1.9. CMA Exam Format (test taking skills)
Learning Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students will:
- describe the format of the CMA exam, including the number of sections, types of questions, time limits, and major content areas.
- identify different multiple-choice question types and apply effective strategies for answering questions related to patient care, medical law, and pharmacology.
- practice a timed set of sample questions and reflect on strategies to improve time efficiency during the exam.
Part 1: Brainstorming
- Do you enjoy taking exams? why, why not?
- Do you think knowing the exam format can help reducing exam anxiety?
Part 2: Knowing the nature of exam
What is on the National Clinical Medical Assistant exam?
Click the link: National Certified Medical Assistant Exam
Go to the section ” What’s on the NCMA Exam & Requirements to Pass“, and answer the questions below.
Part 3: Sample exam
Your instructor will give you a sample exam, and you need to finish it within the time limit.
Did you finish the exam within the given time?
Were there any challenges?
Discuss ways to improve time management, such as skipping questions you find challenging and revisiting them if time allows. Address common sources of test anxiety, like the fear of running out of time or not understanding the questions. Explain that familiarizing oneself with the exam format and practicing with sample questions can help reduce anxiety by building confidence.
On a post-it-note, write down one concern you have about taking the CMA exam and give it to your instructor.
Your instructor will read some of the concerns and the whole class discusses about strategies on how to manage these worries.
