CCBMA Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield CCBMA facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which site is commonly used for intramuscular injections in adults? → Deltoid muscle
2. Which preparation step is most important before placing ECG electrodes? → Clipping excessive hair and cleaning with alcohol
3. A patient with iron-deficiency anemia should be counseled to consume which of the following to enhance iron absorption? → Vitamin C-rich foods
4. A document that specifies a patient's wishes regarding medical treatment if they become unable to make decisions for themselves is called a(n): → Living Will
5. Which scheduling method involves scheduling several patients for the same time slot, with patients seen in the order they arrive? → Wave scheduling
6. Which hand hygiene method is most effective against Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) spores? → Soap and water handwashing
7. Which of the following is NOT one of the 'Seven Rights' of medication administration? → Right Provider
8. What is the purpose of a superbill in a medical office? → To itemize services rendered and diagnostic codes for billing purposes
9. Which communication technique is most effective when confirming a patient understands discharge instructions? → Use the teach-back method
10. What should a medical assistant do if they suspect a patient has gone into shock? → Elevate the patient's legs if possible
11. Which vitamin is essential for calcium absorption and is often called the 'sunshine vitamin'? → Vitamin D
12. When collecting a throat swab for a rapid strep test, the medical assistant should swab the: → Posterior pharynx and tonsils
13. Which ECG lead placement error is most likely to produce artifact? → Placing electrodes over bony prominences
14. Under HIPAA, which of the following is an example of Protected Health Information (PHI)? → A patient's diagnosis
15. When explaining a diagnosis to a patient who speaks limited English, what is the most appropriate action for a CCBMA-certified medical assistant? → Use a qualified medical interpreter
16. The outermost layer of the skin is called the: → Epidermis
17. What does the suffix "-ectomy" mean? → Surgical removal
18. How should a medical assistant respond to a chemical burn on a patient's skin? → Rinse the area with cool running water for at least 20 minutes
19. The patella is commonly known as the: → Kneecap
20. What does CPT stand for in medical billing? → Current Procedural Terminology
21. What is the first step a medical assistant should take when encountering an unconscious patient? → Call for emergency medical services (EMS)
22. What is the purpose of a stress test (exercise ECG)? → To evaluate cardiac response to physical exertion and detect ischemia
23. The term "cholecystitis" refers to the inflammation of the: → Gallbladder
24. Which of the following is a characteristic of a Schedule II controlled substance? → High potential for abuse but has an accepted medical use
25. A patient states they cannot afford their prescribed medication. The medical assistant should: → Provide information about patient assistance programs
26. In a standard 12-lead ECG, how many chest (precordial) leads are included? → 6
27. Which stage of the patient education process involves assessing what the patient already knows? → Assessment
28. What is the correct donning order for PPE when entering an isolation room? → Gown, mask/respirator, eye protection, gloves
29. When educating a patient about a low-sodium diet, the medical assistant should use materials written at what reading level? → 5th to 6th grade level
30. What is the correct angle for administering a subcutaneous injection? → 45 degrees