Develop A Comprehensive Study Plan
All of the medical assistant tests cover a huge range of topics. Studying to succeed on these tests often takes time. Its always best to spend a chunk of time studying each day in the weeks or months leading up to the exam, rather than trying to cram it all in at the last minute. Studying over a longer period also gives you more of a chance to strengthen your knowledge in weaker subjects, which can also lead to a better score.
Delivery Method And Location
The exam is a computer-based test provided by Prometric. You must schedule your exam directly through their online registration site or by calling the number listed on your scheduling permit. Test dates, times, and locations are on a first come, first served basis, so make an effort to schedule your exam as soon as possible so you can obtain your preferred test time and location.
Certified Medical Assistant Practice Test
- In 2017, there was a passing rate of 73% on the CMA certification exam.
- No formal education is required to become a certified medical assistant. All that is required is a high school diploma or equivalent.
Take our Certified Medical Assistant practice test to be prepared for this exam.
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What Are The Eligibility Requirements For The Medical Assistant Tests
The specific eligibility requirements will vary across all four of the exams, although each of them has a prerequisite of a high school diploma or its equivalent and education and training in the field of healthcare assistance. Additional details about prerequisites can be found by referencing the medical assistant test comparison chart.
About The Medical Assistant Test
For individuals pursuing a career as a medical assistant, there are several different options regarding certification. There are four different exams that are offered from the various certifying agencies. They are:
- Certified Medical Assistant : Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants
- Registered Medical Assistant : Offered by the American Medical Technologists
- National Certified Medical Assistant : Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant : Offered by the National Healthcareer Association
These four exams have many similarities and some differences. Each one of them is designed to assess the competency and knowledge of potential medical assistants after they have completed the required education. They are all timed for a total of two to three hours. They all have different eligibility requirements, and they range in price from $90 to $250.
You should look at the regional requirements and those posted by prospective employers about what certification each requires. Some tests are recognized nationally, while others may not be accepted in certain states. You will want to identify which test is best for your area and your career goals before making a selection.
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How Much Does The Cma Exam Cost
Registering for the exam isnt free, and the exam fee varies according to how quickly after graduation you apply. For example, if you apply for the exam up to 12 months after graduation from your medical assisting college , you qualify for recent graduate status and will be charged a fee of $125 regardless of your AAMA membership status.
However, if your graduation date is more than one year in the past, your exam fee will be $125 only if youre a current member of the AAMA. If you are not a member, your exam fee will be $250.
Use Alternative Study Methods
The medical assistant tests cover an incredibly wide range of topics and for this reason, many examinees find it helpful to incorporate alternative study methods into their routine, such as and . These alternative formats can help to shake up your routine, keep you engaged with the content, and help you to retain information better.
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Best Cma Study Guides
Pros: Complete and comprehensive review of all exam topics. Access to practice questions.Cons: Some of the practice questions are more rudimentary than you may face on the actual exam.Our Rating: 5.0 / 5
CMA Exam Preparation Study Guide is our top overall pick for CMA / AAMA Exam Study Guide!This is the best overall resource, with comprehensive and in-depth coverage of all major test sections.The full list of features include:
- Coverage and practice questions for all 3 major exam topics.
- Detailed answer explanations for practice questions.
- Proven test taking strategies for tackling the exam.
The primary attributes of a good study guide in this area are access to practice test questions and a comprehensive review of important material.This guide has both of these things, and is high-quality and user friendly. If you only plan on picking up 1 guide on this list, we recommend you make it CMA Exam Preparation Study Guide!
How Long Is The Cma Certification Exam
The CMA consists of 200 multiple choice questions administered across four 40-minute segments. During the 160-minute exam, youll be given an optional 20-minute break between each segment. There will also be a 15-minute exam tutorial before the test begins, but this will not count towards your 160-minute total.
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Take Cma Practice Tests:
The AAMA offers several practice tests and quizzes on their website, like this test on Medical Terminology. Taking these practice tests wont give you the questions and answers from the actual exam, but they will get you more accustomed to how questions will be asked and how to best deduce the right answer.
