CMA Study Guide 2026

Everything you need to pass the CMA exam in one place: the exam format, every topic to study, real practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and full-length practice tests. Free, no sign-up needed.

📋 CMA Exam Format at a Glance

200

Questions

160 min

Time Limit

430%

Passing Score

Take a Full CMA Exam Simulation →

📚 CMA Topics to Study (69)

Anatomy and Physiology · 16 cards Knowledge · 16 cards Certified Medical Assistant MCQ · 16 cards Medical Procedures and Techniques · 16 cards General Practice · 16 cards Medical Terminology & Anatomy · 16 cards Administrative Office Procedures · 7 cards Administrative Office Procedures · 7 cards Administrative Office Procedures · 7 cards Administrative Office Procedures · 7 cards Anatomy and Physiology · 7 cards Anatomy and Physiology · 7 cards Anatomy and Physiology · 7 cards Anatomy and Physiology · 7 cards Certified Medical Assistant MCQ · 7 cards Certified Medical Assistant MCQ · 7 cards Certified Medical Assistant MCQ · 7 cards Certified Medical Assistant MCQ · 7 cards Clinical Procedures and Specimen Handling · 7 cards Clinical Procedures and Specimen Handling · 7 cards Clinical Procedures and Specimen Handling · 7 cards Clinical Procedures and Specimen Handling · 7 cards General Practice · 7 cards General Practice · 7 cards General Practice · 7 cards General Practice · 7 cards Infection Control and Safety · 7 cards Infection Control and Safety · 7 cards Infection Control and Safety · 7 cards Infection Control and Safety · 7 cards

See all 69 topics as flashcards →

✍️ Sample CMA Questions & Answers

1. Which of the following indicates correct technique when performing spirometry?

✓ Patient exhales forcefully for at least 6 seconds

For an accurate FVC maneuver, the patient must exhale as forcefully and completely as possible for at least 6 seconds.

2. The right ventricle of the heart pumps blood into the:

✓ Pulmonary artery

The right ventricle of the heart is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood into the pulmonary artery. This artery then carries the blood to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. This is a crucial step in the pulmonary circulation, preparing the blood to return to the left side of the heart for systemic circulation.

3. A patient is seen for a sprained ankle and a follow-up on hypertension in the same visit. How should the diagnoses be sequenced?

✓ The condition chiefly responsible for the visit listed first

The principal diagnosis or the condition chiefly responsible for the visit should be listed first according to ICD-10-CM guidelines.

4. The normal adult respiratory rate range is:

✓ 12–20 breaths/min

Normal adult respiratory rate (eupnea) is 12–20 breaths per minute.

5. What is the purpose of active listening in patient communication?

✓ To show the patient they have been heard and understood

Active listening demonstrates empathy, builds rapport, and ensures the patient feels heard, which improves therapeutic outcomes.

6. When a patient's insurance claim is denied with a code indicating 'not medically necessary,' the FIRST step the medical assistant should take is to:

✓ Review the claim and physician documentation to determine if an appeal is warranted

Reviewing documentation allows the office to determine whether additional clinical information or a corrected claim can support a successful appeal.

🎯 Free CMA Practice Tests

Anatomy and Physiology · 16 questions Certified Medical Assistant MCQ · 16 questions General Practice · 16 questions Medical Procedures and Techniques · 16 questions Medical Terminology & Anatomy · 16 questions Knowledge · 16 questions Vital Signs and Patient Assessment · 7 questions Vital Signs and Patient Assessment · 7 questions Vital Signs and Patient Assessment · 7 questions Clinical Procedures and Specimen Handling · 7 questions

📖 CMA Guides & Articles

Your CMA Study Path

1. Learn with Flashcards → 2. Drill Practice Tests → 3. Take the Full Exam Simulation

🃏 CMA Flashcards (525)🏆 CMA Exam Simulation

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