Last Updated on November 17, 2024
FREE AAMA CMA Practice Test 2025 Official Study Guide [PDF]: Try our CMA Practice Test with review question answers, you can also download a printable PDF. The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)®—or CMA (AAMA)®—credential represents a medical assistant who has been credentialed through the Certifying Board (CB) of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
CMA Exam Practice Test 2025
The National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) developed and administered the CMA test under an agreement with the AAMA. Membership in the AAMA is not a requirement to sit for the examination.
To become a CMA, the candidate must achieve a passing score on the entire examination. Each candidate receives a percentile ranking and performance score on the three areas of content covered in the test. These areas include Cognitive, Psychomotor, and Affective domains.
- Clinical Patient Care Practice Test
- Anatomy and Physiology Practice Test
- Nutrition Practice Test
- Pathology Practice Test
- Patient & Communications Practice Test
- Professionalism Practice Test
- Office Administration and Technology Practice Test
- Finance Practice Test
- Clinical Knowledge Practice Test
- Laboratory Work Practice Test
Exam Format
The CMA test is a computer-based, multiple-choice test consisting of questions that have “one best answer” from a group of five options. The test includes 200 items—180 are scored, and 20 are pre-tested. The random pre-test questions do not count toward your score.
The questions are formatted as incomplete statements or questions followed by choices that complete the statement or that answer the question. Options other than the best answer may be partially correct, but you will be asked to select the best answer to each question.
Some questions will require that you identify body parts or anatomical regions from an illustration or diagram. You are required to achieve a passing score on each section of the test to become certified CMA. You will receive an unofficial pass or fail result right away. Confirmation of your score will also be mailed to you within 12 weeks of your test date.
CMA Exam Content
The AAMA provides a detailed content outline of the subjects covered in each section of the CMA test: general knowledge, administrative knowledge, and clinical knowledge. You should complete a thorough and general review of the content areas as they are outlined.
The test is designed to measure your comprehensive knowledge of the medical assistant subject matter and your ability to apply this knowledge in practice. For information on the CMA exam, including the most up-to-date content outlines and exam registration information, visit the AAMA website at aama-ntl.org.
Test Eligibility and Registration
To be eligible to take the CMA exam, you must complete an application and file all required documents. You must be graduating from, or be a graduate of, an accredited medical assistant program and you may need to have a copy of your official transcripts and your date of graduation. The transcript must have the seal of the registrar from your program. You must have attended a program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
The CMA examination packet contains pertinent policies for test registration, fee information, eligibility information, and a list of examination locations. To request a package, contact the AAMA via phone, fax, or mail, or log on to the AAMA website.
American Association of Medical Assistants
20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 1575
Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: 1-312-899-1500
Fax: 1-312-899-1259
Fax-on-demand (request an application): 1-312-899-6813
The CMA examination is offered throughout the year at locations throughout the United States. When you apply, you will receive instructions for making an appointment at one of the 200 nationwide testing centers closest to you.
Fees
Payment for the examination must accompany the application. At the present time, the fee is $125 for current and recent (within one year) graduates. Nonrecent graduates or CMAs seeking recertification must pay $250 to take the exam, but those who are AAMA members can take the test for $125.
Accepted forms of payment include credit cards, certified checks, and money orders. Registration fees are nonrefundable. However, for a $65 fee, candidates may transfer their testing eligibility period to the next available 90-day testing period. Requests must be submitted in writing to the AAMA Certification Department at least 30 days prior to the end of the original testing period. Only one transfer is allowed per candidate.
If you are applying for an initial certification exam, you will not be required to submit a copy of your official transcript with the application. However, your eligibility for certification will be verified through communication with the educational institution. Applicants for recertification must submit their CMA certificates and proof of current provider-level CPR certification. Note that if information or material is missing, your application for the test will not be processed.
Recertification
The AAMA requires that the CMA credential be recertified every five years. To maintain certification, the CMA must either complete a recertification examination or a continuing education requirement. CMAs may choose to recertify by taking the same exam used for initial certification. To follow this route, you must submit an application at least 90 days before the first day of your testing month.
Another option for recertification is through the completion of continuing education credit. The AAMA requires 60 continuing education credits during the prior 5 years to maintain continuous certification. The continuing education option calls for 30 hours of continuing education that has been approved by the AAMA.
You will be expected to complete 10 hours each of administrative credit, clinical credit, and general credit. In addition, 20 hours of variable credits combined from any of the topic areas can be applied to your continuing education requirement. You will need to submit information about the programs that you attended, including the site of the program, the length of the program, the topic, and any proof of attendance and approval by the AAMA.
Resources
- Download CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Content Outline PDF
- CMA (AAMA) Exam Practice Tutorial | Completing the American Association of Medical Assistants Computer-Based Testing Tutorial