AAMA Practice Test
Updated October 2026Facts verified Oct 29, 2026 against American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board
AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) Test Guide
The (AAMA) American Association of Medical Assistants Certified test is key for those wanting to be medical assistants. It shows you're ready for the job and opens up career paths. It tests your skills in patient care, general knowledge, and office work. There's a big need for CMAs in healthcare, with jobs expected to grow by 29% by 2026. The CMA exam has 200 questions, with 20 not counted. It checks your skills in patient care, general knowledge, and office work. Try our NCLEX practice test. Practice with the free American Association of Medical Assistants Certified practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (7 questions with answer explanations).
The AAMA has 200 questions and takes about 160 minutes[1] (American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board, verified Oct 25, 2026).
- The CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam is a computerized exam of 200 multiple-choice questions.[1]
- Candidates have 160 minutes to answer all the questions on the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam, which is divided into four timed sections.[1]
- The minimum passing score (MPS) on the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam is 405.[1]
- The CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam fee is $125 for AAMA members (nonrefundable).[2]
- The CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam fee is $250 for nonmembers (nonrefundable).[2]
- Each new attempt at the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam requires a new exam application and fee.[1]
- CMA (AAMA) candidates may take the exam up to six times within a 12-month period, with a new application for each attempt and no required waiting period between attempts.[1]
- CMA (AAMA) credential holders must recertify every 60 months.[3]
- CMAs (AAMA) can recertify with 60 continuing education units; the fee is $80 for AAMA members and $160 for nonmembers, or they can recertify by passing the exam.[3]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
AAMA Exam at a Glance
What changed for AAMA in 2026
- Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Pass/fail right after the exam; official report about 24 hours later (previously Pass/fail immediately; official score report about 24 hours later).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to 6 attempts in 12 months, no waiting period (previously Up to 6 attempts in 12 months, no waiting period).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee changed to New application and fee per attempt (previously Full regular candidate fee per retake).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to PSI test center or live remote proctoring (previously PSI test center or PSI live remote proctoring).[4]
- Oct 25, 2026: Testing window changed to 90-day testing window after approval (previously Year-round; 90-day testing window after approval).[4]
- Oct 25, 2026: Time limit changed to 160 minutes (previously 160 minutes (four 40-minute segments)).[1]
- Oct 25, 2026: Passing score changed to Minimum passing score of 405 (previously Scaled score of 405 (scale 200–800)).[1]
Free American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Study Tools
Interactive American Association of Medical Assistants Certified resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
- AAMA Emergency Procedures and First Aid 1 — 7 questions with answer explanations
- American Association of Medical Assistants Certified flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
- American Association of Medical Assistants Certified study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
- American Association of Medical Assistants Certified cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review
According to American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board, “The computerized exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topic areas that are listed in the”[1]
AAMA content outline and where to practise each area
The content areas below are copied from the official AAMA content outline published by American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.
| Official content area | Practice on this site |
|---|---|
| Administrative[5] | AAMA Administrative Office Procedures Practise scheduling methods, filing and reminder systems, records handling, and the coding and billing steps that keep a front office running. |
| Clinical Competency[5] | AAMA Clinical Patient Care Practise patient intake, infection control, specimen collection, ECG basics, pharmacology and emergency response until you can name the correct step and the reason for it. |
| General[5] | AAMA Medical Terminology, Anatomy, and Phy... Practise medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient communication, HIPAA and scope of practice, because these show up inside administrative and clinical questions too. |
AAMA Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the AAMA - American Association of Medical Assistants Certified exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
AAMA Administrative Office Procedures
AAMA Exam Questions covering AAMA Administrative Office Procedures. Master AAMA Test concepts for certification prep.
AAMA Electrocardiography and Diagnostic Te...
Free AAMA Practice Test featuring AAMA Electrocardiography and Diagnostic Testing. Improve your AAMA Exam score with mock test prep.
AAMA Benefits of Licensure
AAMA Mock Exam on Benefits of Licensure. AAMA Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.
AAMA Credentialing Details
AAMA Questions and Answers on Credentialing Details. Free AAMA practice for exam readiness.
AAMA Credential Overview
AAMA Mock Test covering Credential Overview. Online AAMA Test practice with instant feedback.
Worked examples: how to reason through AAMA questions
These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.
Example 1
Question: Which plane divides the body into anterior and posterior portions?
- Sagittal plane
- Transverse plane
- Coronal plane
- Oblique plane
Answer: C. Coronal plane
Explanation:
Correct: C, coronal plane. The coronal plane, also called the frontal plane, runs vertically from side to side. It splits the body into a front (anterior) part and a back (posterior) part.
- Sagittal plane is also vertical, but it runs front to back and divides the body into left and right portions.
- Transverse plane is horizontal and divides the body into upper (superior) and lower (inferior) portions.
- Oblique plane cuts at an angle. It does not cleanly separate front from back.
Rule to remember: match the plane to the pair of directions it separates. Coronal goes with anterior and posterior, sagittal with left and right, and transverse with superior and inferior.
Example 2
Question: Which scheduling method assigns patients to specific time slots throughout the day at regular intervals?
