MT Cheat Sheet 2026

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

1. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of speech recognition & editing as it applies to Certified Medical Transcription? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
2. Which of the following best describes a 'business associate' under HIPAA? → A vendor or contractor who performs functions involving PHI on behalf of a covered entity
3. Which is an example of a run-on sentence? → She loves to write she writes every day.
4. The abbreviation 'IHC' in a pathology report refers to: → Immunohistochemistry
5. The term 'subcutaneous' refers to tissue located: → beneath the skin
6. What is the maximum civil monetary penalty per violation category under HIPAA for willful neglect that is not corrected? → $100,000
7. Which of the following correctly transcribes a subcutaneous insulin dosage of 10 units? → 10 units subcut
8. Which anatomical plane divides the body into equal left and right halves? → midsagittal plane
9. Which of the following drug names contains a 'look-alike/sound-alike' pairing the transcriptionist must distinguish carefully? → metformin and metoprolol
10. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in speech recognition & editing to verify that MT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
11. The prefix 'brady-' in a medical term indicates: → slow
12. Which combining form refers to the kidney? → nephro-
13. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of report formatting standards as it applies to Certified Medical Transcription? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
14. Which format is preferred when transcribing drug dosages according to AHDI guidelines? → Use numerals with the unit spelled out (e.g., 10 mg)
15. A MT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing hipaa privacy & security rules duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
16. Which quality assurance method is most commonly applied in cmt credential maintenance to verify that MT professional standards are being met? → Structured audits, peer reviews, and performance metrics aligned with industry benchmarks
17. When transcribing a compounded topical cream listed as 'ketamine 10%/gabapentin 6%/clonidine 0.2%,' the percentages indicate: → Weight-by-weight concentration of each active ingredient
18. A transcriptionist encounters 'NPH insulin 30 units sub-Q at bedtime.' What does 'NPH' stand for in insulin nomenclature? → Neutral Protamine Hagedorn
19. Why must healthcare documentation be objective? → To enhance legal and clinical clarity
20. Dorsal refers to which anatomical direction? → toward the back of the body
21. Which suffix means 'surgical fixation or suturing'? → -pexy
22. A MT professional encounters an unfamiliar situation while performing speech recognition & editing duties. What is the most appropriate first action? → Consult relevant standards, guidelines, or a qualified supervisor before proceeding
23. When should 'its' be used instead of 'it's'? → When showing possession
24. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of surgical & radiology reports as it applies to Certified Medical Transcription? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
25. What does the HIPAA 'Right of Access' give patients the ability to do? → Inspect and obtain a copy of their own protected health information
26. Which of the following is a fundamental principle of cmt credential maintenance as it applies to Certified Medical Transcription? → Systematic evaluation and adherence to established industry standards
27. Which of the following is an ethical practice in medical transcription? → Maintaining confidentiality and accuracy
28. Which of the following is an example of an Administrative Safeguard under the HIPAA Security Rule? → Conducting a workforce security awareness training program
29. The suffix '-itis' appended to a root word denotes: → inflammation
30. Which sentence uses a comma splice? → The patient arrived early, he waited patiently.