CMAA Review Practice Tests 2026/2027
Complete Solutions Included.
PRACTICE TEST #1 (Questions 1-110)
DOMAIN 1: MEDICAL OFFICE PROCEDURES & ADMINISTRATION (20 Questions)
Opening and Closing Office Procedures (4 questions)
1. A medical administrative assistant arrives at the office at 7:30 AM. Which task should be
completed FIRST before unlocking the front door?
A) Turn on all examination room lights
B) Disengage the security alarm system
C) Prepare the coffee station for staff
D) Retrieve voicemail messages from the answering service
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Disengaging the security alarm is the first priority upon entering the
facility to prevent triggering a false alarm and to ensure safe access. This follows standard
security protocols—entering without disarming may alert authorities and create liability
issues. Once the alarm is disengaged, the assistant can proceed with unlocking doors, turning
on equipment, and preparing the reception area.
2. During closing procedures, the CMAA must secure all patient financial records. Which
action demonstrates proper cash handling protocol?
A) Leave the cash drawer unlocked for the morning shift
B) Deposit the daily receipts in the office safe and log the amount
C) Take the cash home and deposit it the next morning
D) Give the cash to the last provider leaving the building
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Daily receipts must be secured in a locked safe with a written log to
maintain accountability and prevent theft. This follows internal control principles for cash
management—never leave cash unsecured overnight or remove it from the premises, as this
creates significant financial and liability risks.
3. Which closing duty should be performed LAST before leaving the medical office?
A) Set the security alarm system
,B) Lock patient files in filing cabinets
C) Forward phones to the answering service
D) Turn off computers and printers
[CORRECT: A] Rationale: Setting the security alarm is always the final step when exiting the
facility to ensure all other closing tasks are completed and the building is fully secured. The
logical sequence is: secure files/equipment, handle phones, and then activate the alarm
system as the last action before locking the exterior doors.
4. A CMAA notices the waiting room magazines are disorganized and the water cooler is
empty during opening procedures. These tasks represent maintenance of which office
function?
A) Clinical inventory management
B) Reception area readiness
C) Provider schedule coordination
D) Emergency preparedness verification
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Organizing the waiting area and ensuring amenities are stocked
directly supports reception area readiness, creating a professional, welcoming environment
for patients. This falls under the "prepare reception area" opening duty—first impressions
impact patient satisfaction and reflect the practice's attention to detail and patient comfort.
Office Supply and Inventory Management (3 questions)
5. The medical office uses 20 boxes of latex gloves per month. The office manager wants to
maintain a two-month supply as safety stock. What is the appropriate PAR level for latex
gloves?
A) 20 boxes
B) 30 boxes
C) 40 boxes
D) 60 boxes
[CORRECT: C] Rationale: The PAR (Periodic Automatic Replenishment) level represents the
minimum quantity that should be on hand, calculated as normal usage (20 boxes) plus safety
stock (20 boxes for two months) = 40 boxes. When inventory drops to this level, a reorder is
,triggered. Setting PAR levels prevents stockouts while avoiding overstocking that wastes
storage space and capital.
6. A CMAA is implementing a just-in-time (JIT) ordering system for office supplies. What is the
PRIMARY advantage of this inventory method?
A) Eliminates the need for inventory tracking
B) Reduces storage costs and minimizes waste
C) Allows bulk purchasing at discounted rates
D) Increases the PAR level for all supplies
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Just-in-time ordering minimizes inventory holding by receiving goods
only as needed, reducing storage space requirements, capital tied up in inventory, and waste
from expired or obsolete supplies. However, JIT requires reliable suppliers and accurate usage
forecasting—if supply chains are disrupted, stockouts may occur.
7. Which document should a CMAA use to track when supplies were ordered, received, and
placed into inventory?
A) Patient ledger card
B) Inventory log or stock card
C) Provider credentialing file
D) Accounts payable aging report
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: An inventory log or stock card tracks supply usage, reorder points,
and receipt dates, enabling accurate inventory control and preventing shortages. This
documentation supports PAR level maintenance and provides an audit trail for supply
management—essential for both operational efficiency and financial accountability.
