Q: What is the passing score for the medical assistant exam?
A: There is no single passing score, as it depends on which national certification exam you are taking. The major certifying bodies each have their own scoring scale and passing threshold. The most widely recognized certifications and their current reported passing scores are as follows:
| Certification (Acronym) | Issuing Organization | Passing Score / Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| CMA (AAMA) | American Association of Medical Assistants | 405 (on a scaled score of 200-800) |
| CCMA | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | 390 (on a scaled score of 200-500) |
| CMAC | American Medical Certification Association | 70% minimum (approximately 73-77%) |
Q: How is the CMA (AAMA) exam scored?
A: The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) exam is not scored by a simple percentage. It uses a scaled scoring system:
- The exam contains 200 questions, but only 180 are scored (20 are unscored pretest questions).
- Your raw score is converted to a scaled score ranging from 200 to 800.
- You must achieve a scaled score of at least 405 to pass.
Q: Is the CCMA exam score a percentage?
A: The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam from the NHA also uses a scaled score. The score range is 200 to 500, with a passing scaled score of 390. This equates to approximately 78% of the maximum possible points, but you should focus on achieving the 390 scaled score.
Q: What is the best way to ensure I pass?
A: Regardless of the exam, your strategy should be consistent:
- Use Official Content Outlines: Study directly from the "blueprint" or content outline provided by the certifying organization (AAMA, NHA, etc.). This tells you exactly what topics are covered and their weight on the exam.
- Take Timed Practice Exams: Simulate the real testing environment to build stamina and identify your weak areas.
- Verify Current Requirements: Always double-check the official certification website for the most up-to-date passing score and exam format, as details can change.
For more information on valuable healthcare certifications and their benefits, you can review this resource: What are good certifications to obtain?