All CMA Practice Tests
Listed below are all of our CMA practice exams. Make sure to use the answer explanations at the end of each exam to better understand complex concepts.
Our practice tests require no registration (or payment). The questions are categorized based on the CMA test outline (see below).
Once you are finished with the test, you will be presented with a score report which includes a complete rationale (explanation) for every question you got wrong.
If you like these CMA practice questions please make sure to share this resource with your friends and colleagues.
Other CMA Resources
In preparing for your CMA/AAMA certification exam, you may find these resources helpful:
| Resource | Notes | Provider |
| CMA Candidate Handbook | Review additional information about the exam with this official handbook from the AAMA. | AAMA |
| Detailed CMA Content Outline | If the information below is not enough, review this detailed content outline from the AAMA. | AAMA |
| CMA Medical Terminology Practice Test | Free practice test offered by the AAMA. | AAMA |
| CMA Test Prep Course | A prep course that includes 4 full-length practice exams. | BoostPrep |
CMA Practice Test Benefits
Preparing for your CMA exam by taking practice tests has many benefits. Using sample questions to study for your test is highly effective study. The advantages of using sample CMA tests include:
- Understanding the Test Format – Every standardized test has its own unique format. As you take practice CMA tests you will become familiar with the format of the actual test. Once the test day arrives you will have no surprises!
- Improving Your Speed – The CMA exam is broken down into four 40 minute segments. Although most students who take the CMA feel that there is sufficient time, taking the practice tests with self-imposed timers helps you budget your time effectively. You should budget approximately 1 minute for each question.
- Focusing Your Study – As you take more and more sample tests you begin to get a feel for the topics that you know well and the areas that you are weak on. Many students waste a lot of valuable study time by reviewing material that they are good at (often because it is easier or makes them feel better). The most effective way to study is to concentrate on the areas that you need help on.
CMA Exam Overview
The CMA/AAMA certification exam consists of 180 questions that count towards your score and 20 unscored pretest questions, for a total of 200 questions. All of the questions will be multiple choice questions with four answer options.
Candidates are given a total of 160 minutes (four 40 minute segments) to complete the test. The test topics are based on a national job analysis study that determined the key job components of a medical assistant. The detailed outline is below:
Content Category: General
Number of Questions: 38
Topics:
- Legal and Ethical Issues
- Communication
Content Category: Administrative
Number of Questions: 36
Topics:
- Billing, Coding, and Insurance
- Scheduling Appointments and Health Information Management
Content Category: Clinical Competency
Number of Questions: 106
Topics:
- Clinical Workflow: Patient Intake and Discharge
- Safety and Infection Control
- Procedures/Examinations
- Pharmacology
CMA Test Administration
There are currently three categories of eligibility for the CMA (AAMA) Medical Assistant Exam:
Category 1: You are a current student or recent graduate of a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Medical Assistant program. Current students can take the exam no more than 30 days prior to graduation. Graduates must take the exam within 12 months of graduation.
Category 2: You have graduated more than 12 months ago from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program.
Category 3: You have previously passed the CMA certification exam and are applying for recertification.
Note: The CMA credential must be recertified every 60 months by either continuing education or taking the exam again.
CMA Exam Scheduling and Cancellations
Candidates for the CMA exam will be assigned a 90-day period in which to take the exam. If you apply from the 1st to the 14th of the month, your 90-day period will start on the 1st of the next month. If you apply from the 15th to the end of the month, your 90-day test period will begin on the 15th of the next month.
After you apply you will be given a test center Scheduling Permit. Once you receive your Scheduling Permit, you can schedule your exam by going to the official site or calling the number listed on the permit.
The Prometric test appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis – so the earlier you schedule your test, the better chance you have of getting your desired time and/or test location.
If you do not take your test within the 90-day test period, you forfeit your entire exam registration fee. Candidates may request to transfer the 90-day test period to the next immediately available test period for a $65 fee.
CMA Exam Fees
There are two possible fees for the CMA exam:
- $125 for AAMA members in Category 1, 2, or 3.
- $250 for non-AAMA members in Category 2, or 3.
CMA Test Scores
The CMA/AAMA exam is scored on a pass/fail basis. The passing score for the exam is based on a variety of factors including established difficulty ratings for each test question.
If a candidate passes the exam they have demonstrated an acceptable level of knowledge regarding the skills and abilities required of a Medical Assistant.
Receiving a higher score than the passing score is not an indicator of more advanced knowledge or a predictor of better job performance.
You will receive a notification of pass/fail immediately after finishing the exam. This notification is not an official verification of CMA certification. Your official score report will arrive within four weeks of your test date.
This score report will include your rank (percentile) in the three major categories (General, Administrative, and Clinical) which will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses if you need to retest.
CMA FAQS
How many questions are on the medical assistant test?
The Certified Medical Assistant exam is made up of 200 questions.
180 questions will count towards your score, while 20 questions will not count.
What kinds of questions are on the medical assistant test?
The Medical Assistant test has 3 categories.
The general category consists of questions about psychology, communication, professionalism, medical ethics, and medical terminology.
The administrative category consists of medical reception, scheduling appointments, practice finances, and medical business practices.
The clinical category consists of anatomy and physiology, infection control, nutrition, and various other topics.
How do I pass CMA in first attempt?
If you want to pass the CMA in your first attempt, you will need to put a lot of time in and study. One of the best ways to study is by taking free practice tests.
Our free practice tests will help you learn the material in an efficient way. You can use the answer explanations to help better understand important concepts.
