An RMA exam question asks "What should the medical assistant do FIRST?" There are multiple actions that seem correct. The best approach is to:

Choose the action that addresses patient safety or the most immediate priority. "FIRST" questions test prioritization. The correct answer is always the action that addresses the most immediate and critical concern -- usually patient safety, life-threatening issues (ABCs), or the essential first step in a procedure. Complex or documentation-focused answers, while potentially correct later, are not typically the FIRST priority.

On the RMA exam, when you encounter an answer choice that contains the word "ALWAYS" or "NEVER," you should:

Be skeptical -- absolute statements are usually incorrect UNLESS they relate to safety protocols. Absolute terms like "always" and "never" are usually incorrect in test questions because healthcare rarely involves absolutes. However, there are exceptions when absolutes relate to safety: "always perform hand hygiene," "never recap used needles with two hands," and "always verify patient identity." The key is to be skeptical of absolutes but recognize that safety-related absolutes are often correct.

How many seconds per question does the RMA exam allow on average?

Approximately 34 seconds. With 210 questions in 120 minutes (2 hours), the RMA exam allows approximately 34 seconds per question on average (120 minutes x 60 seconds / 210 questions = 34.3 seconds). This is faster-paced than the CMA exam (48 seconds per question), making efficient time management essential. Practice answering questions under timed conditions to build speed and confidence.

A question on the RMA exam asks: "All of the following are symptoms of hypoglycemia EXCEPT." How should you approach this question?

Look for the one option that is NOT a symptom of hypoglycemia. "EXCEPT" questions are reverse-format questions where three of the four options are correct (they ARE symptoms of hypoglycemia), and you need to find the one that is NOT. Read each option and mentally mark it as "true/symptom" or "false/not a symptom." The false option is your answer. These questions require you to know the topic well enough to identify what does NOT belong.

Key Takeaways

With 210 questions in 120 minutes, you have approximately 34 seconds per question -- time management is critical
Read the LAST sentence of each question first to understand what is being asked before reading the scenario
Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds of selecting the correct response
Keywords like "FIRST," "MOST important," "BEST," and "EXCEPT" change the focus of the question significantly
For clinical scenario questions, prioritize patient safety and follow the ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation)
Never leave a question blank -- there is no penalty for guessing on the RMA exam
Flag difficult questions and return to them after completing easier questions
Absolute terms like "always" and "never" in answer choices are usually incorrect (unless related to safety protocols)
Your first instinct is usually correct -- do not change answers unless you have a clear reason
On exam day, arrive early, bring required identification, and maintain a calm, confident mindset

Test-Taking Strategies for the RMA Exam

Success on the RMA exam requires both content knowledge and strategic test-taking skills. This chapter provides proven strategies to maximize your score on exam day.

Time Management

With 210 questions in 120 minutes, you have approximately 34 seconds per question. This is a fast-paced exam compared to other medical assistant certifications.

Pacing Strategy

Checkpoint	Time Elapsed	Questions Completed
Start	0 minutes	Question 1
Quarter mark	30 minutes	Question 52-53
Halfway	60 minutes	Question 105
Three-quarter mark	90 minutes	Question 157-158
Final	120 minutes	Question 210

Time-Saving Tips

Do not spend more than 1 minute on any single question -- flag it and move on
Answer easy questions first to build confidence and bank time
Use the process of elimination to narrow down choices quickly
Read all four options before selecting your answer
Do not over-analyze questions -- go with your best judgment and move on
Save 5-10 minutes at the end to review flagged questions

Question Analysis Strategies

Strategy 1: Read the Stem (Last Sentence) First

The last sentence of a question contains what is actually being asked. Read it first, then read the scenario with that question in mind. This helps you focus on relevant details.

Example:

A 45-year-old patient presents to the office complaining of chest tightness and shortness of breath for the past 2 hours. The patient has a history of coronary artery disease. Vital signs: BP 160/95, P 108, R 24, SpO2 92%.

What should the medical assistant do FIRST?

Reading "What should the MA do FIRST?" before the scenario helps you look for the priority action, not just any correct action.

