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Exam Overview
The CMAA exam is a computer-based test. You can take it at your school or training program if it is an approved test site, at a PSI testing center, or at home or work through NHA live remote proctoring.
Key Facts About the CMAA Exam
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Certifying body | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| Credential | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) |
| Number of questions | 135 multiple-choice questions |
| Scored questions | 110 scored, plus 25 unscored pretest questions |
| Answer choices | Four answer choices, one best answer |
| Time limit | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| Score scale | Scaled score from 200 to 500 |
| Passing score | Scaled score of 390 or higher |
| Delivery | School or employer test site, PSI testing center, or live remote proctoring |
| Renewal | Every 2 years with 10 continuing education credits |
What the Exam Covers
The CMAA test plan has seven domains. The following table shows the number of scored questions in each domain and the sections of this guide that teach it.
CMAA Test Plan Domains
| Domain | Scored Questions | Approximate Weight | Guide Sections |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Foundational Knowledge | 10 | 9% | Section 1 |
| 2 Communication and Professionalism | 21 | 19% | Sections 2 and 3 |
| 3 Medical Law, Ethics, and Compliance | 17 | 15% | Sections 4 and 5 |
| 4 Scheduling | 16 | 15% | Section 6 |
| 5 Patient Encounter | 21 | 19% | Section 7 |
| 6 Billing and Revenue Cycle | 11 | 10% | Section 8 |
| 7 Medical Practice Administrative Procedures and Logistics | 14 | 13% | Section 9 |
How the Exam Is Scored
Your result is reported as a scaled score between 200 and 500, and you need 390 or higher to pass. A scaled score is not a percentage. NHA converts the number of scored questions you answer correctly to the scale so that every version of the exam is held to the same standard, even if one version is slightly harder than another.
The 25 pretest questions are mixed in with the scored questions and look exactly the same. They do not count toward your score, but you cannot tell which ones they are, so give every question your full effort.
There is no penalty for a wrong answer. Never leave a question blank.
What Kinds of Questions to Expect
Many wrong answers on this exam sound helpful. They have the medical administrative assistant give medical advice, interpret a test result, skip identity verification or bend a policy to please a patient. The right answer stays inside the administrative scope of practice and protects the patient.
Eligibility and Certification
To sit for the CMAA exam you need a high school diploma or equivalent (high school students in an approved program may test if they will graduate within 18 months) plus one of the following:
- Completion of a medical administrative assistant training or education program within the last 5 years, or
- One year of supervised work experience in the field within the last 3 years, or two years within the last 5 years.
You register through your NHA account, choose a test site or live remote proctoring, and pay the exam fee. Bring a current government-issued photo ID that shows your photo, signature and permanent address. Remote testing requires a working webcam and a private room, and no breaks are allowed. Test accommodations can be requested in advance with supporting documentation.
The CMAA credential must be renewed every 2 years by completing 10 continuing education credits and paying the renewal fee.
Retakes
If you do not pass, you may retake the exam after 30 days. You can make three attempts with at least 30 days between them. After a third unsuccessful attempt, you must wait one year before trying again. Each attempt requires a new registration and the full exam fee, so it pays to prepare well the first time.
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