If you need help studying for the NCCT’s National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free NCMA practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the NCMA exam, you’ll have to meet at least ONE of the requirements below:
- You need to be a current student or recent graduate from a medical assistant program from an authorized high school
- You need to be enrolled in or be a graduate of a postsecondary medical assistant program at an authorized school
- You need at least one year of full-time medical assistant experience within the last five years
- You need to complete a medical assistant program during US military service within the last five years
If you meet one of these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 150 multiple-choice questions total, but only 125 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 25 unscored questions on the exam are called “pretest” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 3 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the NCMA exam.
1. Pharmacology and General Medical Knowledge
18 scored questions
- Applying basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology
- Recognizing and interpret commonly used medical terminology
- Recognizing common drug classifications
- Identifying commonly used medications by generic and brand names
- Understanding the “Rights” of medication use
- Consulting pharmaceutical desk references to check medications
- Performing basic medication-related calculations
- Recognizing general indications for common therapeutic medications used
- Preparing and administer medication using various routes
- Recognizing common signs and symptoms of medical conditions
2. Clinical Medical Procedures
72 scored questions
- Infection control and safety
- Patient intake and care
- Phlebotomy
- ECG
3. Medical Administrative Duties
15 scored questions
- Directing patients and visitors to the appropriate team member or location
- Answering, evaluating, and directing incoming calls to team members using effective telephone techniques
- Setting up and managing appointments using scheduling techniques
- Managing medical office electronic data using devices other than computers
- Maintaining electronic medical office data
- Using peripheral devices
- Using CPT and HCPCS codes to bill for services
- Using ICD codes to bill for services
- Managing prior authorizations and pre-certifications
4. Law and Ethics
20 scored questions
- Recognizing legal responsibilities and the scope of practice for the medical assistant
- Adhering to advance directives
- Maintaining confidentiality and comply with disclosure laws
- Following legal and regulatory requirements for the maintenance, storage, and disposal of medical records
- Making corrections and additions to medical records per state and federal guidelines
- Recognizing unethical practices and respond accordingly
- Obtaining patient consent for examinations and treatment
- Recognizing and respond to violations of medical law
- Following the protocol on terminating patient care
- Adhering to state and federal guidelines regarding reportable incidents and communicable diseases
- Complying with OSHA guidelines and regulations
- Complying with the CLIA guidelines and regulations
- Complying with DEA and other regulatory agency guidelines for ordering, dispensing, documenting, and storing drugs
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet all of the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application on NCCT’s website. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $119.
National Certified Medical Assistant Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 0 and 100.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 30-day waiting period.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the NCMA exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the NCMA exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the NCMA exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 70 to pass.
How much does the NCMA exam cost?
The testing fee is $119.