Mail Processing and Distribution (3 questions)
8. A CMAA receives a certified letter from a patient's attorney requesting medical records.
What is the FIRST step in processing this mail?
A) Forward it immediately to the provider
B) Date-stamp the letter and log it in the mail registry
C) Make a copy for the patient's chart
D) Call the patient to inform them of the request
, [CORRECT: B] Rationale: Date-stamping and logging incoming mail creates a legal record of
receipt and establishes a timeline for response. This is critical for legal and compliance
purposes—certified mail often carries deadlines, and proper documentation protects the
practice from claims of delayed response or mishandling.
9. Incoming mail in a medical office should be sorted by priority. Which item should be
handled with the HIGHEST priority?
A) Monthly medical journal subscription
B) Patient payment with remittance advice
C) Laboratory results marked "Critical"
D) Vendor catalog for office furniture
[CORRECT: C] Rationale: Critical laboratory results require immediate attention as they may
indicate a life-threatening condition requiring urgent provider review and patient notification.
Mail sorting priority in medical offices typically follows: critical/patient care items →
payments/financial → administrative → routine/reference materials.
10. A CMAA receives pathology reports via mail. According to standard mail processing
procedures, what should be done after date-stamping?
A) File directly in the patient's paper chart without review
B) Route to the appropriate provider for review and signature
C) Scan into the EHR and shred the original immediately
D) Return to sender if the patient is not scheduled that day
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Pathology reports must be routed to the ordering provider for clinical
review and authentication before filing or scanning into the EHR. Provider review ensures
abnormal findings are addressed promptly—filing without review could delay critical
diagnoses and create liability for missed results.
Telephone Techniques and Triage (4 questions)
11. A patient calls reporting chest pain and shortness of breath. The CMAA should FIRST:
A) Schedule the patient for the next available appointment
B) Instruct the patient to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department
C) Take a detailed message for the provider to return later
Complete Solutions Included.
PRACTICE TEST #1 (Questions 1-110)
DOMAIN 1: MEDICAL OFFICE PROCEDURES & ADMINISTRATION (20 Questions)
Opening and Closing Office Procedures (4 questions)
1. A medical administrative assistant arrives at the office at 7:30 AM. Which task should be
completed FIRST before unlocking the front door?
A) Turn on all examination room lights
B) Disengage the security alarm system
C) Prepare the coffee station for staff
D) Retrieve voicemail messages from the answering service
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Disengaging the security alarm is the first priority upon entering the
facility to prevent triggering a false alarm and to ensure safe access. This follows standard
security protocols—entering without disarming may alert authorities and create liability
issues. Once the alarm is disengaged, the assistant can proceed with unlocking doors, turning
on equipment, and preparing the reception area.
2. During closing procedures, the CMAA must secure all patient financial records. Which
action demonstrates proper cash handling protocol?
A) Leave the cash drawer unlocked for the morning shift
B) Deposit the daily receipts in the office safe and log the amount
C) Take the cash home and deposit it the next morning
D) Give the cash to the last provider leaving the building
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Daily receipts must be secured in a locked safe with a written log to
maintain accountability and prevent theft. This follows internal control principles for cash
management—never leave cash unsecured overnight or remove it from the premises, as this
creates significant financial and liability risks.
3. Which closing duty should be performed LAST before leaving the medical office?
A) Set the security alarm system
,B) Lock patient files in filing cabinets
C) Forward phones to the answering service
D) Turn off computers and printers
[CORRECT: A] Rationale: Setting the security alarm is always the final step when exiting the
facility to ensure all other closing tasks are completed and the building is fully secured. The
logical sequence is: secure files/equipment, handle phones, and then activate the alarm
system as the last action before locking the exterior doors.
4. A CMAA notices the waiting room magazines are disorganized and the water cooler is
empty during opening procedures. These tasks represent maintenance of which office
function?