- Stream scheduling
- Wave scheduling
- Open booking
- Double booking
Answer: A. Stream scheduling
Explanation:
Correct: A, stream scheduling. Stream scheduling gives each patient their own appointment time at regular intervals. Patients arrive in a steady flow across the day.
- Wave scheduling books several patients at the start of a block and sees them in the order they arrive, so patients do not each get their own time.
- Open booking has no set appointment times. Patients come in during office hours and are seen as they arrive.
- Double booking deliberately puts two patients in the same slot, usually for urgent cases. That breaks the one-patient-per-slot pattern.
Rule to remember: if the question describes a specific time for each patient at fixed intervals, the answer is stream scheduling. If several patients share the start of a block, the answer is wave scheduling.
Example 3
Question: A tickler file is BEST described as:
- A chronological reminder system for future tasks and follow-ups
- A file for patients who frequently cancel appointments
- A system for filing insurance rejections
- An alphabetical index of patient accounts
Answer: A. A chronological reminder system for future tasks and follow-ups
Explanation:
Correct: A. A tickler file is a chronological reminder system. Items are filed by the date they need action, so staff are prompted to make follow-up calls, send recalls or handle renewals on the right day.
- Patients who frequently cancel describes a tracking list, not a date-based reminder tool.
- Filing insurance rejections is a claims follow-up task. A tickler file might remind you to resubmit a claim, but that is not what the file is.
- An alphabetical index of patient accounts is organised by name. A tickler file is organised by date.
Rule to remember: a tickler file sorts by date and exists to trigger a future action. If an option is sorted by name or tied to one type of record, it is not a tickler file.
How to use these practice tests
Start with the official outline on aama-ntl.org and list every topic under Administrative, Clinical Competency and General. Then take one short set from each area below without notes. Mark each topic as solid, shaky or unknown.
- Work on weak areas first. Take the sets that match your shaky and unknown topics. Read each explanation, including the ones for questions you got right, and write down the general rule in your own words.
- Group related sets. Pair terminology and anatomy with pharmacology, and pair infection control with phlebotomy. The vocabulary carries over between them.
- Practise legal and front-office judgement. Use the HIPAA and scope of practice and coding and billing sets. Many questions ask what a medical assistant should do next.
- Rehearse the real pace. Before test day, take the full practice test in one sitting. The real exam has 200 questions in 160 minutes, so note where you slow down.
- Check the logistics. Confirm your 90-day testing window and decide between a PSI test center and live remote proctoring. Reread the official testing-options page.
Key Takeaways
- The AAMA CMA certification test validates medical assistant competence and expertise
- The exam covers clinical, general, and administrative skills for a comprehensive evaluation
- Employment for Certified Medical Assistants is expected to grow by 29% by 2026
- The CMA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, with 20 not counted towards the score
- Passing the CMA exam requires a minimum score of 405 out of a possible 800
AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants Certified) Test Overview
The AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam tests the knowledge and skills of future medical assistants. It's a computer-based test given at Pearson VUE testing centers. It's key for those wanting to start or grow in the medical assisting field.
Test Format and Structure
The CMA exam has 200 multiple-choice questions, with 180 scored and 20 for practice. It's split into four 40-minute parts, lasting 2 hours and 40 minutes. You can take breaks between parts to keep your energy up.
Eligibility Requirements and Registration
To take the AAMA CMA exam, you must fit into one of three groups. These include recent graduates, non-recent graduates, and those looking to recertify. To sign up, you need to get a scheduling permit by sending in your documents and paying fees. Fees depend on if you're an AAMA member and your group. After approval, you have 90 days to book your test online or by phone.
Exam Content Categories
The exam covers three main areas: Clinical Competency (59%), General Knowledge (21%), and Administrative Skills (20%). The Clinical Competency part deals with patient care, safety, and pharmacology. General Knowledge looks at legal and ethical matters, and communication. Administrative Skills focus on billing, coding, and scheduling.
Essential Preparation Strategies for Success
To pass the AAMA Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, you need a solid plan. Start by making a detailed study schedule. Learn all you can from the exam materials. And, practice with multiple-choice questions a lot.
Flashcards and mnemonics are great for remembering key concepts and terms. Doing timed practice tests helps you get used to the exam's style. It also teaches you how to take the test well.
Being part of a study group or online community can really help. It keeps you motivated and gives you extra support. A good plan suggests spending 2-3 months getting ready and gathering resources. Then, 3-4 months for studying, 1-2 months for practice, and 1 month for final touches.
With a clear preparation plan, you can master the exam content. And, improve your test-taking skills. This way, you'll have a better chance of passing the AAMA CMA exam.
NCCT vs AAMA: Understanding Medical Assistant Certification Options
The NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) and the AAMA offer separate credentialing paths for medical assistants. The NCCT awards the NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) designation, while the AAMA awards the CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) credential through its CMA Exam administered by the AAMA. Both credentials are nationally recognized, but the CMA (AAMA) is more widely preferred by employers and is the only credential that requires graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program.
