How Long Is the Medical Assistant Exam? A Complete Guide
The duration of the medical assistant exam varies depending on the certifying body, but generally expect to allocate 3 to 3.5 hours for the entire testing process, including introductory instructions and potential breaks.
Introduction: Understanding Medical Assistant Certification
Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) or registered medical assistant (RMA) is a significant step in launching a successful career in healthcare. Certification demonstrates competence and adherence to professional standards, often leading to better job opportunities and higher salaries. But navigating the certification process can seem daunting, and one of the first questions aspiring medical assistants often ask is: How Long Is the Medical Assistant Exam? Understanding the exam’s length and structure is crucial for effective preparation and test-day success.
The Two Most Common Medical Assistant Certifications
Two prominent organizations offer medical assistant certifications:
- The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which offers the CMA (AAMA) certification.
- American Medical Technologists (AMT), which offers the RMA certification.
While both certifications are widely recognized and respected, their eligibility requirements, exam content, and length can differ.
Exam Length and Structure: CMA (AAMA)
The CMA (AAMA) certification exam is administered by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). The exam itself is a computerized, multiple-choice test consisting of 200 questions. However, not all questions contribute to your final score. A portion of the questions are pretest questions used for statistical purposes and are not graded.
- Total Allotted Time: 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes)
- Number of Questions: 200
- Scored Questions: Approximately 180
- Unscored (Pretest) Questions: Approximately 20
- Breaks: One optional 10-minute break is available during the exam. This break does count against your total allotted time.
The CMA (AAMA) exam is broken down into three main content areas:
- Clinical: (Approximately 62% of the exam) This section covers topics like anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, patient care, pharmacology, and infection control.
- Administrative: (Approximately 21% of the exam) This area includes topics such as medical law and ethics, insurance, billing and coding, and patient scheduling.
- General: (Approximately 17% of the exam) This section covers topics such as psychology, communication, professionalism, and basic science concepts.
Exam Length and Structure: RMA (AMT)
The RMA (AMT) exam is also a computer-based, multiple-choice test, but the number of questions and the total allotted time differ from the CMA (AAMA) exam. The specific structure may be subject to change, so it is always best to consult the AMT website directly.
- Total Allotted Time: 3 hours (180 minutes)
- Number of Questions: 210
- Scored Questions: Approximately 210 (AMT generally does not include pretest questions)
- Breaks: Generally, no scheduled breaks are included, but examinees may be permitted to take unscheduled breaks. This would typically be at the cost of testing time.
The RMA (AMT) exam content areas include:
- General Medical Knowledge (Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Terminology)
- Administrative (Insurance, Billing, Coding, Medical Law and Ethics)
- Clinical (Patient Care, Pharmacology, Assisting with Examinations)
Factors Affecting Exam Completion Time
While the exam length is fixed, several factors can influence how long it takes you to complete the test:
- Preparation Level: Thorough preparation will allow you to answer questions more quickly and accurately.
- Test-Taking Strategies: Effective strategies, like reading questions carefully and eliminating incorrect answers, can save time.
- Anxiety: Test anxiety can slow you down and make it harder to concentrate.
- Familiarity with Computer Testing: If you are not comfortable with computers, the format may take some getting used to.
- Breaks: Taking the optional break during the CMA (AAMA) exam can help you refocus, but it will reduce your available testing time.
Tips for Time Management During the Exam
Effective time management is crucial for completing the medical assistant exam successfully. Here are some helpful tips:
- Pace Yourself: Divide the total allotted time by the number of questions to determine a reasonable time to spend on each question.
- Read Questions Carefully: Avoid rushing through questions, as misreading them can lead to incorrect answers and wasted time.
- Eliminate Incorrect Answers: If you are unsure of the correct answer, eliminate the options you know are wrong.
- Don’t Dwell: If you are stuck on a question, mark it and move on. Return to it later if you have time.
- Utilize Practice Tests: Taking practice tests under timed conditions can help you improve your time management skills.
- Stay Calm: Manage your anxiety and stay focused.
How Long Is the Medical Assistant Exam? A Summary Table
| Feature | CMA (AAMA) | RMA (AMT) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Time | 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes) | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Number of Questions | 200 | 210 |
| Scored Questions | ~180 | 210 |
| Pretest Questions | ~20 | None (generally) |
| Break | 1 Optional (10 minutes, deducted) | None (generally, unscheduled allowed) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Is the Medical Assistant Exam for someone with accommodations?
If you require testing accommodations due to a disability, you may be granted additional time. The process for requesting accommodations typically involves submitting documentation from a qualified professional to the certifying body before scheduling your exam. Contact the AAMA or AMT directly for specific details on their accommodations policies and required documentation.
Is there a penalty for guessing on the medical assistant exam?
Neither the CMA (AAMA) nor the RMA (AMT) exams penalize you for guessing. Therefore, it is always better to guess than to leave a question blank. Even if you are unsure of the correct answer, try to eliminate some of the options and make an educated guess.
Can I leave the testing center during the medical assistant exam?
Leaving the testing center during the exam is generally not permitted, except in emergencies. If you leave the testing center without permission, your exam may be invalidated. Always clarify the testing center’s policies regarding leaving the room with the proctor before starting the exam.
What happens if I run out of time during the medical assistant exam?
If you run out of time, the exam will automatically stop, and your score will be based on the questions you answered. This underscores the importance of effective time management during the exam. Answer the easiest questions first, and don’t dwell on questions that are stumping you.
Can I review my answers during the medical assistant exam?
Yes, both the CMA (AAMA) and RMA (AMT) exams allow you to review and change your answers before submitting the exam. However, be mindful of the time. It is generally a good idea to review your answers, but don’t spend too much time second-guessing yourself.
How early should I arrive at the testing center before the medical assistant exam?
Plan to arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This will allow you to complete the check-in process, store your belongings, and get settled before the exam begins.
What should I bring to the medical assistant exam?
You will need to bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport. Check with the specific testing center and certifying organization to verify any other required items. Do not bring unauthorized materials, such as cell phones, notes, or textbooks.
Can I bring food or drinks into the testing center for the medical assistant exam?
Generally, food and drinks are not allowed inside the testing center. However, if you have a medical condition that requires you to have food or drinks with you, you may be able to request an accommodation.
What is the passing score for the medical assistant exam?
The passing score for both the CMA (AAMA) and RMA (AMT) exams is not a fixed percentage. Instead, it is determined based on a scaled score, which takes into account the difficulty of the exam.
How soon will I receive my results after taking the medical assistant exam?
The time it takes to receive your results can vary. The CMA (AAMA) results are typically available within 2-3 weeks, while RMA (AMT) results may be available sooner. Consult the respective certifying bodies for the most accurate time frames.
What happens if I fail the medical assistant exam?
If you fail the exam, you can retake it. However, there may be a waiting period before you are eligible to retest. The AAMA and AMT have specific policies regarding retesting, so review their guidelines carefully.
Is knowing How Long Is the Medical Assistant Exam? the only important information for test preparation?
While understanding the duration of the exam is helpful for time management, comprehensive preparation is crucial. This includes studying the relevant subject matter, practicing with sample questions, and developing effective test-taking strategies. A thorough understanding of the material, combined with effective time management, is the key to success.