical-assistant/”]CMA duties[/hen-ui-link]. Some employers only hire certified medical assistants.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CMAs enjoy higher [hen-ui-link href=”https://nursejournal.org/careers/medical-assistant/salary/”]medical assistant salary[/hen-ui-link] pay rates and bonuses than non-certified workers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Certified professionals are more likely to maintain employment, even when certification is not required.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Since the certification requires renewal every five years, CMAs remain up to date on new practices and procedures, making them more appealing to employers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]CMA Exam Eligibility Requirements[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To qualify for the exam, you must meet one of three categories:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Category 1:[/hen-ui-text] Candidates must have completed or are 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 no more than 30 days before the completion of their program.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Category 2:[/hen-ui-text] Non-recent CAAHEP or ABHES program graduates who graduated more than 12 months ago are eligible to take the exam.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-text tag=”strong” weight=”bold”]Category 3:[/hen-ui-text] Candidates who have previously passed the CMA exam can apply to recertify their credentials.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What to Expect When You Take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After qualifying to take the CMA exam, you can begin to prepare. Reduce the likelihood of encountering surprises by understanding how the exam is administered, its length, and the topics it covers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]CMA Exam Format[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prometric, a technology-based testing and assessment services provider, administers the CMA certification test. Upon receiving approval from the AAMA, test-takers receive a 90-day window to schedule and complete the exam at a Prometric testing location.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Testing centers include video and audio monitoring throughout the exam and digital cameras to verify test-takers’ identities.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]CMA Exam Length[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The medical assistant certification exam is administered in four 40-minute segments with optional breaks. The breaks combined cannot exceed 20 minutes. Skipping the tutorial and breaks will not affect the overall exam time.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The maximum time for the exam is 195 minutes, including 15 minutes for the tutorial and 20 minutes for breaks. Once the test-taker begins, the exam cannot be paused, canceled, or rescheduled.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]CMA Exam Topics[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam is divided into three areas — clinical competency, general, and administrative — containing 180 questions. An additional 20 pre-test questions are placed randomly throughout the exam. The pre-test questions do not affect the test-taker’s final score.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Categories cover questions that determine the test-taker’s proficiency and aptitude. Items covered include medical procedures, legal issues, and billing practices.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]CMA Exam Difficulty[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Between July 2021 and July 2022, the AAMA administered 9,047 exams with 58% of test-takers passing. The difficulty of the CMA certification test depends on how much time an individual sets aside to study.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AAMA recommends completing medical assistant certification practice tests and paying close attention to how long it takes to answer each question. Starting with easy questions before returning to difficult prompts is a common strategy that provides more time to focus on challenging questions.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]CMA Exam Registration[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Register for the exam with the following steps:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Verify your eligibility.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Gather the necessary documentation.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Review the exam policies and procedures.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Determine a start date for the testing period (90-day testing window).[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Apply for the exam after the AAMA approves a 90-day testing period.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schedule your exam appointment.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-separator /][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-900″]CMA Exam Scoring[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The score is based on the number of correct responses on the exam. The scale ranges from 200-800, with a minimum passing score of 430. The AAMA conducts a study approximately every three years to establish the standard level of competency and may adjust the passing score if appropriate.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-card-content][/hen-ui-card][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]How to Pass the Certified Medical Assistant Exam[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To pass the exam, candidates should take advantage of the resources available. Practice exams and signing up for review courses can help you prepare. Understanding standard medical terminology, basic autonomy and physiology, and basic knowledge of the healthcare field can also benefit test-takers.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Understand Exam Materials Beyond Memorization[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The exam may include questions and topics not covered in any official study guides. A thorough understanding of terminology and procedures may help determine correct answers for questions not found in study materials. Test-takers must be able to apply knowledge and not just simply regurgitate information.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”Being sure to keep index cards on their person two weeks before the exam and reviewing as they see fit will also help to ensure passing the exam on the first try. Making a game out of it or setting up a rewards system helps tremendously as well. It removes the anxiety that tends to surround standardized tests and makes the learning more interactive, lighthearted, and increases self-confidence,” said Elizabeth Opurum[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Take the Practice Tests[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Completing medical assistant certification practice tests is one of the best ways to prepare for the exam. The practice exam provides an overview of test topics and content but also helps with pacing and finishing within the time limit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Opurum said, “Take a practice exam and then create a study guide based on the most difficult questions or topics.”[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AAMA provides a CMA practice exam that costs $30 to access. Test-takers can complete the 200-question practice exam twice. They also offer a free sample practice exam with five questions.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Sign Up for a Review Course[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AAMA offers review courses with accredited medical assisting programs through their local chapters. These courses provide candidates with study guides, practice tests, and a review of exam material. Taking one of these courses allows test-takers to refresh their knowledge and ensure they understand the exam’s concepts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Individuals interested in review courses can visit the AAMA website to search for state and local chapters in their area.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Identify Which Subjects and Sections Will Require Additional Focus[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Using practice tests, guides, and the AAMA’s content outline, test-takers can identify exam sections that need improvement.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Study Resources[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Outside of review courses, there are many free study resources available online that can help in exam preparation.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Quizlet Flashcards[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Quizlet is a free website that provides flashcards to help individuals review and study various subjects. The following links provide flashcards that can help test-takers prepare for the CMA exam:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Vitals[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Procedures[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Drug schedules[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Phlebotomy[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Chegg Flashcards[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Chegg allows users to create and share flashcards. The website specifically provides a CMA exam review with over 500 flashcards.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]”One other thing to keep in mind while studying is the benefit of physical flashcards. The virtual ones are a great tool, but they don’t have the ability to be edited or curated for topics specific to the person studying,” said Opurum.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]YouTube[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]YouTube can be used as a study resource as it contains videos that explain the proper techniques for procedures like injection, disinfection, and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pNuGJpvmqqo” target=”_blank”]calculating heart rate[/hen-ui-link] from an electrocardiogram.[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]AAMA Practice Questions[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The AAMA provides free practice questions in the following subject areas:[/hen-ui-text][hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Anatomy and physiology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical terminology[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item][/hen-ui-list][hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About the Certified Medical Assistant Exam[/hen-ui-heading][hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many times can you retake the certified medical assistant exam?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates can take the exam three times. Individuals pursuing recertification also have three attempts. Each attempt will require a new application and exam fee. Aspiring CMAs who cannot pass after three attempts are no longer eligible for the certification unless they complete another or the same certified medical assistant program before reapplying to take the CMA certification test.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How much does it cost to take the certified medical assistant exam?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The CMA certification test costs $125 for AAMA members and those who are completing or have completed a CAAHEP or ABHES program in the last 12 months. All other test-takers must pay $250. Fees are non-refundable.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a passing score on the certified medical assistant exam?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The minimum passing score for the medical assistant certification test is 430, but scores range from 200-800. AAMA analyzes exam results every three years to determine if the passing score should change.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How hard is the MA test?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Medical assistant exams are rigorous as they test your knowledge of various topics, including anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and healthcare. It is more challenging than a high school exam but not as difficult or extensive as the NCLEX-RN.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item][/hen-ui-accordion][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”my-8″]Page last reviewed on May 29, 2024[/hen-ui-text]