Is the medical assistant certification exam hard
Sophia Carter
Updated on April 30, 2026
The CMA exam is a rigorous 200 question exam. Only 180 of the questions are graded with 20 random ungraded questions. It is administered in four 40 minute segments, broken up by a brief tutorial and a few breaks.
Is medical assistant exam hard?
The CMA exam is a rigorous 200 question exam. Only 180 of the questions are graded with 20 random ungraded questions. It is administered in four 40 minute segments, broken up by a brief tutorial and a few breaks.
How many questions is the medical assistant exam?
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions administered in four 40-minute segments. CMA (AAMA) Exam Practice Tutorial | Completing the American Association of Medical Assistants Computer-Based Testing Tutorial prepares CMA (AAMA) exam candidates for what to expect when taking the exam at the testing site.
What happens if you fail the CMA exam?
Failure to Test If you fail to schedule, appear, test, or complete all required components of the exam during your 90-day period of eligibility, you will forfeit your candidate fee. If you choose to reapply at a later date, you must submit another application and the appropriate exam fee.How hard is CMAA?
How Hard is the CMA Exam? The CMA exam is very difficult and it will test your intellectual limits. The industry average CMA pass rate for both sections is only 45%, meaning less than half of the people taking the test will pass.
How do I pass the CMA exam?
- Focus on what the question is asking. …
- Predict the answer. …
- Read all of the answer choices carefully. …
- Answer every question on your first pass. …
- Don’t be afraid of making an educated guess.
How long is the CMA exam?
How much time do I have to take the CMA Exam? There are three hours to answer multiple-choice CMA Exam questions and one hour to complete the essays, totaling four hours for each part of the exam.
How long should you study for the CMA exam?
Study Tips You should plan for about 150-170 hours of studying per part; 300 hours of studying in total. You can explore study material options.Why do people fail CMA?
4 Most Common Reasons Why People Fail the CMA Exam Insufficient study time. Inadequate study effort. Shallow understanding of exam concepts. Lack of time management.
How much does it cost to retake the CMA exam?There are no discounts for retaking a CMA part, so all retakes cost the same exam registration fee: $415 for professionals, $311 for students or academic members. You can sit for the exam as many times as you need in three years, but you can only take the exam once per testing window.
Article first time published onWhat score do you need to pass CMA exam?
The minimum passing scaled score on the CMA Exam is a 360 out of 500. Scaled scoring lets candidates know their performance in relation to the passing standard of 360. Candidates will receive their performance reports from Prometric via email about two weeks after exam results are posted to their profiles.
Is the CMA exam multiple choice?
Each exam part includes 100 multiple-choice questions, and with only three hours to take this part of the exam, candidates only have approximately 1.5 minutes to answer each question. …
What does the CMA exam cover?
What Does the CMA Exam Cover? CMA exam-takers can take parts one and two in any order. Part one covers financial planning, performance, and analytics. Part two explores financial management.
What is a perfect score on the CMAA exam?
Like the NHA’s CCMA exam, a candidate must achieve a scaled score of 390/500 or higher to pass the CMAA exam.
How many times can you take the CMAA exam?
How many times can I take the exam? Initial candidates for the CMA (AAMA) Exam are allowed three exam attempts. Candidates recertifying by exam are allowed three attempts. Each attempt will require a new exam application and fee.
How is the CMAA exam scored?
The questions in the exam are weighted, meaning some questions are worth more points than others. You must score 390 or better to pass the exam. Even though certification may not be required, it’s a great way to prove your skills to employers as you’re looking for medical administrative assistant jobs.
What kind of questions are on the CMA exam?
The CMA/AAMA certification exam consists of 180 questions that count towards your score and 20 unscored pretest questions. All of the questions will be multiple choice questions with four answer options.
How many attempts are allowed for CMA?
Answer: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the exam of CMA intermediate 2020. But the candidates will have to renew their CMA intermediate 2020 registration after a particular duration.
How do I pass CMA in first attempt?
- 1 Drive. In order to achieve any goal,you have to really want it. …
- 2 Study Plan. Having a well-thought-out study plan from the beginning will save a lot of time and stress down the road. …
- 3 Study Daily. …
- 4 Taking Mock Exams. …
- 5 Write out the Formulas.
Is maths required for CMA?
CMA (Certified Management Accountancy) As a commerce student, you are eligible to pursue this role. Like CA, it doesn’t require you to have maths as a compulsory subject in the 12th standard. You’ll need working knowledge of mathematics and expertise in accounting to pursue a career in this sector.
Can I take CMA exam online?
Students who have completed all aspects of their programs except the practicum should be directed to the steps below when applying for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam online: The candidate will apply and enter in the expected program completion date.
Is the CMA easier than CPA?
CPA vs CMA Exam Difficulty The CMA exam, by comparison, has two parts, with a total time of eight hours of testing. Even so, the CMA exam has a slightly lower pass rate, at roughly 45% passing the two parts, collectively, while half (~50%) or better pass each section of the CPA exam.
What is the average salary of a CMA?
Management LevelMedian Base SalaryMiddle100,000Lower73,717All Levels105,000
Which CMA exam prep is the best?
- Best Overall: Gleim.
- Best Test Bank: Wiley Efficient Learning.
- Best Value: Hock International.
- Best for CMA Coaching: CMA Exam Academy.
- Best for Efficiency: Surgent.
- Best Guarantee: Powers Resources Corporation.
How many questions can you get wrong on the CMA exam?
There is one way to know immediately that you failed the CMA exam. If you answer less than 50% of the multiple-choice questions wrong, you will not be allowed to proceed to the essay portion of the test. However, if you do but still receive less than a total of 360 points, you will have failed.
How long does it take to get CMA exam results?
How Long Does It Take to Receive Your Results. The date in which you take your exam during the exam window will affect when you actually receive your results. The standard length of time is approximately 42 days after the last day of the month in which you took the test.
Can CMA open his own firm?
yes… you can… once you have qualified CMA and fulfilled all the requirements you have to enroll as an member and then take certificate of practice to start your firm… … ICMAI-ICWAI-CMA is a GOLD standard qualification in Finance.
How many subjects are there in CMA?
The CMA course comprises three levels and 20 subjects. Every level has different eligibility criteria that you must meet for the registration to that stage.
What skills does a CMA need?
- Prepare financial statements.
- Assess internal controls.
- Analyze and/or prepare monthly financial information.
- Create and analyze company budgets.
- Supervise accounting staff.
What can I do with a CMAA certification?
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, also a vital member of a medical team, is responsible for scheduling appointments, data entry, managing patient check-in/check-out, managing the front desk, or performing the overall administrative procedures of any healthcare facility.