PassPulse Medical AssistantPrepare for the RMA

Is the RMA exam hard?

The RMA is the fastest paced MA exam. AMT reported a 71% pass rate for 2023, and the content outline lists 210 questions for a 2 hour exam, about 34 seconds per question. More than half the items are clinical.

Updated October 2026
71%
RMA pass rate, 2023AMT pass rate by program report
About 3 in 10 did not pass
210questions
2 hrstime limit
70to pass, on 0–100

RMA exam at a glance

Questions
210 (content outline)
Time
2 hours
Passing score
70 on a 0 to 100 scaled score (not a percentage)
Pass rate
71% (2023)
Fee
$150, includes application, exam and first annual fee
Retake
45 day wait, $150, maximum 4 attempts per certification
Where
Pearson VUE test centers, or your school if it is a Pearson VUE site

What makes the RMA hard

  • Time. 210 questions in 120 minutes is roughly 34 seconds each.
  • Clinical weight. Clinical Medical Assisting is 115 of 210 items, 55%.
  • Limited attempts. AMT allows 4 attempts per certification, for life.
  • Unmarked pretest items. AMT mixes in unscored items without labeling them.

What's on the RMA

AreaItemsShare
Clinical Medical Assisting11555%
General Medical Assisting6531%
Administrative Medical Assisting3014%

Know you're ready for the RMA before you book your date

PassPulse is built for one job: getting you through the RMA on your first attempt. 880+ exam style questions across every topic on the exam, every answer explained, even the wrong ones. Your readiness score updates after every session and the app keeps drilling your weakest topics until they stop costing you points. 15 minutes a day, on your phone.

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Passing the RMA

You need a scaled score of 70, explained in RMA passing score. Your score appears on screen as soon as you finish. With only 4 lifetime attempts and a 45 day wait between them, prepare to pass the first time: drill speed as hard as content.

RMA FAQ

What is the RMA pass rate?

AMT reported 71% for 2023.

How many questions are on the RMA exam?

The AMT content outline lists 210 questions, with a 2 hour time limit.

How much does the RMA cost?

$150, covering the application, the exam and the first annual fee. A retest also costs $150.

How many times can you take the RMA?

Up to 4 attempts per certification, with a 45 day wait between attempts.

More RMA guides

Sources
  1. AMT: 2023 pass rate by program
  2. AMT: RMA content outline
  3. AMT: Applying and testing FAQ
  4. AMT Candidate Handbook (April 2026)
  5. AMT: Get certified

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PassPulse is an independent exam preparation tool. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Exam, credential and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exams and materials described.

This page is for general information only. It is not official guidance from any certifying body, state agency or employer, and it is not legal, medical, career or financial advice. The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change. Practice questions, answers and explanations on PassPulse may also contain errors. Always confirm current requirements and facts directly with the certifying body, your state, your employer or the manufacturer's instructions before you register, apply or act on them. Pass rates and statistics describe past candidates and do not predict your result.
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