AAMA Credentialing Details 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which organization administers the CMA (AAMA) certification examination?
- Pearson VUE on behalf of AAMA (Correct answer)
- Prometric on behalf of AAMA
- The AAMA administers it directly at regional centers
- National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME)
Correct answer: Pearson VUE on behalf of AAMA
The CMA (AAMA) exam is delivered through Pearson VUE testing centers across the United States.
Question 2: What does the acronym 'CMA' stand for in the context of AAMA credentialing?
- Certified Medical Assistant (Correct answer)
- Clinical Medical Associate
- Certified Medical Aide
- Credentialed Medical Attendant
Correct answer: Certified Medical Assistant
CMA stands for Certified Medical Assistant, with the parenthetical (AAMA) distinguishing it from other MA credentials.
Question 3: An employer advertises that all MAs must hold a 'current CMA (AAMA).' A candidate whose credential expired 6 months ago applies. What is their status?
- They do not meet the requirement and must retake the exam or recertify if still within the window (Correct answer)
- They are still eligible because grace periods extend 12 months
- They can work under supervision while renewing
- They automatically retain the credential for 1 year post-expiration
Correct answer: They do not meet the requirement and must retake the exam or recertify if still within the window
Once the recertification deadline passes without action, the credential lapses and the exam must be retaken to reinstate it.
Question 4: How many total CEUs must a CMA (AAMA) earn during a 5-year recertification cycle?
- 60 CEUs (Correct answer)
- 30 CEUs
- 45 CEUs
- 100 CEUs
Correct answer: 60 CEUs
AAMA requires 60 continuing education units distributed across the three content areas within each 5-year period.
Question 5: Which statement best describes the difference between the CMA (AAMA) and the RMA credential?
- CMA (AAMA) is awarded by AAMA; RMA is awarded by AMT — they are separate organizations with separate exams (Correct answer)
- CMA (AAMA) requires a bachelor's degree; RMA requires an associate's
- RMA is a higher-level credential than CMA (AAMA)
- Both credentials are issued by the same organization under different tracks
Correct answer: CMA (AAMA) is awarded by AAMA; RMA is awarded by AMT — they are separate organizations with separate exams
The CMA (AAMA) is granted by the American Association of Medical Assistants, while the RMA is granted by American Medical Technologists — two distinct credentialing bodies.
Question 6: A CMA (AAMA) who teaches an AAMA-approved workshop can earn CEUs in which way?
- CEUs may be awarded for teaching or presenting approved content, typically equal to preparation and presentation time (Correct answer)
- Teaching does not qualify for CEUs under any circumstance
- Only online workshops count for CEU credit
- Teaching earns double the CEUs of attending the same session
Correct answer: CEUs may be awarded for teaching or presenting approved content, typically equal to preparation and presentation time
The AAMA allows CEU credit for instructing or presenting approved educational content, subject to documentation.
Question 7: What is the primary purpose of requiring CMAs (AAMA) to recertify every five years?
- To ensure continued competency and currency with evolving medical knowledge and practice standards (Correct answer)
- To generate revenue for the AAMA organization
- To comply with federal licensing mandates
- To limit the number of active CMAs in the workforce
Correct answer: To ensure continued competency and currency with evolving medical knowledge and practice standards
Recertification demonstrates that CMAs remain current in clinical, administrative, and general medical knowledge as the field evolves.
AAMA Credentialing Details 3
Which organization administers the CMA (AAMA) certification examination?