Taking the Medical Assistant Certification Exam

The medical assistant certification exam is meant to test the proficiency, skill level and knowledge a medical assistant has. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) hands certificates to all those who appear for this exam and clear it. Even if a professional is qualified and well trained to work in the health care industry, this exam authenticates his capabilities. The National Board of Medical Examiners act as the test consultants for the AAMA's certification exam. This adds great value to the exam.

Though this certification is not compulsory, it is known to give medical assistants an edge over the others while applying for a job. Also being certified could mean, better job security, and being held to a higher standard of professionalism and better salaries.

Which School is Best for You?

These programs are offered by many schools. Consider an accredited school and do your due diligence and background check on the school's reputation if the need be. Find as much information as you can about the school and course including their fees, prerequisites if any, course duration, topics covered and the practical training that may be involved, and only after that fill out your application forms. Please note that, practicum, which is unpaid work experience, is a prerequisite for this course. People with volunteering experience maybe considered in some schools.

The documentation should be provided and the fee for enrollment might need to be paid in advance or as per the school's requirements.

Applying for the Exam

Once you've applied and your application is processed, an email with your exam permit and instructions along with the schedule will be sent to you. You can print your exam permit and set an appointment date for the exam.

Preparing for the Exam

There are plenty of practise tests available online. Some of these tests you will need to pay for, but are definitely worth every penny you spend on them. In any case, the study guide will provide enough details for your exam. Make sure you spend a good amount of time reading and memorizing the standards and safety sections.

An official certificate of CMA is provided after you pass the exam. This certificate will add a lot of value to your resume. The employers have the option of confirming this accreditation if they check your CMA status. Also please note that re-certification is required every 60 months.

The medical assistant certification exam will allow you to perform various roles within an organization. If your organization is big, you might find opportunities in higher places for many kinds of clinical applications. Registered medical assistants can perform duties that require the upkeep of documentation, clerical work, maintenance of lab reports, among other duties.


Article Source: Josephine Sherman