A) Clinical inventory management
B) Reception area readiness
C) Provider schedule coordination
D) Emergency preparedness verification
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Organizing the waiting area and ensuring amenities are stocked
directly supports reception area readiness, creating a professional, welcoming environment
for patients. This falls under the "prepare reception area" opening duty—first impressions
impact patient satisfaction and reflect the practice's attention to detail and patient comfort.
Office Supply and Inventory Management (3 questions)
5. The medical office uses 20 boxes of latex gloves per month. The office manager wants to
maintain a two-month supply as safety stock. What is the appropriate PAR level for latex
gloves?
A) 20 boxes
B) 30 boxes
C) 40 boxes
D) 60 boxes
[CORRECT: C] Rationale: The PAR (Periodic Automatic Replenishment) level represents the
minimum quantity that should be on hand, calculated as normal usage (20 boxes) plus safety
stock (20 boxes for two months) = 40 boxes. When inventory drops to this level, a reorder is
,triggered. Setting PAR levels prevents stockouts while avoiding overstocking that wastes
storage space and capital.
6. A CMAA is implementing a just-in-time (JIT) ordering system for office supplies. What is the
PRIMARY advantage of this inventory method?
A) Eliminates the need for inventory tracking
B) Reduces storage costs and minimizes waste
C) Allows bulk purchasing at discounted rates
D) Increases the PAR level for all supplies
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Just-in-time ordering minimizes inventory holding by receiving goods
only as needed, reducing storage space requirements, capital tied up in inventory, and waste
from expired or obsolete supplies. However, JIT requires reliable suppliers and accurate usage
forecasting—if supply chains are disrupted, stockouts may occur.
7. Which document should a CMAA use to track when supplies were ordered, received, and
placed into inventory?
A) Patient ledger card
B) Inventory log or stock card
C) Provider credentialing file
D) Accounts payable aging report
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: An inventory log or stock card tracks supply usage, reorder points,
and receipt dates, enabling accurate inventory control and preventing shortages. This
documentation supports PAR level maintenance and provides an audit trail for supply
management—essential for both operational efficiency and financial accountability.
Mail Processing and Distribution (3 questions)
8. A CMAA receives a certified letter from a patient's attorney requesting medical records.
What is the FIRST step in processing this mail?
A) Forward it immediately to the provider
B) Date-stamp the letter and log it in the mail registry
C) Make a copy for the patient's chart
D) Call the patient to inform them of the request
, [CORRECT: B] Rationale: Date-stamping and logging incoming mail creates a legal record of
receipt and establishes a timeline for response. This is critical for legal and compliance
purposes—certified mail often carries deadlines, and proper documentation protects the
practice from claims of delayed response or mishandling.
9. Incoming mail in a medical office should be sorted by priority. Which item should be
handled with the HIGHEST priority?
A) Monthly medical journal subscription
B) Patient payment with remittance advice
C) Laboratory results marked "Critical"
D) Vendor catalog for office furniture
[CORRECT: C] Rationale: Critical laboratory results require immediate attention as they may
indicate a life-threatening condition requiring urgent provider review and patient notification.
Mail sorting priority in medical offices typically follows: critical/patient care items →
payments/financial → administrative → routine/reference materials.
10. A CMAA receives pathology reports via mail. According to standard mail processing
procedures, what should be done after date-stamping?
A) File directly in the patient's paper chart without review
B) Route to the appropriate provider for review and signature
C) Scan into the EHR and shred the original immediately
D) Return to sender if the patient is not scheduled that day
[CORRECT: B] Rationale: Pathology reports must be routed to the ordering provider for clinical
review and authentication before filing or scanning into the EHR. Provider review ensures
abnormal findings are addressed promptly—filing without review could delay critical
diagnoses and create liability for missed results.
Telephone Techniques and Triage (4 questions)
11. A patient calls reporting chest pain and shortness of breath. The CMAA should FIRST:
A) Schedule the patient for the next available appointment
B) Instruct the patient to call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department
C) Take a detailed message for the provider to return later