Medical Assistant Certification Exam Smartbank
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How Do I Register For The Cma Exam
Since the CMA exam is administered by the AAMA, applicants should visit the AAMA website in order to register.
While registering for the CMA exam on the AAMA site, youll be asked to:
Once your 90-period is decided, you must take your exam within those 90 days.
The full CMA exam information booklet can be downloaded here.
Preparing For The Cma Certification Exam
Achieving the Certified Medical Assistant credential is the final step in ensuring a productive and fulfilling career in the medical field. Youve spent hours in class, intensive study, and practical application, to make sure you meet the standards and all that is standing in your way is the final credentialing examination. Mometrix is the final tool you need to ensure success.
Mometrix Test Preparation has been assisting test-takers for 16 years. Written in everyday language with a proven study plan, the Certified Medical Assistant Study Guide study guide and Certified Medical Assistant Study Guide flashcards contain tips and information you need to effectively study for and pass the CMA exam.
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S To Medical Assistant Certification Process
SCMA provides Self-study kits for all the exams.
If you have prior clinical experience as a medical assistant, you can purchase the self-study kit which contains a study guide, practice questions as well as the exam voucher. In case you do not have any prior clinical experience, you can attend an accredited training program for medical assistants. To purchase the IMA self-study kit .
To purchase the SCMA self-study kit, please .
While you are preparing for the exam, you can use your voucher and book an exam on a suitable date at a Pearson Vue center near you. After you have given the exam, your result and certificate will be mailed to you at your address.
Cma Practice Test Benefits
Preparing for your CMA exam by taking practice tests has many benefits. Using sample questions to study for your test is highly effective study. The advantages of using sample CMA tests include:
- Understanding the Test Format – Every standardized test has its own unique format. As you take practice CMA tests you will become familiar with the format of the actual test. Once the test day arrives you will have no surprises!
- Improving Your Speed – The CMA exam is broken down into four 40 minute segments. Although most students who take the CMA feel that there is sufficient time, taking the practice tests with self-imposed timers helps you budget your time effectively. You should budget approximately 1 minute for each question.
- Focusing Your Study – As you take more and more sample tests you begin to get a feel for the topics that you know well and the areas that you are weak on. Many students waste a lot of valuable study time by reviewing material that they are good at . The most effective way to study is to concentrate on the areas that you need help on.
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Medical Assistant Practice Test
Take this free practice test to see how prepared you are for a medical assistant certification exam.
The three most prevalent certifications for Medical Assistant are offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants , the American Medical Technologists and the National Center for Competency Testing . In most cases, certification by any of these organizations will be accepted nationally. Subject matter for these exams falls into the following three subject areas: General Knowledge, Administrative Knowledge and Clinical Knowledge.
To prepare for the actual exam, we provide a 750 question Medical Assistant Practice Exam written by Melanie Shearer, MS., MT , CMA , who is an Instructor of Medical Assisting Dr. David Valte, Professor of Medical Assisting, Bramson ORT College and Christina Cline, CMA .
Cma Exam Flashcard Study System
Pros: Comprehensive list of terms covering major exam topics.Cons: Cards are relatively dense and contain a lot of info.Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
CMA Exam Flashcard Study System is our top pick for flashcards to help you prepare for the CMA exam.It has over 229 cards containing tons of information across all test topics.Key features include:
- Over 229 flashcards.
- Covers all major topics and themes covered by the exam.
Flashcards have a tremendous benefit for students who elect to use them in their test preparation.Repetitive drilling on major topics is a good way to help in the days leading up to the exam.If you plan to pick up flashcards to help in your studies, these are your best bet!
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Simulate The Medical Assistant Testing Experience
In addition to varying your study routine, its also a good idea to simulate the entire testing experience at least once or twice before taking your exam. All four medical assistant tests are timed, with some having timed sections. Simulating the overall testing experience will give you a better idea of how to pace yourself as you complete the actual exam and it will help give you an idea of how you will perform under pressure – which can generally ease pre-test anxiety.
