Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Certification Examination Competencies and Examination Specifications - Summary Table

Sep 21, 2026

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Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification examination competencies and examination specifications are organized into three work areas: General Medical Assisting, Administrative Medical Assisting, and Clinical Medical Assisting. The summary table allocates 210 total questions across domains, with emphasis on Clinical Medical Assisting. The document details task areas and competencies such as body systems and disorders, medical terminology and abbreviations, medical law, ethics, HIPAA compliance, human relations, insurance and coding, scheduling, communications, documentation, records management, and equipment and computer application responsibilities.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Question Weightings, Work Areas, Task Areas, and Competencies

I. General Medical Assisting

II. Administrative Medical Assisting

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Certification Examination Competencies and Examination Specifications Summary Table | | Work Area | Number of Questions | Percentage of Exam | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | I. | General Medical Assisting | 65 | 31.0% | | II. | Administrative Medical Assisting | 30 | 14.0% | | III. | Clinical Medical Assisting | 115 | 55% | | Total | | 210 | 100.0% | Question Weightings, Work Areas, Task Areas, and Competencies Number of items [65] I. GENERAL MEDICAL ASSISTING (31.0% of exam) A. Body Systems 1. Identify the structure and function of various body systems: skeletal muscular endocrine urinary reproductive nervous respiratory cardiovascular/circulatory integumentary special senses gastrointestinal 2. Identify and define various disorders and diseases: a. disease processes b. conditions or states of health [c. health-related](c. health-related) syndromes a. Wellness and nutrition a. Identify nutritional factors that are required for, or influence, wellness b. Identify factors associated with exercise that are required for, or influence, wellness \# c. Identify factors associated with lifestyle choices that are required for, or influence, wellness B. Medical Terminology 1. Word parts a. Identify word parts: root, prefixes, and suffixes 2. Definitions a. Define medical terms 3. Common abbreviations and symbols a. Identify and understand utilization of medical abbreviations and symbols 4. Spelling a. Spell medical terms accurately 5. Terminology a. Define terminology associated with specialty examinations C. Medical Law and Ethics 1. Medical Law Identify and understand the application of: a. Consents and contracts used in medical practice b. Disclosure laws and regulations (including HIPAA Security and Privacy Acts, state, and federal laws) c. Laws, regulations, and acts pertaining to the practice of medicine d. Scope of practice acts regarding medical assisting e. Patient Bill of Rights legislation f. Advance Directives 2. Credentialing a. Identify and understand Medical Assistant credentialing requirements 3. Terminology a. Define terminology associated with medical law 4. Principles of medical ethics and ethical conduct a. Identify and employ proper ethics in practice as a medical assistant b. Identify the principles of ethics established by the American Medical Association c. Identify and understand the application of the AMA Patient Bill of Rights d. Recognize unethical practices and identify the proper response e. Recognize the importance of professional development through continuing education 5. Understand and comply with HIPAA regulations 6. Identify and understand the Medical Assistants’ Scope of Practice 7. Understand the implications of Advance Directives D. Human Relations 1. Patient relations a. Identify age-group specific responses and support b. Identify and employ professional conduct in all aspects of patient care c. Understand and properly apply communication methods d. Identify and respect cultural and ethnic differences e. Respect and care for patients without regard for age, gender, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic level 2. Interpersonal relations a. Employ appropriate interpersonal skills when interacting with: i. employer/administration ii. coworkers iii. vendors and business associates \# b. Observe and respect cultural diversity in the workplace [30] II. ADMINISTRATIVE MEDICAL ASSISTING (14.0% of exam) A. Insurance 1. Identify and define terminology associated with various insurance types in the medical office 2. Understand and explain explanation of benefits (EOB) 3. Identify coding systems a. Identify HIPAA-mandated coding systems and references: ICD-10-CM CPT HCPC b. Properly apply diagnosis and procedure codes to insurance claims 4. Understand and implement the process of obtaining prior authorizations and referrals

FAQs

How many questions are included in the RMA certification examination, and how are they distributed by work area?

The exam includes 210 total questions: 65 (31.0%) for General Medical Assisting, 30 (14.0%) for Administrative Medical Assisting, and 115 (55%) for Clinical Medical Assisting.

What competency areas are covered under General Medical Assisting?

General Medical Assisting includes body systems and functions, identification of disorders and diseases, medical terminology (word parts, definitions, abbreviations, and spelling), medical law and ethics, and human relations such as patient relations and interpersonal relations.

What administrative topics are addressed under Administrative Medical Assisting?

Administrative Medical Assisting covers insurance terminology and EOB, coding systems (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS), prior authorizations and referrals, clerical scheduling and communications, maintaining healthcare information and medical records, supplies/equipment management, and basic computer applications.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Marry