RMA Exam Pass Rate & Study Plan: Everything You Need to Pass in 2026
The RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) exam pass rate has been declining — from 77% in 2020 to 70% in 2024. That means nearly 1 in 3 test-takers fail on their first attempt. But with the right study plan and understanding of what's actually tested, you can beat those odds.
This guide breaks down the RMA exam by content domain, reveals the topics that trip up most test-takers, and gives you a week-by-week study plan designed to pass on your first try.
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RMA Exam Quick Facts (2026)
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Administering Body | AMT (American Medical Technologists) |
| Total Questions | 210 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 2 hours |
| Passing Score | Scaled score of 70 (147/210 correct) |
| Pass Rate (2024) | 70% |
| Pass Rate Trend | Declining: 77% (2020) → 73% (2021) → 71% (2023) → 70% (2024) |
| Cost | $150 (includes first year membership); $110 for retakes |
| Testing Format | Computer-based at Pearson VUE or online via OnVUE |
| Retake Wait | 45 days between attempts |
Why the RMA Pass Rate Is Declining
The RMA pass rate has dropped 7 percentage points since 2020. Here's what's driving the decline:
- More scenario-based questions — The exam increasingly tests application of knowledge rather than simple recall
- Broader content coverage — New healthcare regulations and procedures are being added to the exam blueprint
- More first-time test-takers from accelerated programs — Shorter training programs may not provide enough depth
- Overconfidence — Many candidates assume their clinical experience is enough and don't study the administrative or anatomy domains
RMA Exam Content Domains
The 210 questions are distributed across four domains:
Domain 1: Clinical Patient Interaction (33.8% — ~71 questions)
This is the largest domain and where most points are available.
| Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Patient intake | Vital signs, patient history, documentation |
| Communication | Patient education, informed consent, cultural competence |
| Infection control | Standard precautions, hand hygiene, PPE, sharps disposal |
| Emergency procedures | First aid, CPR, AED, emergency protocols |
| Patient safety | Fall prevention, medication safety, allergies |
Why candidates struggle: This domain combines clinical knowledge with communication skills. Questions often present scenarios where you must choose the BEST response, not just a correct one.
Domain 2: Administrative Medical Assisting (26.7% — ~56 questions)
| Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | Appointment types, scheduling methods, referrals |
| Medical records | EHR systems, documentation, release of information |
| Insurance & billing | ICD-10 basics, CPT codes, claim processing, insurance types |
| Office management | Supply ordering, inventory, equipment maintenance |
| Communication | Phone etiquette, written correspondence, professional behavior |
Why candidates struggle: Clinically-trained MAs often underestimate this section. Insurance billing codes and EHR documentation require specific knowledge that hands-on clinical experience alone doesn't teach.
Domain 3: Anatomy & Physiology (20.9% — ~44 questions)
| Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Medical terminology | Prefixes, suffixes, root words, abbreviations |
| Body systems | Structure and function of all major systems |
| Pathology | Common diseases, conditions, and their presentations |
| Pharmacology basics | Drug classifications, common medications, routes of administration |
Why candidates struggle: A&P covers a massive amount of material. Students who memorized terms for their program exams may have forgotten them by test time.
Domain 4: Clinical Procedural Tasks (18.6% — ~39 questions)
| Topic | Key Concepts |
|---|---|
| Specimen collection | Blood draws (phlebotomy), urine collection, throat cultures |
| Laboratory testing | CLIA-waived tests, quality control, normal values |
| Diagnostic procedures | ECG/EKG, spirometry, vision/hearing screening |
| Medication administration | Dosage calculations, injection techniques, medication documentation |
| Minor surgical procedures | Instrument identification, sterile field, wound care |
Why candidates struggle: Dosage calculations and lab values require precise memorization. Instrument identification questions can be tricky without hands-on review.
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The 5 Hardest RMA Exam Topics (And How to Study Them)
#1: Insurance Billing & Coding
Why it's hard: ICD-10 and CPT coding requires memorization of specific code structures and billing procedures that many MAs don't encounter daily.
How to study: Focus on understanding the structure (ICD-10 = diagnosis, CPT = procedures), common modifiers, and the claim submission process. You don't need to memorize specific codes — just understand how the system works.
#2: Pharmacology
Why it's hard: Drug classifications, generic vs. brand names, drug interactions, and routes of administration cover an enormous amount of material.
How to study: Group medications by classification (analgesics, antibiotics, antihypertensives). Learn the most commonly prescribed medications in each class and their primary side effects.
#3: Dosage Calculations
Why it's hard: Math under time pressure is stressful, and dosage calculation errors have real consequences in practice.
How to study: Master the formula: Desired dose ÷ Available dose × Quantity = Amount to give. Practice at least 20 dosage calculation problems before test day.
