The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam offered by American Medical Technologists (AMT) identifies individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform as a Medical Assistant. Certification is not a state or federal requirement. However, many employers seek to hire Registered Medical Assistants for their proven skills and knowledge, including knowledge of the Meaningful Use rule.
Eligibility requirements
There are four routes to eligibility for the RMA exam. They include education, military training and experience, work experience, and teaching in an accredited medical assisting program. Determine your eligibility route on the AMT website.
Approval to test
Once you have determined that you are eligible to take the RMA exam, submit your application, the required documentation, and the fee online at the AMT website. The $120.00 fee is payable by credit or debit card and includes the application, exam, and first annual fee costs. The approval process may take up to two weeks for processing.
How to register for the exam
When your application is approved, AMT emails you an authorization to test letter that includes instructions to schedule your appointment. You have one year from receipt to schedule your exam with a Pearson VUE testing center, or at other locations approved by AMT. Test centers are located nationwide, and test times are offered Monday through Saturday on an appointment basis.
What is on the exam?
The RMA exam is competency and criterion-based examination of your skills and abilities required to competently perform as a medical assistant under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The computer-delivered exam consists of 210 multiple-choice questions. You have two hours to complete the exam.
Each question is representative of tasks within the medical assistant position. The exam contains four domains with each domain consisting of two to eight subject areas. The test is organized as follows:
Patient-centered medical assisting
Topics in this domain include identifying the structure and the function of body systems, identify and define disorders and diseases, wellness and nutrition, and medical terminology.
Administrative medical assisting
Content subject areas include insurance, financial bookkeeping, scheduling, reception, written and oral communication, record and chart management, transcription and dictation, equipment management, computer applications, office safety, medical law and terminology, professional ethics and conduct, and human relations.
Clinical medical assisting
Subject areas within this domain include asepsis, terminology, sterilization and disinfection techniques, record keeping, instrumentation identification and use, laboratory procedures, and minor surgery.
Clinical patient interaction
This domain assesses your knowledge and skill in patient interaction including patient education, vital signs and measurements, physical examinations, clinical pharmacology, therapeutic modalities, laboratory procedures, first aid, CPR, and emergency response.
Terminology questions include definition, application, and correct spelling.
Test day
Arrive 30 minutes before your exam time. Provide two forms of identification that have your signature when you check in. One of your IDs must be a government-issued, valid ID with your photograph. Anything you need for the exam is provided so leave personal belongings at home. Calculators are not allowed.
Throughout the exam, you can mark questions for review. Use the marking tool to conserve the amount of time you spend on each question. Try to save time during the exam so you can review your answers. Answer every question, even if you have to guess.
Your results
Immediately upon completion of the exam, your results are provided. Your score report indicates if you passed the exam or not, and the results are transmitted to AMT within 48 hours of your exam. Your application and documentation are reviewed one more time, and if you meet the requirements and pass the exam, your official certificate is mailed to you within 14 days. Your certification is valid for three years.
The passing score is 70 on a scale of 0 to 100. If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you can retake the exam after a 45 day waiting period. AMT allows a total of four attempts (including the first attempt) in your lifetime. Each retest fee is $90.00.
How Can I Prepare for the RMA Exam?
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!