Certification: How Does it Work?

The Certification Exam

Certification exams usually consist of sections that cover different areas of the medial assistant's job in the clinical and administrative areas. Graduates of postsecondary medical assisting programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES are immediately eligible to take medical assistant certification exams.

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Some believe that it is experience alone that opens doors, however on todays highly competitive job market the key, which opens doors that otherwise would remain CLOSED is reliable documentation of your training, reputation, and qualifications! If you have those, you can make up for almost any hindrances that may prevent you from landing your next job, or higher position.

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How Soon Can the Certification Exam Be Taken?

Certificates that Aren't Certifications

Most online study programs offer some sort of course certificate, or documentation of program completion, however, this type of printed record should not be confused with professional certification and credentials that are granted upon passing standardized national certification exams. Those are two completely different things, and can easily be confused by a novice. Read: On Being a Smart Consumer.

Which Knowledge Is Tested?  Administrative and clinical skill theory is tested via multiple choice questions. These tests usually are written exams.

Where Are The Exams Held?  Certification exams are usually taken at designated testing centers at certain intervals, on certain dates. Only registrants for the certification exams can get into the center, and late arrivals will not be let in. A proctor will be present the entire time.

Can The Exam Be Taken From Home?  Some certification bodies let certificants take their exams via a computer terminal at certain locations for groups or individuals. The AMT is one certification sponsor who does this.  The NHA offers their unique Home Study Certification exam to those who qualify. The applicant receives a booklet that must be completed and returned by mail.

Who Can Sit For The Certification Exams?  Applicants must have graduated from an accredited educational program, or otherwise must have been employed in the profession for a certain minimum number of years to challenge the exam. who meet educational and professional standards, including those who trained in the military.

Certification exams taken are:

• medical assistants 
• dental assistants 
• clinical laboratory personnel 
• medical coders and billers 
• phlebotomists 
• patient care technicians 
• operation room (surgical) technicians 
• EKG technicians 
• pharmacy technicians 
• EMT/First responders 
• allied health instructors