Q: How many questions are on the AAMA test?
A: The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) Certification Examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a testing period of approximately 3 hours (195 minutes).
Q: Are all 200 questions scored?
A: No. Of the 200 questions, 180 are scored and 20 are pretest (unscored) questions. The pretest questions are used for statistical analysis for future exams and do not affect your score. However, you cannot identify which questions are pretest during the exam, so you must treat every question as if it counts.
Q: How are the questions broken down by subject?
A: The 180 scored questions are distributed across three core content areas. To pass, you must demonstrate competency in each area, as your score is based on the entire exam, not individual sections. The breakdown is as follows:
| Content Area | Percentage of Exam | Approximate Number of Scored Questions |
|---|---|---|
| General (Medical Terminology, Anatomy, Professionalism, etc.) | ~ 40% | 72 |
| Administrative (Patient Intake, Scheduling, Billing, etc.) | ~ 25% | 45 |
| Clinical (Pharmacology, Infection Control, Procedures, etc.) | ~ 35% | 63 |
Q: How should I pace myself during the exam?
A: With 200 questions in 195 minutes, you have an average of just under 1 minute per question. A good strategy is to:
- Answer questions you are sure of first, marking any you are unsure about for review.
- Monitor your time at regular intervals (e.g., after 60 questions).
- Use the final 15-20 minutes to return to and review your marked questions.
Q: What is the best preparation strategy?
A: To prepare effectively, you should:
- Use the Official Content Outline: The AAMA provides a detailed content outline that lists every topic and subtopic covered on the exam. This should be your primary study guide.
- Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Simulating the 3-hour test environment is crucial for building the stamina and speed needed for the actual exam.
- Focus on Your Weakest Areas: Use practice test results to identify which of the three content areas (General, Administrative, Clinical) needs the most review.
For official and the most current details on the exam structure, always refer to the AAMA's official website.
If you are just beginning to explore the path to becoming a medical assistant and are interested in the fastest training options, you can refer to our previous guide: What is the fastest you can become a medical assistant?