CMA Exam Information

CMA Test overview

The CMA exam is delivered by the National Board of Medical Examiners to properly certify Medical Technicians. The 200 question exam is used to measure the person’s knowledge in general, administrative, and clinical knowledge.

CMA Test Format

The CMA is a test developed and proctored by the National Board of Medical Examiners, which is formally recognized by the AAMA. You are not required to be a member of AAMA to take the exams. To successfully become a CMA, you must receive a passing score (minimum of 445) on the entire exam. In each section, the examinee will receive a percentile ranking in addition to a performance score.

The CMA exam is administered for four hours. It is a computerized test divided into three sections; each section is weighted equally. There are 200 multiple-choice questions overall- 180 are scored and 20 are pre-tested. This means 20 randomly selected questions will not count towards the final score on the exam. The exam is scored by the total number of correct answers versus the total number of questions administered.

As a multiple-choice question test, you are required to pick the best answer of the five given choices. Questions are formatted to either complete the sentence, or to answer a question. Some questions will be assisted with a diagram or illustration in order to identify body parts or anatomical regions. Some of the given choices may be partially correct, but it is important to note the “best” answer to the question. Guessing does not count against you. You must receive a passing score from each section of the exam to become properly certified. An unofficial pass or fail notice will be sent immediately. The actual score will be mailed approximately 12 weeks after the test date.

CMA Test Content

The CMA exam is used to measure knowledge in the subject areas of general knowledge, administrative knowledge, and clinical knowledge. You must be able to master these content areas and be able to apply the given material. The following shows the content outline as designed by the AAMA. For up-to-date and detailed outlines please visit the AAMA website.

  1. General
    • Medical Terminology
    • Anatomy and Physiology
    • Psychology
    • Professionalism
    • Communication
    • Medical Guidelines and Requirements
  2. Administrative
    • Data Entry
    • Equipment
    • Computer Concepts
    • Records management
    • Screening and processing mail
    • Scheduling and monitoring appointments
    • Resource Information and Community Services
    • Maintaining the Office Environment
    • Office Policies and Procedures
    • Practice Finances
  3. Clinical
    • Principles of Infection Control
    • Treatment Area
    • Patient Preparation and Assisting the Physician
    • Patient History Interview
    • Collecting and Processing Specimens, Diagnostic Testing
    • Preparing and Administering Medication
    • Emergencies
    • First Aid
    • Nutrition