#4: EHR Documentation & HIPAA
Why it's hard: Specific rules about who can access records, how to handle breaches, and documentation standards require precise knowledge.
How to study: Memorize the key HIPAA rules: minimum necessary standard, patient rights to access records, breach notification requirements, and business associate agreements.
#5: Laboratory Values
Why it's hard: Normal ranges for blood glucose, CBC components, and urinalysis results require memorization with no room for approximation.
How to study: Create a reference card with the top 15 lab values (glucose, BUN, creatinine, WBC, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet count, etc.) and their normal ranges. Review daily until you can recall them instantly.
4-Week RMA Study Plan
Week 1: Clinical Patient Interaction (33.8%)
| Day | Topics | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, pain) | 1.5 hrs |
| Tue | Patient intake, history, documentation | 1.5 hrs |
| Wed | Infection control: standard precautions, hand hygiene, PPE | 1.5 hrs |
| Thu | Emergency procedures: first aid, CPR, AED | 1.5 hrs |
| Fri | Patient communication, education, cultural competence | 1 hr |
| Sat | Domain 1 practice questions + review | 2 hrs |
Week 2: Administrative & Anatomy/Physiology
| Day | Topics | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Scheduling, referrals, phone etiquette | 1.5 hrs |
| Tue | Insurance types, billing, ICD-10/CPT basics | 2 hrs |
| Wed | EHR documentation, HIPAA, medical records | 1.5 hrs |
| Thu | Medical terminology: prefixes, suffixes, root words | 1.5 hrs |
| Fri | Body systems: cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous | 2 hrs |
| Sat | Body systems: musculoskeletal, digestive, endocrine + practice questions | 2 hrs |
Week 3: Clinical Procedures & Pharmacology
| Day | Topics | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Phlebotomy: order of draw, venipuncture, capillary collection | 1.5 hrs |
| Tue | Lab tests: CLIA-waived, quality control, normal values | 1.5 hrs |
| Wed | ECG/EKG, spirometry, diagnostic procedures | 1.5 hrs |
| Thu | Pharmacology: drug classifications, common medications | 2 hrs |
| Fri | Dosage calculations + injection techniques | 2 hrs |
| Sat | Domains 3-4 practice questions + review | 2 hrs |
Week 4: Review & Practice Tests
| Day | Topics | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | Full-length practice test #1 (timed: 2 hours) | 2.5 hrs |
| Tue | Review missed questions from practice test #1 | 1.5 hrs |
| Wed | Weak areas deep review + lab values flashcards | 2 hrs |
| Thu | Full-length practice test #2 (timed: 2 hours) | 2.5 hrs |
| Fri | Review missed questions + final weak area review | 1.5 hrs |
| Sat | Light review only — rest before exam | 1 hr |
Total study time: ~50-55 hours over 4 weeks
RMA vs. CMA: Which Certification Should You Choose?
Many medical assistants wonder whether to pursue the RMA (AMT) or CMA (AAMA). Here are the key differences:
| Factor | RMA (AMT) | CMA (AAMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Length | 210 questions, 2 hours | 200 questions, 4 sections |
| Recertification | Every 3 years | Every 5 years |
| Eligibility | Program graduate, military, or 5+ years experience | Accredited program graduate only |
| Pass Rate | ~70% (2024) | ~69% (2024) |
| Employer Recognition | Widely recognized | Widely recognized (sometimes preferred) |
| Exam Cost | $150 | $250 |
| Salary Impact | Similar | Similar |
Bottom line: Both certifications are nationally recognized and lead to the same job opportunities and salary. The RMA offers more flexible eligibility pathways (military and experience routes), while the CMA is sometimes seen as the "gold standard" by larger healthcare systems. Choose based on your eligibility and career goals.
Test-Day Tips for the RMA Exam
Time Management
- You have 2 hours for 210 questions — about 34 seconds per question
- Don't spend more than 1 minute on any single question
- Flag difficult questions and return to them after completing the easy ones
Answering Strategy
- Read the entire question before looking at answer choices
- Eliminate obviously wrong answers first
- When two answers seem correct, choose the MOST specific or MOST complete one
- For "all of the above" / "none of the above" questions, check each option individually
Testing Environment
- Available at Pearson VUE centers or remotely via OnVUE (online proctoring)
- Bring two forms of ID (one with photo)
- No personal items allowed in the testing room (phone, notes, calculator)
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Don't become part of the 30% who fail. Our comprehensive study guide walks you through every content domain with detailed explanations, practice questions, and AI-powered tutoring.
- Complete coverage of all 4 exam domains
- Pharmacology and billing deep dives
- Dosage calculation practice problems
- AI-powered study help for instant explanations
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Official Resources
- AMT RMA Certification Information — Official certification requirements and exam registration
- AMT Exam Content Outline — Detailed content blueprint
- Pearson VUE AMT Testing — Schedule your exam