Medical Assistant Certification Testing – What You Need to Know
Contents
- Introduction
- What is medical assistant certification testing?
- Who is eligible for medical assistant certification testing?
- What are the benefits of medical assistant certification testing?
- What is the process of medical assistant certification testing?
- What are the types of medical assistant certification tests?
- How can I prepare for medical assistant certification testing?
- What are the top medical assistant certification tests?
- How often is medical assistant certification testing required?
- Conclusion
Get the scoop on medical assistant certification testing, including what’s on the test and how to prepare.
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Introduction
medical assistant certification testing is handled by a number of different organizations. The most common one is the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical assistants (AAMA). other organizations include the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
What is medical assistant certification testing?
Medical assistant certification testing is a way for Medical Assistants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, but it may give you an edge in the job market. Certification can also be helpful if you are looking to advance your career or move into a different area of medicine.
There are several different organizations that offer medical assistant certification, each with their own exam. The most common exams are offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the National Healthcare Association (NHA), and the National Commission for Certifying Physicians (NCMA).
To be eligible to take the AAMA exam, you must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program and have at least five years of experience working as a medical assistant. The NHA exam is open to any medical assistant with at least two years of experience, while the NCMA exam is open to any medical assistant with at least one year of experience.
The exams vary in format, but all include a written portion and a clinical skills portion. The written portion consists of multiple-choice questions about medical knowledge, while the clinical skills portion requires you to demonstrate your ability to perform common medical assisting tasks.
You can usually take the exams at a local testing center, but some organizations also offer online testing options. Once you pass the exam, you will receive a certificate that you can use to show potential employers that you are certified.
Certification is not required to work as a medical assistant, but it may give you an edge in the job market. Certification can also be helpful if you are looking to advance your career or move into a different area of medicine.
Who is eligible for medical assistant certification testing?
There are a few requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for medical assistant certification testing. Candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program, and must have graduated from high school or have earned a GED. They must also pass a criminal background check, and have a minimum of one year of full-time work experience as a medical assistant.
What are the benefits of medical assistant certification testing?
There are a number of benefits to taking medical assistant certification tests. For one, certification can help you get a job in the medical field. Certification also shows potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. In addition, certification can help you advance in your career by demonstrating your commitment to your profession.
What is the process of medical assistant certification testing?
Medical assistant certification testing is a process of verifying that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. Certification is not required in all states, but many employers prefer to hire candidates who are certified. There are several different organizations that offer medical assistant certification, each with its own process for testing and certification.
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have completed a medical assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Candidates must also pass the CCMA exam, which consists of a written exam and a skills performance exam.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) offers the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. To be eligible for this credential, candidates must graduate from an accredited medical assisting program and pass the CMA examination, which consists of a written exam and a clinical skills test.
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) offers the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential. To be eligible for this credential, candidates must have completed a medical assisting program that is accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES, or they must have at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant. Candidates must also pass the NCMA exam, which consists of both written and practical components.
Depending on the organization, medical assistant certification testing may consist of a written exam, a practical exam, or both. The written exams typically test candidates’ knowledge of Medical Terminology anatomy and physiology, office procedures, and other topics related to medical assisting. The practical exams usually require candidates to demonstrate their skills in performing various tasks such as blood pressure measurement, blood draws, injections, and patient scheduling.
What are the types of medical assistant certification tests?
There are three types of medical assistant certification tests. They are the Registered Medical Assistant Exam (RMA), the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam (CCMA), and the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam (NCMA).
The RMA is administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). To be eligible to take the RMA, candidates must have completed a medical assistant program that has been accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The CCMA is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). To be eligible to take the CCMA, candidates must have completed a medical assistant program that has been accredited by either the CAAHEP or ABHES.
The NCMA is administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). To be eligible to take the NCMA, candidates must have completed a medical assistant program that has been accredited by either CAAHEP or ABHES.
How can I prepare for medical assistant certification testing?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for medical assistant certification testing. First, be sure to read and understand the eligibility requirements for the certification you are seeking. Next, familiarize yourself with the format of the exam by reviewing sample questions and taking practice exams, if available. Finally, make a study schedule and stick to it! By following these steps, you will be well on your way to success on your medical assistant certification exam.
What are the top medical assistant certification tests?
There are several different medical assistant certification tests available, but the most popular ones are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam, and the National Healthcare Association’s (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
The CMA and RMA exams are both administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and they measure a medical assistant’s knowledge of general medical assisting skills and procedures. The CCMA exam, on the other hand, is administered by the NHA and focuses specifically on clinical skills and knowledge.
All three of these exams are widely recognized by employers and will give you a competitive edge when seeking employment as a medical assistant. However, each test has its own eligibility requirements, so it’s important to make sure you meet the requirements for the exam you plan to take.
The CMA exam is open to anyone who has graduated from an accredited medical assisting program or has completed at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant. The RMA exam is open to anyone who has graduated from an accredited medical assisting program or has completed at least one year of work experience as a medical assistant. And finally, the CCMA exam is open to anyone who has completed an accredited clinical medical assisting program or has gained at least two years of work experience in a clinical setting.
Once you have determined which exam is right for you, it’s time to start studying! All three exams cover a wide range of topics, so it’s important to use high-quality study materials that will help you prepare for every section of the test. Mometrix Test Preparation offers comprehensive study guides and flashcards for all three exams, so be sure to check them out before taking your test.
How often is medical assistant certification testing required?
Most medical assistants are not required to become certified, but many employers prefer or require certification.
The most common certification for medical assistants is the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential, offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To qualify for the CMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medial assisting program and have graduated from high school or have a GED.
The CMA credential is valid for 60 months, after which recertification is required. To recertify, CMAs must either retake the CMA exam or earn 60 continuing education units (CEUs). CEUs can be earned through completion of accredited medical assistant continuing education courses, attending conferences, or other activities as approved by the AAMA.
The National Healthcare Association also offers a certified medical assistant credential, known as the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA). To qualify for the RMA exam, candidates must either have completed an accredited medial assisting program or have at least five years of work experience as a medical assistant. The RMA credential is valid for three years and does not require recertification.
While not required, becoming certified shows employers that you are committed to your career and takes steps to stay up-to-date on the latest industry changes and best practices.
Conclusion
Medical assistant certification testing is an important step in becoming a certified medical assistant. There are a few different options for certification, but the most common is through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to take the AAMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program and have at least five years of experience working as a medical assistant.
The AAMA exam is a multiple-choice test that covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, and administrative duties. Candidates have two hours to complete the exam. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass.
Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued aCertificate of Registration by the AAMA. This certificate is valid for life and does not need to be renewed.
There are also a few other organizations that offer medical assistant certification, but the AAMA is by far the most recognized. If you are considering becoming a certified medical assistant, be sure to research all of your options to make sure you choose the right path for you.