If you need help studying for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) exam or just want some more information about what the exam is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free RMA practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the RMA exam, you need to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements of ONE of the five routes below:
You must have graduated within the last four years (or be scheduled to graduate) from an accredited MA program or program that is housed in an accredited institution. You’ll need to have at least 720 hours of instruction, including 160 hours of externship.
Route 2: Apprenticeship/Workforce Development Program
You must have completed an MA work-study/training program within the last four years.
Route 3: Work Experience
You must have at least three years of MA work experience within the last seven years.
Route 4: Military
You must be a recent or scheduled graduate of a formal MA training program within the US Armed Forces.
Route 5: Instructor
You must have at least five years of full-time teaching experience, encompassing both administrative and clinical competencies.
If you meet one these requirement routes, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
There are 210 multiple-choice questions on the RMA exam, and the time limit is 2 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
The exam is split into the following four sections:
1. ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY
44 questions
- Structure and function of the systems of the human body
- Disorders and diseases
- Wellness and nutrition
- Word parts
- Definitions
- Spelling
- Abbreviations and symbols
- Terminology
2. ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICAL ASSISTING
56 questions
- Terminology associated with various insurance types in the medical office
- Various health insurance plans
- Explanation of benefits
- HIPAA-mandated coding systems
- Application of diagnosis and procedure codes to insurance claims
- Reception
- Scheduling
- Communication
- Records management
- Equipment and supplies management
- Computer applications
- Office safety
- Medical law
- Licensure
- Certification
- Registration
- Terminology
- Medical ethics
- Ethical conduct
- Patient relations
- Interpersonal relations
3. CLINICAL MEDICAL ASSISTING
39 scored questions
- Terminology
- OSHA guidelines regarding bloodborne pathogens
- Universal Precautions
- Medical asepsis
- Surgical asepsis
- Sanitization
- Disinfection
- Sterilization
- Identification
- Instrument uses
- Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988
- Supplies
- Procedures
4. CLINICAL PATIENT INTERACTION
71 questions
- Patient instruction
- Blood pressure
- Pulse
- Respiration
- Temperature
- Patient measurement
- Medical history
- Patient positions
- Examination methods
- Specialty examinations
- Visual acuity
- Parenteral medications
- Prescriptions
- Drugs
- Modalities
- Alternative therapies
- Lab testing and specimen collection
- Standard 12-lead ECG
- Mounting techniques
- Other ECG procedures
- First aid procedures
- CPR procedures
- Legal responsibilities
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam.
To get started, you’ll need to create an AMT account on their website. From there, you can fill out and submit an application, along with the $135 application fee.
When your application is approved, you’ll be given instructions on how to register for the exam and set up a testing appointment.
RMA Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The exam is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
A passing score is a scaled score of at least 70.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the exam 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 mandatory 45-day waiting period.
FAQs
How many questions are on the RMA exam?
The exam contains 210 questions.
What is the time limit for the RMA exam?
The exam is timed at 2 hours.
What is the passing score for the RMA exam?
You’ll need a final score of at least 70 to pass.
How much does the RMA exam cost?
The application fee for the exam is $135.