Taking the Certification Exam
Graduates of postsecondary medical assisting programs accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES are immediately eligible to
take the exams provided by different governing bodies. Some certification sponsors, this includes the NHA and AMT,
also grant certifications to experienced allied health professionals based on the amount of years of directly
related work experience in lieu of a formal vocational training program. Those who received comparable training in
the US Armed Forces/military can also apply for their certification exams.
Your Certification is Important!

Aim for success! Success means
progress. What if we told you that you might already qualify for the
RMA medical assisting certification exam based on your vocational training, time on the job, or other
certifications you already have... wouldn't you want to find out?
Your FREE medical
assistant certification info kit is here. Get it now while it lasts!
Your free career info kit.
When Is the Certification Exam Typically Taken?
The exam can be taken as early as right after graduating from an accredited training program, or years down the
road. However, medical assistant certification exams can pose a challenge. They typically consist of a certain
number of multiple choice questions divided in sections that cover different areas of the medical assistant
discipline in all clinical and administrative areas.
Some of the newer medical assistant graduates often put off taking the exam until they have gained some work
experience first. Others dive right in, fearing they might otherwise forget what they have learned in class.
The top requirement is KNOWING what a medical assistant is, and does, and understanding medical terminology,
human anatomy, some basic pharmacology, and clinical, as well as administrative aspects of the job.
What Does National Certification Mean?
As far as a job and career are concerned, obtaining recognized, industry specific certifications show
a prospective employer that the individual is a serious and dedicated professional wanting to advance in their
career.
Is Certification Required?
In most states you are not required to be certified. But, once again, the value of having a
certification can do nothing but help your chances of advancement or getting a job. Having recognized certification
shows that you are serious about your career. In addition, it may quite possibly help if the state you are working
in requires any type of certification in the future.
How Do I Study for
the Certification Exam? Most vocational
training programs prepare their students well for these exams. Therefore one important study tool are notes taking
during class lectures. Furthermore, almost all certification bodies supply their applicants with sample practice
exams and study tips.
Can The Exam Be Taken From
Home? Some certification bodies let certification candidates take their
exams via a computer terminal at certain locations for groups or individuals. Others offer a so called
"home-study" exam to those who qualify, where the applicant receives a booklet that must
be completed and returned by mail.
|