Information on Testing to Become a Certified Medical Assistant

Medical assistants who get their professional certification can increase their opportunities for jobs and advancement within this field. Medical assistants can choose from a variety of certifications available through different associations.

Facts

The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) awards the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential to all qualified medical assistants that successfully meet their requirements and pass an exam.

Test Eligibility

The certification test is only available to medical assistants who have graduated in the last 12 months or are 30 days away from completing their training at a school accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health (CAAHEP). Medical assistants must also pay a test fee and have their application approved by the AAMA.

Exam Content

The certification test includes several sections involving questions on medical terminology, anatomy, psychology, data entry, records management, various clinical procedures and first aid.

Test Preparation

Medical assistants can prepare for their certification test by taking a practice test available through AAMA or by completing a review course.

Taking Exam

According to the AAMA, the certification test is a timed three-hour computerized exam that has 200 multiple choice questions.

References

• American Association of Medical Assistants: How to Become a CMA
• American Association of Medical Assistants: FAQs on CMA (AAMA) Certification
• American Association of Medical Assistants:Certification/Recertifcation Examination Content Outline