Key Differences Between the NCCT and CMA (AAMA) Exams
The NCCT exam allows candidates with qualifying work experience to sit for the test without formal program completion, while the AAMA requires accredited program graduation as a prerequisite. The CMA (AAMA) exam covers 180 questions across general, administrative, and clinical domains, whereas the NCCT exam includes 150 questions with a broader eligibility window for retakes.
AAMA Certification: Requirements, Cost, and Renewal Process
AAMA certification is earned by passing the CMA (AAMA) Exam, a 200-question (180 scored) computer-based test covering anatomy, medical terminology, clinical procedures, and administrative office functions. To qualify for AAMA certification, candidates must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. The exam fee is $125 for recent graduates and AAMA members, or $250 for non-members, and testing is available year-round at PSI test centers or by live remote proctoring.
Maintaining Your AAMA Certification Over Time
The CMA (AAMA) credential must be renewed every 60 months through either recertification by exam or by earning 60 continuing education credits, with at least 10 credits in each of the three content areas: general, administrative, and clinical. Letting your AAMA certification lapse means you must retake the full exam to regain your credential, so tracking your renewal timeline is critical.
Conclusion
The AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) CMA exam is a key step for those aiming for a certified medical assistant career in healthcare. Getting this certification opens doors to more job chances, better pay, and respect in the field.
To pass the CMA exam, you need to study well, manage your time wisely, and know a lot about healthcare. A good study plan, quality study materials, and smart test-taking strategies can help you feel ready for the exam. This way, you can increase your chances of becoming a Certified Medical Assistant.
The value of the AAMA credential goes beyond just passing the exam. It shows you're serious about your career and committed to top-notch patient care. With a 15% job growth rate expected for certified medical assistants, this certification is a great way to find fulfilling jobs and help shape the future of healthcare.
NCCT vs AAMA: Choosing the Right Medical Assistant Certification
The NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) offers the NCMOA credential, while the AAMA administers the CMA exam. Both certifications qualify you to work as a medical assistant, but employers in larger healthcare systems often prefer the CMA (AAMA) due to its widespread recognition and accreditation through CAAHEP-aligned programs. When studying, focus on which credential aligns with your educational background, as the NCCT may accept alternative training pathways that the AAMA does not.
AAMA Certification Requirements and Exam Eligibility
To earn your AAMA certification, you must graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program and pass the CMA exam. The AAMA certification is valid for 60 months, after which you must recertify through continuing education credits or reexamination. Candidates should note that the AAMA certification exam covers three major content areas — general knowledge, administrative skills, and clinical procedures — so your study plan should allocate time across all three domains rather than focusing on just one.
Sources & last verified
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board — number of questions, time limit, passing score, retake fee (official source). “The computerized exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topic areas that are listed in the” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board — exam fee (official source). “$125 AAMA members” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board — validity, renewal (official source). “CMAs (AAMA) must recertify every 60 months.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board — delivery, testing window (official source). “You can take the exam at a PSI test center or via live remote proctoring.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
- American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) Certifying Board — other (official source). “administrative” Verified Oct 29, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
- +Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- +Increases job market competitiveness
- +Provides structured learning goals
- +Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
- −Study materials can be expensive
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance
- −Requires dedicated preparation time
- −Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Sample American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free American Association of Medical Assistants Certified practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
The CMA (AAMA) credential belongs to which type of credentialing category?
- A. Certification
- B. Licensure
- C. Registration
- D. Accreditation
Answer: A. Certification
Certification is a voluntary credential granted by a professional organization (AAMA) after meeting competency standards.
What is the role of the AAMA in the reaccreditation process for the CMA credential?
- A. The AAMA requires a written essay submission for reaccreditation
- B. The AAMA reviews the medical assistant’s workplace performance
- C. The AAMA verifies that continuing education requirements are met for renewal
- D. The AAMA conducts a clinical skills demonstration for reaccreditation
Answer: C. The AAMA verifies that continuing education requirements are met for renewal
The AAMA's role in the CMA reaccreditation process is to verify that candidates have successfully completed the required continuing education units (CEUs). They ensure that medical assistants meet the established standards for ongoing professional development. This verification is essential for maintaining the integrity and validity of the credential.
Which accrediting body specifically accredits medical assisting programs in postsecondary and vocational institutions recognized by the AAMA?
- A. CAAHEP only
- B. ABHES only
- C. Both CAAHEP and ABHES
- D. The Joint Commission
Answer: C. Both CAAHEP and ABHES
Both CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) and ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) are recognized by the AAMA for program accreditation.
Which accrediting bodies' programs make graduates eligible to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam?
- A. CAAHEP and ABHES
- B. ACEN and CCNE
- C. JCAHO and AAAHC
- D. NLN and ACME
Answer: A. CAAHEP and ABHES
Graduates of programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES meet the educational prerequisite for the CMA (AAMA) exam.
Take the full American Association of Medical Assistants Certified practice test
AAMA Questions and Answers
How this page was made: written with AI tools and published by Nathan Beja, founder of Practice Test Geeks, who is responsible for its content. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy
Sources & references
Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy
- aama-ntl.org — Renewal, score validity, test delivery, test dates, fees, exam format, passing score, retake fee, retake policy, score release · verified Oct 2026