How many eligibility routes does AMT offer for the RMA exam?

5 routes. AMT offers 5 eligibility routes for the RMA exam: (1) Education from an accredited program with 720+ clock hours, (2) Competency certification from another recognized body, (3) Work experience of 3+ years, (4) Military training, and (5) Medical assisting instructor status. This flexibility makes the RMA accessible to a wider range of candidates than the CMA, which requires CAAHEP/ABHES graduation only.

What is the minimum number of clock hours required for the education eligibility route (Route 1)?

720 clock hours. Route 1 (Education) requires graduation from a program with at least 720 clock hours of instruction. The program must include both didactic (classroom) instruction and clinical externship components, and must be accredited by ABHES, CAAHEP, or a regionally accredited institution.

How many CCP points are required to renew RMA certification, and over what time period?

30 points every 3 years. RMA certification renewal requires 30 CCP (Certification Continuation Program) points every 3 years, along with annual membership dues of $75. CCP points can be earned through continuing education courses, college courses, professional activities, publications, and verified employment.

For the work experience eligibility route (Route 3), how many years of full-time employment are required?

3 years within the last 5 years. Route 3 requires at least 3 years (5,000+ hours) of full-time employment as a medical assistant within the last 5 years. The candidate must provide employer verification, and the duties must include both clinical and administrative medical assisting tasks.

RMA Eligibility Routes & Certification Process | RMA Registered Medical Assistant Exam | Free Exam Prep

Key Takeaways

AMT offers 5 eligibility routes: education, competency certification, work experience, military, and instructor
Route 1 (Education) requires graduation from an accredited program with at least 720 clock hours including a clinical externship
Route 3 (Work Experience) requires at least 3 years of full-time employment as a medical assistant within the last 5 years
Route 4 (Military) accepts formal medical training completed during military service
The application process includes online registration, documentation submission, and fee payment through AMT
RMA certification must be renewed every 3 years through 30 Certification Continuation Program (CCP) points
Annual AMT membership dues are $75 per year, required to maintain active RMA certification
CCP points can be earned through continuing education, college courses, professional activities, and employment
The RMA exam can be taken at Pearson VUE centers or remotely via OnVUE online proctoring

RMA Eligibility Routes & Certification Process

One of the key advantages of the RMA credential is that AMT offers five different eligibility pathways, making it accessible to a broader range of candidates compared to certifications that require specific program accreditation.

Five Eligibility Routes

Route 1: Education (Most Common)

Graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by ABHES, CAAHEP, or a regionally accredited institution
Program must include a minimum of 720 clock hours of instruction
Must include both didactic (classroom) and clinical externship components
Program must cover medical assisting competencies as defined by AMT

Route 2: Competency Certification

Hold a current, valid certification from another recognized medical assistant certifying body
Examples include CMA (AAMA), CCMA (NHA), or NCMA (NCCT)
Must provide documentation of current certification status

Route 3: Work Experience

At least 3 years (5,000+ hours) of full-time employment as a medical assistant
Employment must have occurred within the last 5 years
Must provide employer verification of duties performed
Duties must include both clinical and administrative tasks

Route 4: Military Training

Formal medical training completed as part of United States Armed Forces service
Must provide military transcripts or DD-214 documentation
Training must be equivalent to medical assisting education

Route 5: Instructor

Currently employed as a medical assisting instructor in an accredited program
Must have at least 1 year of teaching experience in medical assisting
Must provide documentation from the educational institution

Step-by-Step Certification Process

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Determine which of the 5 routes applies to your background
Gather required documentation (transcripts, employment verification, military records)

Step 2: Create an AMT Account

Register online at americanmedtech.org
Complete the application form selecting your eligibility route
Upload required documentation

Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee

$150 for the initial exam (includes exam registration and first annual membership fee)
$110 for retake attempts
Payment accepted online via credit/debit card

Step 4: Schedule Your Exam

After application approval, receive an Authorization to Test (ATT)
Schedule through Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com
Choose between in-center testing at a Pearson VUE location or online testing via OnVUE

Step 5: Take the Exam

At a test center: arrive 15-30 minutes early with valid government-issued photo ID
Online (OnVUE): ensure a quiet room, working webcam, reliable internet, and clear workspace
Complete 210 questions within 2 hours

Step 6: Receive Results

Preliminary pass/fail typically displayed at the test center
Official results and certification documents mailed from AMT

Online Testing (OnVUE) Requirements

Requirement	Details
Computer	Desktop or laptop with webcam and microphone
Internet	Stable broadband connection (minimum 3 Mbps)
Environment	Quiet, private room with no other people
Workspace	Clear desk/table with no unauthorized materials
ID	Valid government-issued photo identification
Software	Pearson VUE OnVUE software (downloaded before exam)

Recertification Requirements

Requirement	Details
Cycle	Every 3 years
CCP Points	30 points required per 3-year cycle
Annual Dues	$75 per year
CCP Categories	Continuing education, college courses, professional activities, employment

Earning CCP Points

Activity	Points
AMT-approved CE courses	1 point per contact hour
College courses	5 points per credit hour
Professional publications	3-5 points per article
Professional meetings/workshops	1-3 points per event
Verified employment	3 points per year (max 9 per cycle)
AMT state society participation	1-3 points per activity

What to Bring on Exam Day (In-Center)

Required	Details
Primary ID	Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, military ID)
Name Match	Name on ID must exactly match your AMT application
Confirmation	Pearson VUE appointment confirmation email

NOT Allowed:

Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
Notes, textbooks, or study materials
Food or drinks in the testing room
Personal calculators (a basic calculator is provided on-screen if needed)

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