Healthcare Exams10 min read

RMA Exam Guide 2026

Complete RMA Exam Guide 2026 with AMT format, passing score, fee, domain weights, retake rules, and a practical study plan for Registered Medical Assistant candidates.

Ran Chen, EA, CFP®February 20, 2026

Key Facts

  • AMT candidate handbook lists Medical Assistant exam time at 2.0 hours.
  • AMT candidate handbook reports a passing examination score of 70.
  • AMT RMA eligibility page lists the RMA fee at $150 and says it includes application, exam, and first annual fee.
  • AMT retesting guidance states no sooner than 45 days between attempts with a maximum of four attempts.
  • AMT RMA content outline maps the exam to 210 questions across four work areas.
  • AMT blueprint weights are 20.9% A&P, 26.7% Administrative, 18.6% Clinical Procedural, and 33.8% Clinical Patient Interaction.
  • AMT maintain-certification table groups RMA as 10 points/year, 30 points/3-year cycle, with a $75 annual fee.

RMA 2026 Snapshot (AMT)

If you are preparing for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam, these are the core facts to anchor your study plan.

ItemCurrent AMT-Published Detail
CredentialRegistered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Testing bodyAmerican Medical Technologists (AMT)
Exam length2.0 hours
Passing score70 (scaled)
Application fee$150 (includes application, exam, and first annual fee)
Retake timingNo sooner than 45 days after a failed attempt
Attempt limit4 attempts for one certification
Published blueprint size210 questions across 4 work areas

RMA Blueprint: What to Study Most

AMT's RMA content outline currently maps the exam this way:

Work AreaQuestionsWeight
Anatomy and Physiology4420.9%
Administrative Medical Assisting5626.7%
Clinical Procedural Tasks3918.6%
Clinical Patient Interaction7133.8%
Total210100%

Practical implication

Your biggest score driver is Clinical Patient Interaction (33.8%), followed by Administrative Medical Assisting (26.7%).

If your time is limited, prioritize domains in this order:

  1. Clinical Patient Interaction
  2. Administrative Medical Assisting
  3. Anatomy and Physiology
  4. Clinical Procedural Tasks

Eligibility Paths (Why RMA Is Flexible)

AMT lists five eligibility routes for RMA:

  1. Education
  2. Competency and work-based learning
  3. Work experience
  4. Military
  5. Instructor

This route structure is one reason many candidates choose RMA, especially those with strong on-the-job or military backgrounds.


8-Week RMA Study Plan

Weeks 1-2: Build Core Coverage

  • Review full blueprint and create a domain tracker.
  • Start with Clinical Patient Interaction and Administrative Medical Assisting.
  • Build a weak-topic log from every missed question.

Weeks 3-4: Procedures + A&P Integration

  • Add Clinical Procedural Tasks blocks (specimen handling, infection control, ECG workflow, medication safety).
  • Pair each procedure topic with relevant Anatomy and Physiology review.
  • Practice mixed sets under light time pressure.

Weeks 5-6: Timed Domain Sets

  • Run timed domain-specific quizzes.
  • Push heavier volume in the two largest domains.
  • Tighten charting, HIPAA, coding, and patient-communication decision rules.

Week 7: Full Mixed Simulations

  • Complete at least 2 full mixed simulations.
  • Focus review only on recurring misses and high-risk mistakes.
  • Drill fast elimination strategy for difficult items.

Week 8: Final Readiness

  • Short daily mixed sets + rationale review.
  • Confirm logistics (ID, testing date, route, check-in timing).
  • Avoid cramming new low-yield material in final 48 hours.

RMA Time Management: Why It Matters

With AMT's published 2-hour exam length and 210-question blueprint, pacing is tight.

  • Move on quickly when stuck.
  • Flag and return to uncertain items.
  • Keep steady forward momentum to avoid end-of-exam time collapse.

After You Pass: Maintenance Requirements

AMT's CCP maintenance guidance uses a 3-year cycle. AMT's maintain-certification table places RMA in this grouping:

  • 10 points per year
  • 30 points per 3-year cycle
  • $75 annual fee

Treat maintenance as a yearly habit, not an end-of-cycle scramble.


Free RMA Study Resources on This Site

Use all three together for best retention: guide for depth, flashcards for recall speed, and practice sets for decision accuracy.


Official Sources (Verify Before You Test)

RMA exam guide 2026AMT RMAregistered medical assistant examRMA passing scoreRMA study planmedical assistant certification

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