What is The RMA Exam?

Anybody with a high school diploma can become a medical assistant. However, to get the upper hand when seeking employment, you must prove your competency by getting certified. Sure enough, it is not compulsory but if you want those return calls and email replies from potential employers then you ought to go a step further. The RMA exam gives you the chance to get that recognizable credential to show off. Well, you get the bragging rights of course. But first things first; what is the RMA exam? What do you need to know? The Registered Medical Assistant exam, otherwise known as the RMA exam, is a test administered by American Medical Technologists (AMT) reserved for medical assistants who want to get registered.

What are the Qualification Requirements?

For you to be eligible for the RMA exam, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Education

  – Applicants must have graduated within the past 4 years from a medical assistant program accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, U.S Department of Education or AMT Board of Directors. Additionally, you must have clocked not less than 720 hours during your medical assistant training plus 160 hours of externship. If you’re too late to apply (4 years after graduation), you can still qualify as long as you have relevant work experience for at least 3 years prior to your application.

• Military

  – If you were enrolled in a medical training program and graduated under the service of the United States Armed Forces, you’re eligible to sit for the RMA exam. However, if you graduated more than 4 years ago, you must have at least three years of relevant work experience within the past five years.

• Instructor

  – For those who are currently instructing students in accredited medical assisting programs, they should have completed an instruction course relating to medical assistance and at least 5 years of experience in the medical assistance-related discipline. But if you don’t have five years of experience, you ought to have worked for at least 3 years in a healthcare occupation that is equivalent to medical assistance.

• Work Experience

  – Applicants who graduated from high school and went on to work as medical assistants must have a minimum work experience of 5 years. Moreover, the work experience must involve both administrative and clinical duties on a full-time basis. But there is one last bit; you must be certified in CPR by either the Red Cross or American Heart Association.

 

How Do You Apply For The RMA Exam?

If you meet any of the eligibility criteria, applying for the RMA exam is the easiest part of the process. All you have to do is visit the American Medical Technologists’ website and apply online. The application fee is $120 which is non-refundable. Once you have successfully applied, you will receive an Authorization to Test letter which you can use to schedule your exam appointment at any nearby Pearson VUE Testing center.

What is the RMA Exam Format?

Even though the number of questions can change every year, the RMA exam typically includes 210 questions. The questions covered can be categorized into General, Administrative and Clinical topics that are related to medical assistance. The general knowledge part is usually the most covered scope of the test which includes areas such as medical terminology, human relations, anatomy and physiology, medical law, medical ethics and educating patients. Of course, the test will also entail administrative questions that cover insurance, record keeping, and secretarial roles. Not to forget, there is always a clinical part of the test that involves first aid, minor surgery, sterilization, physical exams, electrocardiography, pharmacology, vital reading and asepsis procedures.

What is The Passing Score?

The minimum passing score for the RMA exam is 70 percent. After the exam ends, your exam score will reflect immediately. However, the official certificate and card are usually sent 1 or 2 weeks later after you’ve attained a passing score. If you are unfortunate to receive a failing score, you can still retake the test but not longer than 45 days after your previous attempt. But don’t worry, you will be provided with a failing score report which will highlight the areas that you ought to revisit.

Can You Reschedule the Test?

In the event that you want to reschedule or cancel your RMA exam, you should do so at least 1 business day in advance before your appointment. Additionally, if you miss the exam, arrive late or cancel it less than 24 hours prior to the schedule, you can re-book but you will need to repay the testing fees. Any exam appointment inquiries should be directed to Pearson VUE rather than AMT. Otherwise, set the exam schedule at your most convenient time and arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes earlier than your schedule. Don’t forget the requested documents and your authorization letter.