Your Guide to Preparing for the CMAA Exam

Taking the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam is an exciting step toward advancing your career in healthcare. This guide will provide you with essential insights and strategies to help you succeed.

Continue reading for information on the exam's structure, eligibility criteria, and effective study methods.

Understanding the CMAA Exam

Becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) may let potential employers know you possess the necessary skills for entry-level jobs in healthcare administration. To become certified requires passing the CMAA exam.

The exam is administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). It comprises multiple-choice questions that assess your knowledge in areas including:

• medical terminology
• patient scheduling
• billing and coding
• regulatory compliance
• office management skills
• communication abilities
• patient interaction

Because the CMAA exam is widely recognized, having certification may help you move forward in your career as you pursue healthcare opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements for the CMAA Exam

To qualify for the CMAA exam, you must have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent; or you must be scheduled to earn one of those credentials within 12 months of registering for the exam.

You must have medical administrative assistant (MAA) experience or training to qualify. You must have either:

• Completed an MAA education program within the last five years
• Completed one year of supervised work experience in an MAA field within the last three years
• Completed two years of supervised work experience in an MAA field within the last five years

During registration, you’ll need to provide proof of your education and/or experience. Contact your educational institutions or employers for help getting the right documents.

Effective Study Strategies for the CMAA Exam

After you’ve met the qualification requirements, it’s time to start studying for the exam. Creating a strategic study plan can help you feel confident on test day.

If you participated in a medical administrative assistant educational or training program, your institution may have resources to help with test preparation. If not, ask your institution or employer to recommend study materials, including textbooks, online courses, and instructional videos tailored for the CMAA exam. These resources can help you understand the exam format.

Create a study schedule that breaks down the material into manageable sections, setting daily or weekly goals to keep you on track. Include breaks to keep you focused and to help you remember more information.

When you’re feeling confident, try taking a practice tests. Practice tests can assess your understanding and help you get comfortable with the test’s timing and pressure. After completing practice exams, review your answers to find out where you need improvement. Revisit those topics to improve your score.

Registration Process for the CMAA Exam

Follow these steps for a seamless registration experience:

1. Visit the official CMAA exam website to create an account if you haven't already. This account helps manage your registration.
2. Complete the online application form, ensuring your personal information is accurate.
3. Choose your preferred exam date and location.
4. Pay the registration fee using accepted payment methods.
5. After submitting your application, you'll receive a confirmation email with essential details about your exam schedule and location.

Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before registering and be aware of any refund and rescheduling policies. You can track your registration status by logging into your account on the CMAA exam website. Customer support is available for any assistance needed.

Tips for Success on Exam Day

Be well-prepared for the CMAA exam! On exam day, bring your government-issued ID and any other required documents. Bring pens, a highlighter, and a clear water bottle. Arriving early helps alleviate last-minute stress and gives you time to settle in.

If you’ve taken practice tests beforehand, you should be familiar with the test’s structure. Practices tests can help you rehearse good time management during the test. Some other helpful strategies include:

• Reading through all questions, taking note of the ones which seem the most difficult, and then tackling the easier questions first • Keeping calm and having a focused mindset • Practicing deep breathing exercises to manage anxiety • Remembering that you have the knowledge and skills to succeed

With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped for a potentially successful outcome on the CMAA exam.

Get Certification Prep for the CMAA Exam When You Enroll at Ultimate Medical Academy

Are you ready to pursue a career path as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and prepare for the CMAA exam? Consider enrolling in one of UMA’s Medical Administrative Assistant Programs. Whether you decide to pursue a Medical Administrative Assistant diploma or an Associate of Science / Associate of Applied Science degree, certification prep is included with the cost of your tuition.¹

As a student enrolled in one of the online, Medical Administrative Assistant training programs, you’ll learn coding systems, medical records management, medical transcription, and more. Interested? Contact UMA to learn more.