NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) Exam

The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) Exam is a pivotal assessment designed to gauge the competency and proficiency of individuals seeking a career as a medical assistant. Administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), this certification is a crucial step on the path to becoming a recognized and skilled healthcare professional. The NCMA exam is a rigorous evaluation that ensures candidates possess the essential knowledge and skills required to excel in the dynamic and demanding field of medical assisting.

Here is what you need to know about the NCMA (National Certified Medical Assistant) Exam:

Contents

Purpose of the NCMA Exam

The primary purpose of the NCMA exam is to assess the competency of medical assistants. It ensures that certified individuals have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their duties effectively and safely in various healthcare settings.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to take the NCMA exam, candidates typically need to have completed a formal medical assisting program or have equivalent work experience in the field. Eligibility requirements may vary, so it’s essential to verify the specific criteria established by the NCCT.

Content Areas

The NCMA exam covers a range of content areas essential for medical assistants, including:

Anatomy and physiology
Medical terminology
Administrative tasks (e.g., medical office management, billing, and coding)
Clinical tasks (e.g., patient care, phlebotomy, ECG, and pharmacology)
Patient communication and education

Exam Format

Multiple-choice questions are asked on the NCMA exam, which is normally computer-based. The precise count of questions and duration may differ, but applicants should anticipate a thorough evaluation of their medical assisting expertise.

Preparation

Proper preparation is crucial for success on the NCMA exam. Candidates often use a variety of study materials, such as textbooks, practice exams, and review courses. It’s advisable to focus on the specific content areas outlined in the NCCT’s study guide.

Taking the Exam

On the day of the exam, candidates need to arrive at the testing center with the required identification and any other documents specified by the NCCT. The test is typically administered under controlled conditions to ensure fairness and security.

Scoring and Results

The NCMA exam is scored on a pass/fail basis. Candidates must achieve a passing score to become certified. The specific passing score may vary. After taking the exam, candidates typically receive their results within a few weeks.

Benefits of NCMA Certification

Becoming a National Certified Medical Assistant offers several advantages, including:

Enhanced job prospects and career opportunities.
Increased earning potential.
Greater professional recognition.
Confidence in your skills and knowledge.
The opportunity to provide high-quality care to patients.

Maintenance of Certification

To maintain NCMA certification, medical assistants may need to complete continuing education and renew their certification periodically. This ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field.

Exam Fee

The NCMA exam fee is $119. You can also purchase an NCMA review course for $70. It costs $77 each year to renew your certification.

Keep in mind that there are also costs associated with medical assistant training programs. Certification programs can cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.

Exam Registration

To register for the exam, you must create an online NCCT account and submit an application, along with the necessary documentation to prove your eligibility. You will also need to pay the $119 exam fee, which is not refundable.

Once your application is approved, you will be sent instructions detailing how to schedule an exam appointment with Prometric.

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More About the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam. The National Center for Competency Testing is the organization that administers the National Certified Medical Assistant exam. The ability to pass the test indicates that a candidate possesses the information and analytical abilities required to operate as a medical assistant.