How Hard Is The Cma Certification Exam
The CMA exam is 200 questions and youll be given 160 minutes total to answer them, so time management is vital. The test is then scored on a scale of 200 to 800 with a minimum score of 430 required to pass.
Of the over 7,482 applicants who took the CMA test from July 2020 to July 2021, 62% passed on their first attempt.
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Scheduling Permit Registration And Cost
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, cashiers/certified check or institution check only.
Five to 10 days after your application, you will receive an email. If you were successful in submitting all required documentation and the candidate fee, your 90-day testing period will be assigned and the availability of your exam Scheduling Permit will be included. Failure to respond to an incomplete status could void your application which would require you to reapply and pay the candidate fee again.
Candidate fees are as follows:
- Category 1: $125.00
- Category 2: $125.00 for AAMA members and $250.00 for nonmembers
- Category 3: $125.00 for AAMA members and $250.00 for nonmembers
How Do I Study For The Cma Exam
As a graduate of a Medical Assistant program, youre no stranger to taking tests and quizzes. But the CMA certification exam is the big onethe final test that sums up all youve learned in your year of study. That encompasses a lot of material, and its normal to feel a little anxious, but with the right preparation and study habits, you can ace the certification exam and move on to pursue your career.
Use the following study tips to help you pass the CMA exam on your first attempt:
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Medical Assistant Practice Exam Kit
Pros: Comprehensive list of terms covering major exam topics.Cons: Cards are relatively dense and contain a lot of info.Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
This Kindle Edition Medical Assistant Practice Exam Kit contains a ton of great practice resources for you to refer to in the run up to the exam.Its digital format is great for people on the go.Key features include:
- Over 300 test questions.
- Covers all 3 major topics and themes covered by the exam.
Practice questions with detailed answer keys can be critical for getting yourself ready to tackle the exam.Once your in-depth review is completed, this amazing exam prep kit is the perfect way to finish off your efforts to get ready.
Tips For Solving Multiple Choice Questions
What do things like losing weight, tooth brushing, and remembering the names of your new coworkers have in common? They all come down to one simple but inescapable truth: discipline!
This inner impetus, besides fear, is probably the most effective means we humans have to get things done, it actually has always been, from the beginning of time.
What’s true for losing some excess pounds holds also true for passing a multiple choice test there is no way around it, you can only do well on tests by studying and practicing and then practicing and studying some more.
But no matter how hard you study, you might still find yourself struggling with questions on test day. Here are some tips to maximize your score.
You can divide the entire test into two cycles:
The first pass is really fast, it may help with questions later on and it ensures that you have enough time left at the end to recheck your answers. Sometimes, earlier questions and answers can provide insights into later questions.
The second cycle is where you take a deeper dive. Most of your “first instinct” answers are typically left as is, but after re-reading them, you may gain a better sense of confidence about your answers.
Go back to those questions that were the most difficult and:
Again, it can’t be stressed enough to take the time and re-read every question, even if you feel confident.
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What To Expect On Test Day
While taking a medical assistant test can be nerve-racking, it always helps if you are adequately prepared and you have an idea of what to expect on exam day. Depending upon the test you are taking, it may be administered by computer or you may receive a paper-and-pencil version. Its a good idea to check with your testing center beforehand to determine what type of test you are taking and determine any other details you may need to know, such as when to arrive and what the center requires to check-in .
Medical Assistant Exam Prep
Pros: Great refresher, easy to digest.Cons: Some typographical and other errors.Our Rating: 4.5 / 5
Medical Assistant Exam Prep from Kaplan is another awesome resource for CMA / AAMA test takers.It has all the quality youd expect from a Kaplan book, and a ton of great content to boot.The full list of features include:
- Full length practice test with over 300 questions.
- Diagnostic test to help you make the most of your study time.
- End of chapter quizzes with detailed answer explanations.
The primary strength of this guide is its logical layout and comprehensive coverage of all the relevant exam topics.While it didnt take our top spot, this is still a totally viable study guide, especially if you have used and enjoyed other Kaplan test materials!
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