1. Preparing for Medical Assisting Credentials
Chapter 47
Preparing for Medical Assisting Credentials

2. 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

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

4. 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)

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

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

7. 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

8. 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!

9. 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

10. 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)

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

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

13. 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

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

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

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

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

18. 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

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