Taking the Certification Exam for Medical Assistants
Contents
- Introduction
- What is a medical assistant certification exam?
- Who offers medical assistant certification exams?
- Why get certified as a medical assistant?
- What is the format of the medical assistant certification exam?
- How is the medical assistant certification exam scored?
- How do I prepare for the medical assistant certification exam?
- What are the benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant?
- What are the requirements for becoming a certified medical assistant?
- How long is the medical assistant certification valid?
Considering taking the Certification Exam for Medical Assistants? Here’s what you need to know before signing up.
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Introduction
The Certification Exam for Medical assistants also known as the CMA, is a voluntary certification exam open to all Medical Assistants There are many benefits to becoming certified, including salary increases and career advancement opportunities. The certification process is overseen by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants, or AAMA.
To be eligible to take the CMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assisting program and have at least five years of work experience. Candidates must also submit an application to the AAMA and pay a fee.
The CMA exam consists of two parts: a written knowledge test and a clinical skills test. The written test covers topics such as medical ethics, human anatomy, and Medical Terminology The clinical skills test assesses a candidate’s abilities in areas such as measuring blood pressure and taking medical histories.
Candidates have three years to complete both parts of the exam. Once both parts have been successfully completed, candidates will be awarded the CMA credential.
What is a medical assistant certification exam?
The medical assistant certification exam is a test that is taken by those who wish to become certified medical assistants. This exam is designed to assess a candidate’s knowledge of the duties and responsibilities of a medical assistant, as well as their ability to perform those duties.
Who offers medical assistant certification exams?
There are currently six organizations that offer medical assistant certification exams in the United States They are: the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), the National Healthcare Association (NHA), the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), and the National Healthcareer Association (NCMA). Certification from any of these organizations is recognized across the country and each has its own benefits. Below is a brief overview of what each organization offers.
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is a national non-profit organization that was established in 1955. The AAMA provides education and training resources for medical assistants, as well as administering the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. In order to be eligible to take the CMA exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program, or have at least five years of experience working as a medical assistant.
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) is a national certifying agency that was established in 1939. The AMT offers certification for a variety of allied health professionals, including medical assistants. To be eligible to take the AMT Certified Medical Assistant (CMAA) exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have two years of work experience as a medical assistant.
The National Healthcare Association (NHA) is a national non-profit organization that was established in 1936. The NHA offers certification for several allied health professionals, including medical assistants. To be eligible to take the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have one year of experience working as a medical assistant.
The National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is a national certifying agency that was established in 1989. The NCCT offers certification for several allied health professionals, including medical assistants. To be eligible to take the NCCT National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have one year of experience working as a medical assistant.
The National Healthcareer Association (NCMA) is a national certifying agency that was established in 1976. The NCMA offers certification for several allied health professionals, includingmedical assistants. To be eligible to take the NCMA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have one year of experience working as a medical assistant
Why get certified as a medical assistant?
There are many reasons why you might want to get certified as a medical assistant. Maybe you’re looking to improve your resume, or you want to show your current employer that you’re serious about your career. Perhaps you’re looking to make a change and you want to see if medical assisting is the right field for you.
No matter what your reasons are, getting certified is a great way to show that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to be a successful medical assistant. In order to become certified, you will need to pass an exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
The AAMA offers two different certification exams: the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Exam and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Exam. The CMA Exam is designed for those who have already completed an accredited medical assisting program, while the RMA Exam is open to anyone who meets the eligibility requirements.
If you’re not sure which exam is right for you, we recommend that you speak with your program coordinator or a member of the AAMA. Once you’ve decided which exam you’d like to take, be sure to check out our exam prep course which will help ensure that you’re fully prepared on test day.
What is the format of the medical assistant certification exam?
The format of the medical assistant certification exam is always changing, but there are some common sections that you can expect to see. The exam will test your knowledge in both clinical and administrative tasks. You can expect to see questions about medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Medical Law and Ethics. You will also be tested on your ability to perform common clinical tasks such as taking vital signs and performing phlebotomy. In addition, you will be expected to answer questions about common administrative tasks such as scheduling appointments and coding insurance forms.
How is the medical assistant certification exam scored?
The certification exam for medical assistants is a pass/fail exam. A score of 70% or higher is considered passing. The test is scored immediately after the test taker finishes the exam, and the results are reported to the employer.
How do I prepare for the medical assistant certification exam?
There are a few things you can do to prepare for the medical assistant certification exam. First, it is important to become familiar with the content of the exam. The best way to do this is to review the medical assistant certification exam study guide. This guide will provide you with an overview of the topics that will be covered on the exam. In addition, it is a good idea to take a practice exam. This will help you get an idea of what to expect on the actual exam. Finally, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to study for the exam. This is not an exam that you can cram for!
What are the benefits of becoming a certified medical assistant?
There are many benefits to becoming a certified medical assistant. First and foremost, certification demonstrates to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the duties of a medical assistant. In addition, certified medical assistants typically earn higher salaries than non-certified medical assistants. Finally, becoming certified can give you a sense of pride and satisfaction in knowing that you have met a high standard in your field.
What are the requirements for becoming a certified medical assistant?
Most states do not have licensure requirements for medical assistants, but many employers prefer to hire workers who have completed a formal education program and/or have been certified by a professional organization. Although certification is not required for medical assistant jobs, it may give jobseekers a competitive advantage in the hiring process.
There are two main organizations that offer certification exams for medical assistants: The National Healthcare Association (NHA) and the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Certification from either of these organizations requires passing a written exam, although the AAMA additionally requires a skills demonstration.
There are also several specialized certifications that medical assistants can earn, which may be required or preferred by some employers. For example, the National Phlebotomy Association offers a certification exam for phlebotomy technicians, who are responsible for drawing blood samples.
In order to be eligible to take the NHA or AAMA certification exams, candidates must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have equivalent work experience. For more information on requirements and exams, interested individuals can visit the website of the NHA or AAMA.
How long is the medical assistant certification valid?
The medical assistant certification is valid for a period of five years.