Medical assisting is an incredible way to break into the healthcare field. The demand for medical assistants is high, while the path to getting there is fast and straightforward. Today, there are minimal education and certification requirements to become a medical assistant, and most candidates can secure a career in just a year or two.
However, a growing number of employers prefer to hire medical assistants with professional certification in the field. Specifically, research shows that 87% of employers require or encourage certification for medical assistants today. Almost 3 in 4 employers (72%) screen candidates for medical assistant certification, prior to choosing a hire.
In order to become certified in medical assisting, candidates need to pass an examination. There are several different certification exams available to medical assistants, and the right one for you will depend on your education and career goals. Read on to learn more about the medical assistant certification tests, what you can expect, and how to prepare.
What is the Certification Exam for Medical Assistants?
At a high level, the medical assistant certification exam is a standardized test that evaluates the knowledge and skills of medical assistants—confirming they have the chops needed to perform their duties in a healthcare setting. The examination is administered by a certifying body (a third-party organization) that sets certain standards of practice for medical assistants.
Today, there are five organizations in the United States that can certify medical assistants and seven different medical assistant certification exams. Each exam differs slightly, depending on how much education you have under your belt and the type of career you wish to pursue. The most common medical assistant certifications are the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), generally recognized by employers throughout the U.S.
It’s important to note that medical assistant certification is not required universally; taking an examination and becoming certified is entirely up to you! However, earning certification in medical assisting offers an array of benefits. Plus, some employers will request or require it.
Not only does certification mean you can add special letters (i.e. credentials) after your name, but it also opens the door to more opportunities in your career. Certified medical assistants are better positioned to get promotions, qualify for high pay, secure advanced positions in the field, and stand out in a competitive job market.
What are the Different Medical Assistant Certification Exams?
As noted above, there are several different types of medical assistant certifications you can pursue, depending on your career goals, your education, and your location, too! The three most common medical assistant certification tests include:
1. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
The CMA is a widely-recognized certification designed to arm medical assistants with top-notch credentials, acknowledgment, networking opportunities, and career protection. It covers a wide scope of general, clinical, and administrative medical assisting topics. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, carefully designed to reflect medical assistants’ duties and required skills. When taking this exam, you can expect to be tested on subjects like pharmacology, safety and infection control, patient intake and discharge, health information management, and general communication.
2. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam, administered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT)
The RMA certification is an industry-recognized credential that can help medical assistants get hired faster and advance in their careers. The RMA examination touches on a broad range of topics related to medical assistants, including both clinical and administrative sections. Overall, there are 210 questions within the examination, testing each candidate’s level of skill in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, patient interaction, and more.
3. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, administered by the National Healthcareer Association
As its name implies, the CCMA certification examination is designed for clinically-focused medical assistants who wish to enhance their skill sets, career opportunities, and earning potential. It consists of 150 scored items, with the largest portion being in clinical patient care. Topics covered include but are not limited to, laboratory procedures, patient vitals, EKG and cardiovascular testing, patient education, medical law and ethics, as well as customer service.
However, these aren’t the only certification examinations available to medical assistants. In addition to the popular tests above, medical assistants also have the option to pursue:
- Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam, administered by the National Center for Competency Testing
- Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) exam, administered by the National Association for Health Professionals
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA-AAH) exam, administered by American Allied Health
- Medical Assistant Certification (MAC) exam, administered by the American Medical Certification Association
Download our guide to becoming a medical assistant and take your next steps to becoming a medical assistant today!
How to Choose the Medical Assistant Certification Test for You
Medical assisting careers are multifaceted, with both clinical and administrative components. If you are leaning one way or another in your career, this could affect your choice in credentialing. Some medical assistant certification exams test your clinical skills, while others are focused on medical administration. Some tests touch on both topics equally.
The prerequisites needed to qualify for these medical assistant certification exams also vary, depending on your experience and education. For example, many of the certification tests require you to complete a collegiate medical assistant training program. A few, on the other hand, require years of work experience before taking the examination.
Finally, it’s important to consider your location and the preferences of your local medical community. Often, you’ll find that different medical assistant credentials are preferred or considered standard, depending on your place of work. Typically, medical assisting schools will also align with local providers’ needs and expectations, offering a pathway to the preferred certification route.
Passing the Exam and Becoming a Certified Medical Assistant
The great news about pursuing certification as a medical assistant is that you can feel equipped well in advance of exam day. This is because the third-party organizations administering these exams also offer practice tests, content outlines, and an array of other study materials to help you prepare.
Before diving into these resources, however, be sure to take advantage of any training you’ve done previously – or that you have access to. And remember: Most of the above medical assistant certification tests require or recommend the completion of a postsecondary training program first.
While this level of education is not always required to become a medical assistant, or even to earn certification, it can give you a major leg-up when it comes to taking the tests. Medical assistant training programs cover clinical and administrative subjects, as well as essential science courses in anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and more. Plus, many programs offer externships or clinical rotations, allowing you to gain real-world experience even prior to launching a career.
Some medical assisting schools also offer career resources, tutoring, testing, and other academic success services. Your school can be a critical teammate in helping you prepare for exam day, even outside the classroom.
After tapping into your training program, consider these study tips:
- Give yourself enough time to study, first and foremost, by scheduling out your examination. Choose a date that’s not too far out from your graduation, but that allows you the time and space you need to prepare for testing day. During this time, try to create a study schedule that works for you, setting daily or weekly goals and leaving room for well-deserved breaks.
- Get familiar with the exam format. Most of the organizations above offer a content outline or blueprint of the examination in advance, allowing you to prepare effectively.
- Download and complete the other materials provided by your testing body. These materials might include online practice tests, study guides, flashcards, and other on-the-go resources.
- Practice and focus on weak areas. During your practice exams, try to identify where you are struggling or which questions you find most challenging. Review incorrect answers and spend some extra time getting to know these topics.
- Consider joining a study group. If you completed a training program, it’s likely your peers are crunching for the exam, too. Consider setting up or joining a study group so that you can collaborate with others and stay motivated while studying.
- Take care of your mental and physical health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. These simple tasks can help you maintain focus and energy in preparation for your exam. Further, be sure to practice acts of self-care (whether that’s reserving time for a yoga class, or treating yourself to takeout) to reduce anxiety.
- Practice stress management techniques. In addition to self-care, find ways to reduce and manage stress as it arises. Consider breathing techniques, meditation, mindfulness, journaling, or other relaxation methods to keep a calm mind leading up to test day.