Top Medical Assisting Practice Exam for Your Certification Success
Understanding the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam
What is the CMA Exam?
The CMA exam is a national certification administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to assess knowledge and skills in medical assisting. Earning your CMA credential demonstrates a strong foundation in medical assisting, including clinical competency, administrative skills, and general knowledge. A comprehensive CMA exam overview includes details about the structure, question types, and time limits, with a focus on both clinical and administrative aspects. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, with 20 unscored pre-test trials, and is a computer-based test with a time limit of 4 hours.
CMA Exam Eligibility
To be eligible to sit for the CMA exam, also known as the certified medical assistant exam, you must be in one of the following three categories: Category 1, Category 2, or Category 3.
Category 1: You must have completed or be within 30 days of completing a recognized medical assistance program.
Category 2: You must be a non-recent graduate of an accredited medical assisting program.
Category 3: This category is for those wishing to recertify their CMA credential.
CMA Exam Outline
The CMA exam is divided into three main sections: Clinical Competency (59%), General Knowledge (21%), and Administrative Skills (20%).
The exam is administered in 4, 50-question segments, with each section lasting 40 minutes. Understanding the exam content and practicing under timed conditions can help you handle the pressure of the actual test effectively.
Our free CMA practice test includes questions from all 3 sections to help you prepare.
Preparing for the CMA Exam
Medical Terminology and Anatomy
Learn medical terminology and anatomy online with instant access.
Study the structure and function of the human body, including organs and systems.
Understand the importance of medical terminology in healthcare communication.
Improve your knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy to enhance your career.
Office Laboratory Procedures
Study office laboratory procedures online and earn a certification.
Learn about laboratory testing and procedures, including specimen collection and handling.
Understand the importance of quality control and quality assurance in laboratory testing.
Improve your skills in office laboratory procedures to advance your career in healthcare.
Benefits of Practice Tests
Taking practice tests for your CMA exam has many benefits, including:
Using sample questions to study for your test is an effective study method.
Sample CMA tests help you prepare for the actual exam.
Practice tests can help you identify areas where you need to focus your studying.
CMA Exam Registration and Scheduling
Exam Registration
Before you can register for the exam, you must obtain an exam scheduling permit.
To obtain your permit, you must submit the required documentation and candidate fee.
The fee is payable by money order, credit or debit card, cashier’s/certified check or institution check only.
Exam Scheduling and Cancellations
Candidates are assigned a 90-day period to take the exam.
Schedule your exam using your Scheduling Permit.
Test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Taking the CMA Exam
Test Day
You should arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled test time.
If you arrive late, you may not be admitted.
You will be asked to present the required identification, sign the test center log, have your photograph taken, and store all personal items in an assigned locker.
Scoring and Results
Your score is a result of the number of correct responses on the examination, and will fall in a range of 200-800.
The minimum score you need to pass the CMA exam is 405, which is the passing score.
At the conclusion of your exam, you will receive an official pass/fail notification.
Study Strategies for Medical Assistants
Effective Study Habits
Your success on CMA test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way.
One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CMA practice tests to evaluate your progress.
Answer Explanations and Analysis
Additionally, many CMA practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices.
It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept.
Certified Medical Assistant Certification
Benefits of Certification
Certification as a medical assistant can bring numerous benefits to individuals in the medical assisting profession. Here are some of the advantages of becoming a certified medical assistant:
Enhanced Job Prospects: Many employers require or prefer to hire certified medical assistants. Having a certification can give you a competitive edge in the job market and increase your chances of getting hired. Employers recognize the value of certification as it demonstrates a verified level of knowledge and skills in medical assisting.
Increased Earning Potential: Certified medical assistants tend to earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical assistants is around $34,000, but certified medical assistants can earn up to $45,000 or more per year. This significant difference in earning potential makes certification a worthwhile investment in your career.
Improved Job Satisfaction: Certification can give you a sense of pride and accomplishment, leading to increased job satisfaction. When you know you have the knowledge and skills to perform your job duties effectively, you’re more likely to feel confident and fulfilled in your role. This confidence can translate into better patient care and a more positive work environment.
Professional Development: The certification process requires you to stay up-to-date with the latest medical assisting techniques and technologies. This can help you stay current with industry developments and advance your career. Continuous learning and professional development are key components of maintaining your certification, ensuring you remain a valuable asset in the healthcare field.
Increased Credibility: Certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to the medical assisting profession. This can increase your credibility with patients, employers, and other healthcare professionals. Being a certified medical assistant shows that you have met rigorous standards and are dedicated to providing high-quality care.
Specialization Opportunities: Certification can also lead to specialization opportunities in areas like medical terminology, clinical competency, or infection control. Specializing in a particular area can help you advance your career and increase your earning potential. It allows you to focus on specific skills and knowledge that are in demand within the healthcare industry.
Electronic Health Records (EHRs) Proficiency: Many certified medical assistants are proficient in electronic health records (EHRs), which is a valuable skill in today’s healthcare industry. Proficiency in EHRs can improve efficiency and accuracy in patient record-keeping, making you an indispensable part of the medical office team.
Medical Office Management: Certification can also prepare you for medical office management roles, where you’ll be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a medical office. This can include tasks such as scheduling, billing, and managing staff, providing a pathway to leadership positions within the healthcare setting.
Leadership Opportunities: With certification, you may have more opportunities for leadership roles or promotions within your organization. Certified medical assistants are often seen as leaders and mentors to their peers, and certification can open doors to supervisory or managerial positions.
Continuing Education: Certification requires ongoing education and professional development, which can help you stay current with industry developments and advance your career. Engaging in continuing education ensures that you remain knowledgeable about the latest advancements in medical assisting, keeping your skills sharp and relevant.
Overall, certification as a medical assistant can bring numerous benefits, from enhanced job prospects and increased earning potential to improved job satisfaction and increased credibility. By becoming a certified medical assistant, you demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the medical assisting profession and position yourself for a successful and rewarding career.
Additional Resources
Online Prep Courses and Study Materials
Our online CMA prep course includes comprehensive study materials, practice tests, and expert instruction to help you prepare for the exam.
Our course covers all the topics you need to know, including medical terminology, anatomy, office laboratory procedures, and more.