AAMA Credential Overview 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which accrediting body specifically accredits medical assisting programs in postsecondary and vocational institutions recognized by the AAMA?
- CAAHEP only
- ABHES only
- Both CAAHEP and ABHES (Correct answer)
- The Joint Commission
Correct answer: 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.
Question 2: Continuing education units (CEUs) required for CMA (AAMA) recertification must total at least how many points over the 5-year cycle?
- 30 CEUs
- 45 CEUs
- 60 CEUs (Correct answer)
- 75 CEUs
Correct answer: 60 CEUs
CMA (AAMA) recertification via CEUs requires 60 recertification points earned over the 5-year certification period.
Question 3: When displaying the CMA (AAMA) credential, the correct format is:
- Jane Smith, CMA
- Jane Smith, CMA (AAMA) (Correct answer)
- Jane Smith, AAMA-CMA
- Jane Smith, Certified Medical Assistant
Correct answer: Jane Smith, CMA (AAMA)
The AAMA requires credential holders to use 'CMA (AAMA)' to distinguish the credential from other CMA designations.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes the scope of the CMA (AAMA) as a national credential?
- It grants a legal license to practice in all 50 states
- It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates professional competency (Correct answer)
- It is required by federal law for all medical assistants
- It replaces state-issued medical licenses
Correct answer: It is a voluntary certification that demonstrates professional competency
The CMA (AAMA) is a voluntary national certification that demonstrates a medical assistant's professional competency, not a government-issued license.
Question 5: If a CMA (AAMA) fails to renew the credential by the expiration date, what is the status of the credential?
- It automatically renews for one additional year
- It becomes inactive and may be reinstated with a fee (Correct answer)
- It is permanently revoked with no option to recertify
- It converts to an RMA credential automatically
Correct answer: It becomes inactive and may be reinstated with a fee
A lapsed CMA (AAMA) credential becomes inactive, and the individual may apply for reinstatement, which may involve fees or re-examination.
Question 6: The AAMA was founded in which decade?
- 1930s
- 1950s (Correct answer)
- 1970s
- 1990s
Correct answer: 1950s
The AAMA was founded in 1956, making it one of the oldest professional organizations representing medical assistants.
Question 7: Which of the following content domains is included in the CMA (AAMA) examination blueprint?
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- General, Administrative, and Clinical categories (Correct answer)
- Hospital administration and billing only
- Nursing theory and patient advocacy
Correct answer: General, Administrative, and Clinical categories
The CMA (AAMA) exam covers three broad domains: General (foundational), Administrative, and Clinical competencies.
AAMA Credential Overview 3
Which accrediting body specifically accredits medical assisting programs in postsecondary and vocational institutions recognized by the AAMA?