Key Takeaways
- The CMA (AAMA) exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions: 180 scored and 20 unscored pretest items
- Candidates have 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes) to complete the exam, with optional scheduled breaks
- The passing score is a scaled 430 out of 750, which corresponds to approximately 64% correct
- The exam fee is $250 for AAMA members and $300 for non-members
- First-time pass rates average 65-70% for graduates of accredited programs
- Testing is conducted at Prometric test centers nationwide year-round
- The exam covers three major domains: General (36%), Administrative (28%), and Clinical (36%)
- CMA certification must be recertified every 60 months through 60 CEUs or reexamination
CMA (AAMA) Certified Medical Assistant Exam Overview
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and is the most widely recognized medical assistant certification in the United States. Earning the CMA (AAMA) credential demonstrates that a medical assistant has met the rigorous standards of knowledge and competency required for entry-level practice.
Exam Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam |
| Exam Body | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple-choice |
| Total Questions | 200 (180 scored + 20 unscored pretest) |
| Time Limit | 160 minutes for the exam portion |
| Passing Score | Scaled score of 430 out of 750 (~64%) |
| Exam Fee | $250 (AAMA member) / $300 (non-member) |
| Testing Vendor | Prometric |
| Testing Availability | Year-round at Prometric centers |
| First-Time Pass Rate | ~65-70% |
| Results | Preliminary pass/fail displayed on screen immediately; official results mailed within 6-8 weeks |
About the Exam Format
The CMA (AAMA) exam is a computer-based test (CBT) delivered at Prometric testing centers. Key details about the format:
- 200 total questions — 180 are scored and 20 are unscored pretest items being evaluated for future exams
- You cannot distinguish pretest items from scored items — treat every question as if it counts
- All questions are four-option multiple-choice (select one best answer)
- You can skip questions and return to them later within the exam time
- You can flag questions for review and navigate freely through the exam
- There is no penalty for guessing — answer every question
Scoring
The CMA exam uses a scaled scoring system:
- Raw scores are converted to a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800
- The passing scaled score is 430
- This corresponds to approximately 64% correct on scored items
- If you do not pass, your score report shows performance by content area to guide future study
- Scores are not curved — you are measured against a fixed standard, not against other candidates
Time Management
The total appointment time at the testing center is approximately 4 hours, which includes:
| Segment | Time |
|---|---|
| Check-in and tutorial | ~20 minutes |
| Exam (200 questions) | 160 minutes |
| Optional scheduled break | ~20 minutes |
| Post-exam survey | ~10 minutes |
You have 160 minutes to answer 200 questions, which averages to 48 seconds per question. Managing your pace is critical — aim to complete the first 100 questions within the first 80 minutes.
Content Domain Breakdown
The CMA (AAMA) exam tests knowledge across three major domains:
Domain I: General Knowledge (36% of exam — approximately 65 scored questions)
- Anatomy and physiology of all body systems
- Medical terminology (prefixes, suffixes, root words)
- Pathophysiology of common diseases
- Pharmacology and medication administration
- Nutrition and dietary guidelines
- Psychology and human development
Domain II: Administrative Knowledge (28% of exam — approximately 50 scored questions)
- Medical business practices (accounting, billing, collections)
- Appointment scheduling and office management
- Medical records management (EHR/EMR)
- Insurance billing (ICD-10, CPT, CMS-1500)
- Managed care and government insurance programs
- HIPAA compliance and privacy regulations
Domain III: Clinical Knowledge (36% of exam — approximately 65 scored questions)
- Vital signs and patient assessment
- Clinical procedures (injections, phlebotomy, wound care)
- Specimen collection and laboratory procedures
- Diagnostic testing (ECG, pulmonary function)
- Infection control and OSHA standards
- Patient education and communication
- Legal and ethical considerations
CMA vs. Other Medical Assistant Certifications
| Credential | Exam Body | Requirement | Questions | Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMA (AAMA) | AAMA | CAAHEP/ABHES graduate | 200 | ~65-70% |
| RMA (AMT) | AMT | Multiple pathways | 210 | ~65-70% |
| NCMA | NCCT | Graduate or experience | 150 | ~60-70% |
| CCMA (NHA) | NHA | Training program or experience | 150 | ~70-75% |
The CMA (AAMA) is generally considered the gold standard certification because it requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program, which ensures a standardized educational foundation.
How many total questions are on the CMA (AAMA) certification exam?
What is the passing scaled score on the CMA (AAMA) exam?
How much time do candidates have to complete the 200 exam questions?
Which content domain accounts for the LARGEST percentage of the CMA exam?
The CMA (AAMA) exam consists of 180 scored items and ___ unscored pretest items.
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Which of the following statements about the CMA (AAMA) exam format are TRUE? (Select all that apply)
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