Preparing for Medical Assisting Credentials Chapter 47 Preparing for Medical Assisting Credentials

Purpose of Certification To set a consistent minimum standard for evaluating an individual’s professional competence Help in career advancement and compensation Maintaining the credential demonstrates a life-long commitment to professional development Membership in professional organizations Assign or discuss the critical thinking box

Preparing for the Examination Plan well in advance Choose a date Obtain an application Choose study partner(s)

Certification Agencies American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant (CMA, AAMA) American Medical Technologists (AMT) Registered medical assistant (RMA) Certified medical administrative specialist (CMAS)

Certification Agencies National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) Certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) Figure 47-1

CMA (AAMA) Eligibility categories and documentation requirements Three categories Graduates of ABHES- or CAAHEP-accredited programs

Exam Format and Content 200 multiple choice questions Content Outline for CMA (AAMA) Exam Three major areas tested General Administrative Clinical Reduced student rates Assign or discuss the critical thinking box

Exam Scheduling and Administration Computer-based testing (CBT) at Prometric test centers 3 hours to complete the exam, plus a 15 minute tutorial What to bring with you Photo ID only!

CMA (AAMA) Recertification Reexamination or continued education methods Points necessary to recertify, categories, and required documentation 60 points total 10 from each category, the remaining 30 can be from any category

RMA (AMT) The Education, Qualifications, and Standards Committee of AMT develops examination Awards the registered medical assistant (RMA) credential Also awards the certified medical administrative specialist (CMAS)

Exam Format and Content 200-210 multiple-choice questions Recall facts Interpret graphic illustrations Interpret information presented in case studies Analyze situations Solve problems

Exam Format and Content Percentage of questions in test areas General 41.0% Administrative 24.0% Clinical 35.0%

Exam Scheduling and Administration Computer-based testing at PersonVue test centers Paper-and-pencil test also available What to bring with you Two forms of ID, including photo ID

RMA Recertification Certification Continuation Program (CCP) Compliance Evaluation Worksheet and Attestation every three years

National Healthcareer Association Offers national certification examinations for health care professionals Continuing education (CE) program

NHA Exam Format and Content Certifies the certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) and the certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) Applicant criteria

NHA Exam Scheduling and Administration Scheduled at specified approved locations Test for each credential Multiple choice questions Approximately 90 minutes to complete

NHA Recertification Continuing education (CE) program Required to complete at least 5.0 CE credits per year If certification expires, entire CE program must be completed

Professional Organizations American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) American Medical Technologists (AMT) National Healthcareer Association (NHA)