Strategy 2: Identify Keywords

Keyword	What It Means	How to Approach
FIRST	Initial/priority action	Choose the action that should be done before anything else
BEST	Most appropriate among acceptable options	Multiple answers may be "correct," but one is superior
MOST important	Highest priority consideration	Focus on safety and patient outcomes
EXCEPT / NOT	Reverse question -- find the false statement	Three answers are true; identify the one that is false
ALWAYS	Absolute -- usually incorrect	Be skeptical unless it relates to safety (e.g., "always wash hands")
NEVER	Absolute -- usually incorrect	Be skeptical unless it relates to safety (e.g., "never recap needles")
MOST LIKELY	Probable diagnosis or outcome	Choose the most common or probable answer
IMMEDIATELY	Urgent action required	Focus on emergency responses

Strategy 3: Process of Elimination

Even if you do not know the correct answer, you can often eliminate 1-2 wrong choices:

Cross out clearly wrong options (e.g., choices that are dangerous, illogical, or outside scope of practice)
Compare remaining options -- look for subtle differences that distinguish them
Choose the most patient-centered, safety-focused option when in doubt
Avoid overthinking -- the exam tests entry-level competency, not expert-level knowledge

Strategy 4: Clinical Decision-Making Framework

For clinical scenario questions, use this priority hierarchy:

Life-threatening situations -- address airway, breathing, circulation first
Patient safety -- prevent harm, ensure a safe environment
Infection control -- hand hygiene, Standard Precautions
Communication -- notify the physician, document appropriately
Patient comfort -- address pain, anxiety, education

Strategy 5: Recognize Common Distractors

Distractor Type	Example	Why It's Wrong
Outside scope of practice	"The MA should diagnose the patient with..."	MAs cannot diagnose
Skip safety steps	Administering medication without verifying patient identity	Always verify ID first
Overly aggressive action	Performing a procedure without physician order	MAs work under supervision
Irrelevant but true	A true statement that doesn't answer the question	Read the question carefully

Exam Day Preparation

The Night Before

Stop studying by early evening -- do light review only, if anything
Prepare your materials: Valid photo ID, Pearson VUE confirmation, directions to test center
Set multiple alarms to ensure you wake up on time
Get 7-8 hours of sleep -- rest is more valuable than last-minute cramming
Lay out comfortable clothing -- dress in layers (testing centers can be cold)

Exam Day Morning

Eat a balanced breakfast -- protein and complex carbs for sustained energy
Avoid excessive caffeine -- moderate caffeine is fine, but too much increases anxiety
Arrive 15-30 minutes early at the test center (or set up 30 minutes early for OnVUE)
Use the restroom before entering the exam
Practice deep breathing to manage pre-exam anxiety

During the Exam

Do	Don't
Read each question carefully	Rush through questions
Answer every question	Leave blanks (no guessing penalty)
Flag difficult questions and return later	Spend >1 minute on one question
Keep track of time at checkpoints	Panic if you hit a hard section
Trust your first instinct on difficult questions	Change answers without a clear reason
Take deep breaths if you feel anxious	Let frustration affect subsequent questions
Use process of elimination	Overthink or read too much into questions

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not reading all answer choices before selecting one
Changing answers without a valid reason (first instinct is usually right)
Misreading EXCEPT/NOT questions (looking for the true statement instead of the false one)
Spending too long on one question and running out of time at the end
Choosing answers outside the MA scope of practice (diagnosing, prescribing)
Ignoring patient safety in clinical scenario questions
Not managing test anxiety (deep breathing, positive self-talk)
Cramming the night before instead of getting adequate rest

Study Plan: Final 4 Weeks Before the Exam

Week	Focus	Daily Activity
Week 4	Content review of weak areas	2 hours of focused study + 30 practice questions
Week 3	Practice exams and review explanations	1 full-length practice exam + review all incorrect answers
Week 2	Targeted review of most-missed topics	Focus on areas where you scored lowest in practice exams
Week 1	Light review and confidence building	Flash card review, quick quizzes, relaxation techniques
Day before	Rest and prepare	No heavy studying; prepare materials and logistics

RMA Registered Medical Assistant Exam

1Introduction: RMA (AMT) Exam Overview

2Chapter 1: Anatomy & Physiology (20.9%)

3Chapter 2: Administrative Medical Assisting (26.7%)

4Chapter 3: Clinical Procedural Tasks (18.6%)

5Chapter 4: Clinical Patient Interaction (33.8%)

6Chapter 5: Exam Strategy & Practice