How to Ace the Certified Medical Assistant Exam

The CMA exam is a computer-based test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. Of these, 150 questions are scored and 50 are unscored.

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Introduction

Becoming a certified medical assistant is a great way to start a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. The certified medical assistant exam is the first step in becoming certified. This guide will help you understand what to expect on the exam and how to prepare for it.

Why Get Certified?

Certification is not required in all states to become a medical assistant however, more and more employers are looking for candidates who have been certified through an accredited program. There are many reasons to get certified, but here are a few of the most important:

1. Certification gives you an edge over non-certified candidates when applying for jobs.
2. Certified Medical assistants earn higher salaries on average than non-certified Medical Assistants
3. Certification indicates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful medical assistant
4. Certification can give you peace of mind knowing that you are qualified for the job.

Whether or not you decide to get certified, becoming a successful medical assistant requires hard work and dedication. If you are up for the challenge, there is no reason why you can’t achieve your career goals!

What is the CMA Exam?

The CMA (AAMA) credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants. The CMA (AAMA) is the only medical assisting credential to earn the Distinction of being nationally recognized by the US Department of Education’s Office of Vocational and Adult Education as equivalent to other allied health professions’ entry-level credentials. In order for an individual to sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, they must have graduated from a medical assisting 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).

Who is Eligible to Take the CMA Exam?

To be eligible to take the CMA (AAMA) Exam, candidates must:

-Have graduated from a medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES), OR
-Have completed a minimum of 5 years of work experience as a medical assistant within the last 10 years, OR
-Have completed a combination of education and work experience totaling at least 5 years within the last 10 years.

What is the Exam Format?

There are generally two types of medical assistant exams—certification and registration. Certification exams are usually administered by professional organizations, such as the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and they certify that you have the knowledge and skills to perform the job. Registration exams are usually administered by state regulatory boards, and they ensure that you meet the state’s requirements to work as a medical assistant.

The format of the exam depends on the administering organization, but both certification and registration exams typically include multiple-choice questions, practical skills tests, and sometimes an essay component. The specific content of the exam also varies depending on the administering organization, but it typically covers topics such as medical law and ethics, patient confidentiality, infection control, human anatomy and physiology, Medical Terminology diagnostic testing procedures, pharmacology, and administrative tasks.

How to Prepare for the CMA Exam

If you’re planning on becoming a certified medical assistant, you’ll need to pass the CMA Exam. This can be a daunting task, but with the right preparation, you can definitely ace it. Here are some tips on how to prepare for the CMA Exam:

1. Get familiar with the format of the exam. The CMA Exam is a computer-based test that consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. You’ll have three hours to complete the exam, and you’ll be tested on topics like medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care, and administrative skills.

2. Study, study, study! Make use of study guides and practice tests to help you prepare for the exam. A comprehensive review course is also a great way to make sure you’re covering all the material that will be tested on the exam.

3. Take some practice exams. In addition to studying, it’s also important to get some practice in before taking the actual CMA Exam. This will help you get used to the format of the test and give you an idea of what kind of questions to expect.

4. Get plenty of rest before the exam. On the day of the exam, make sure you get enough sleep so that you can be alert and focused when taking the test.

5. Dress comfortably. You want to be comfortable when taking the exam, so dress in layers that you can adjust if needed. Avoid clothes that are too tight or constricting as they may make you feel uncomfortable during the test-taking process.

Tips for Taking the CMA Exam

The CMA (AAMA) exam is a computer-based test consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into two sections, with 100 questions each. Section I is composed of general medical knowledge questions, while Section II focuses on medical procedures and equipment. Candidates are given three hours to complete the entire exam.

To help you prepare for the exam, we’ve compiled a list of tips from CMA (AAMA) certified medical assistants:

-Start studying early and give yourself plenty of time to prepare. Aim to study for at least eight weeks prior to the exam date.
-Create a study schedule and stick to it. Dedicate a certain number of hours each week to studying, and make sure to review all material several times before the exam.
-Utilize as many CMA (AAMA) review resources as possible, including books, practice exams, and flashcards. The AAMA website also offers a variety of helpful tools and materials.
-Make sure you understand the Exam Blueprint, which outlines the content areas that will be covered on the test. This can help you focus your studying on the topics that are most likely to appear on the exam.
-Practice answering questions under timed conditions to get used to working quickly and efficiently on the computerized exam.
-On test day, arrive early and relax as much as possible before beginning the exam. Be sure to take advantage of all available breaks during the testing session so you can remain fresh and focused throughout.

How to Retake the CMA Exam

If you have already taken the CMA exam and did not pass, you may be wondering how to retake the exam. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your next attempt:

1. Review the content areas that you struggled with on your previous attempt. Make sure you understand the material and can apply it in a clinical setting.

2. Take practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and question types. This will help you pace yourself on the actual exam.

3. Make a study schedule and stick to it. Dedicate a certain amount of time each day or week to studying so that you are well-prepared come exam day.

4. Get plenty of rest the night before the exam so that you are refreshed and ready to focus.

5. Stay positive and believe in yourself!

What Happens After You Pass the CMA Exam?

You’ve studied hard and passed the CMA exam. Now what?

Passing the CMA exam is an important milestone on your way to becoming a certified medical assistant. But it’s not the end of the road. In order to actually become a certified medical assistant, you’ll need to take a few more steps.

First, you’ll need to complete an accredited medical assistant program. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll be eligible to apply for certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants.

The application process includes submitting an official transcript from your medical assisting program, as well as passing a criminal background check. Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll be officially certified and can start your career as a medical assistant!

Resources

Whether you’re just starting to study for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam or you’re nearing the test date, use this guide to plan your study schedule and get labs and resources that can help you prepare.

The CMA exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). To be eligible to sit for the exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program within the past five years or have worked as a medical assistant for at least five years.

There are a number of resources available to help candidates prepare for the CMA exam, including practice tests, study guides, and review courses. In addition, many schools offer review courses specifically for their students.