200+ Free CMA (AAMA) Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: CMA (AAMA) Exam

200

Total Questions

AAMA exam structure

180+20

Scored + Pretest

AAMA exam structure

160 min

Exam Time

AAMA exam structure

18/23/59

Domain Weights

AAMA content outline

68,495

Active CMAs

AAMA (Jan 5, 2026)

31%

Job Growth 2024-2034

BLS Medical Assistants

AAMA publishes the CMA (AAMA) exam as a 200-question computer-based test (180 scored + 20 pretest) delivered in 160 minutes through PSI, with a broad blueprint weighted across General (18%), Administrative (23%), and Clinical (59%) domains. The AAMA certification registry listed 68,495 active CMA (AAMA) certificants as of January 5, 2026.

Sample CMA (AAMA) Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your CMA (AAMA) exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 200+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1The suffix '-megaly' in the term 'cardiomegaly' means which of the following?

A.Inflammation

B.Surgical removal

C.Enlargement

D.Abnormal narrowing

Explanation: The suffix '-megaly' means enlargement, so cardiomegaly literally means enlargement of the heart. Inflammation is '-itis,' surgical removal is '-ectomy,' and narrowing is '-stenosis.'

2A patient's chart documents a 'colostomy.' Based on the suffix '-ostomy,' what was created?

A.An incision into the colon

B.A new surgical opening into the colon

C.Removal of the colon

D.Visual examination of the colon

Explanation: The suffix '-ostomy' means the surgical creation of a new opening (stoma). A colostomy is a new opening into the colon. An incision is '-otomy,' removal is '-ectomy,' and visual examination is '-scopy.'

3The prefix 'tachy-' combined with the root 'cardi/o' produces 'tachycardia,' which means:

A.Slow heart rate

B.Fast heart rate

C.Irregular heart rhythm

D.Absence of a heartbeat

Explanation: The prefix 'tachy-' means fast or rapid, so tachycardia means a fast heart rate (generally over 100 bpm in adults). 'Brady-' means slow.

4In medical terminology, the directional term 'distal' refers to a body part that is:

A.Closer to the point of attachment or trunk

B.Farther from the point of attachment or trunk

C.Toward the front of the body

D.Toward the midline of the body

Explanation: 'Distal' means farther from the point of attachment or origin (e.g., the fingers are distal to the wrist). 'Proximal' means closer to the trunk; 'anterior/ventral' means toward the front; 'medial' means toward the midline.

5Which combining form means 'kidney'?

A.Hepat/o

B.Nephr/o

C.Pneum/o

D.Oste/o

Explanation: Nephr/o (and ren/o) is the combining form for kidney, as in nephrology. Hepat/o means liver, pneum/o means lung/air, and oste/o means bone.

6Which chamber of the heart pumps oxygenated blood out to the body through the aorta?

A.Right atrium

B.Right ventricle

C.Left atrium

D.Left ventricle

Explanation: The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood into the aorta for systemic circulation. The right ventricle pumps deoxygenated blood to the lungs; the atria are receiving chambers.

7Which blood vessels carry blood away from the heart?

A.Veins

B.Arteries

C.Venules

D.Lymphatic vessels

Explanation: Arteries carry blood away from the heart (most carry oxygenated blood; the pulmonary arteries are the exception). Veins return blood to the heart.

8The largest organ of the integumentary system is the:

A.Liver

B.Skin

C.Lungs

D.Small intestine

Explanation: The skin is the largest organ of the body and the primary organ of the integumentary system, providing protection, temperature regulation, and sensation.

9Which part of the brain controls balance and coordination of voluntary movement?

A.Cerebrum

B.Cerebellum

C.Medulla oblongata

D.Hypothalamus

Explanation: The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movement, balance, and posture. The cerebrum governs higher thought; the medulla controls vital autonomic functions; the hypothalamus regulates homeostasis.

10In which anatomical structure does the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide occur in the lungs?

A.Bronchi

B.Trachea

C.Alveoli

D.Pleura

Explanation: Gas exchange occurs in the alveoli, tiny air sacs surrounded by capillaries. The trachea and bronchi are conducting airways; the pleura is the membrane lining the lungs.

About the CMA (AAMA) Exam

The CMA (AAMA) credential validates entry-level medical assisting competency across general knowledge, administrative operations, and clinical tasks in ambulatory care settings.

Questions

200 scored questions

Time Limit

160 minutes

Passing Score

Scaled score (AAMA standard)

Exam Fee

$125 AAMA members / $250 nonmembers (AAMA / PSI)

CMA (AAMA) Exam Content Outline

18%

General

Communication, legal/ethical standards, professionalism, terminology, and patient education foundations

23%

Administrative

Scheduling, registration, claims workflows, records management, and revenue-cycle basics

59%

Clinical

Vital signs, infection control, specimen handling, medication workflows, EKG/respiratory support, and emergency response

How to Pass the CMA (AAMA) Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Scaled score (AAMA standard)
Exam length: 200 questions
Time limit: 160 minutes
Exam fee: $125 AAMA members / $250 nonmembers

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CMA (AAMA) Study Tips from Top Performers

1Mirror the blueprint: allocate most practice time to clinical scenarios

2Use checklists for medication rights, specimen labeling, and infection-control steps

3Practice administrative claim and authorization cases, not just definitions

4Rehearse patient-facing communication and education language for common visits

5Track misses by domain and rebalance study blocks weekly

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CMA (AAMA) exam?

AAMA describes a total of 200 multiple-choice items: 180 scored questions and 20 pretest items. Candidates are not told which items are pretest questions during the exam.

How long is the CMA (AAMA) exam?

The exam testing time is 160 minutes. Because the clinical domain is heavily weighted, pacing and scenario interpretation are key.

What is the CMA (AAMA) exam content breakdown?

AAMA's current published outline is General 18%, Administrative 23%, and Clinical 59%. This weighting is a practical guide for how to allocate study time.

Where do candidates take the CMA (AAMA) exam?

Candidates apply through AAMA and schedule the exam through PSI testing services using AAMA's eligibility process.

How much does the CMA (AAMA) exam cost?

AAMA's application materials list a lower fee for AAMA members and a higher fee for nonmembers. Always confirm the latest fee table before purchasing an exam slot.

How should I study for CMA (AAMA) in 2026?

Use weighted prep: 1) build strong clinical reps first, 2) practice administrative denial and documentation workflows, 3) drill terminology/ethics communication scenarios, and 4) review rationale patterns from missed questions every week.