CMAS FAQ

How do I qualify for the certification examination?

To qualify for the certification examination, you must be a current member of AAMAS. The AAMAS membership requirement is based on dues paid by January 31st of the year of the examination. In addition, the following are required:

Two (2) years of authenticated health care audit experience (at least 20 hours/week minimum but no less than two years).
Two (2) years of healthcare related experience.
Education-- a minimum of 60 college semester units or a licensed healthcare professional. Proof of completion of a college level course in Accounting, Finance, Mathematics, or Statistics. A Certification Council approved course in Accounting also meets this eligibility.

What documents do I submit to justify proof that I have met the requirements?

First, the CMAS application form needs to be completed. This is found in the CMAS Candidate Handbook and can be downloaded through the AAMAS website.

Second, submit your most current resume, and a copy of your transcript showing a passing grade in a college level accounting, finance, mathematics, or statistics course.

Third, enclose the testing fee with your documents.

I have a diploma in nursing. Courses in accounting, finance, mathematics, and statistics were not part of this curriculum. Where can I take these courses?

You may take these courses in any community college or university in your locality. Often they are offered as independent two or three credit courses. There are also on-line distance learning credit courses offered by some colleges and universities. AAMAS offers an accounting course, see the question below.

I took an accounting class in high school. Is that acceptable?

No, a high school level accounting class is not acceptable.

When is the certification examination given?

The examination is administered at the annual AAMAS Conference. If it is given at other sites during the year, it will be announced in advance on the AAMAS website and in the AAMAS newsletter.

How do I prepare for the CMAS examination?

Two years of medical audit experience should have provided you with the basic skills and knowledge to meet the requirements of an entry level medical auditor. The core curriculum domains represent the scope and job responsibilities of medical auditors nationally. These core domains are described in the Candidate Handbook. The information in the domains will help you determine the areas for review.

Is there a study guide available to examination candidates?

Study guides are not available to CMAS certification candidates. NOCA (National Organization for Competency Assurance), does not recommend the distribution of study guides and cites such a guide as a conflict of interest. The Certification Council subscribes to this recommendation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Recertfication

When does certification expire and how do I qualify for recertification?

The CMAS certification expires three years after successful completion of the certification examination or recertification. To qualify for recertification, you must maintain continuous AAMAS membership for each year during the certification period and complete 36 hours of CMAS Continuing Education Units (CEU’s).

How can I meet the CMAS CEU requirements?

The CMAS CEU requirements can be met by completing 36 hours of AAMAS sponsored CEU’s or from a variety of educational programs listed in the Recertification Handbook. Eighteen (18) contact hours (CEU's) are required from Core Domain 02: Medical Audit Process and Methodology and eighteen (18) additional contact hours (CEU's) are required from the other core domains.

What documents do I submit as proof that I have met the requirements?

The CMAS Recertification application and tracking forms need to be completed. These forms are located in the CMAS Recertification Handbook. They can be downloaded through the AAMAS website. You must also meet the CMAS CEU requirements as listed in the Recertification Handbook.

I recently completed an educational conference or college course. Will this count for CMAS units?

If the conference objectives cover the areas described in the CMAS Core Curriculum Domains then the conference contact hours may be applied toward recertification.

Acceptable college courses which demonstrate objectives meeting the CMAS Core Curriculum Domains may be applied toward recertification based on the following:

Each academic semester credit hour is equivalent to fifteen (15) CE credits taken within the recertification renewal cycle
A maximum of eighteen (18) hours can be applied to CMAS recertification
General education or clinical content are NOT accepted for this purpose

You may submit information on any educational offering that you are considering and the Committee Chair will review it to determine if it qualifies for CMAS credit. Please contact Cathy Mezmar at cmezmar@aamas.org.

How does my organization obtain CMAS contact units for a presentation we are planning?

Before the presentation, submit biographies of the presenters, course objectives, designate the CMAS Core Curriculum Domain to which the presentation is related, and provide the presentation length . The information will be used to determine if the presentation qualifies for CMAS Continuing Education Units (CEU’s). If you have questions or would like to submit information for consideration please contact Cathy Mezmar at cmezmar@aamas.org.

Is attendance at the AAMAS national conference mandatory to be recertified?

No, it is not mandatory to attend the annual AAMAS conference to be recertified. You can obtain CEU’s through other sources, but continuous membership in AAMAS is required.

My employer is paying for my recertification, what if their check is not received by the deadline?

The payment must accompany the application. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make sure all the requirements are met, including the fee. The deadline for submission of applications is May 31 or September 30 depending on the month in which the successful candidate originally took the examintation.

Can recertification be denied?

Recertification can be denied because of the following:

Failure to fulfill membership requirements
Failure to fulfill continuing education requirements
Obtaining or attempting to obtain certification or recertification by fraud or deception

What if my recertification is late?

CMAS whose completed applications for recertification are from one to 30 days late will pay a late charge fee in addition to the recertification fee. Please access the Recertification Handbook on the AAMAS website to view the details and fees.

What if I let my certification lapse?

CMAS whose completed applications for recertification are 30 days to 12 months late will pay a late charge fee in addition to their recertification fee. Please access the Recertification Handbook on the AAMAS website to review the details and fees.

How do I obtain verification of my certification for my employer?

If you e-mail info@aamas.org or write to AAMAS, 10200 W 44th Avenue, Suite 304, Wheat Ridge CO 80033, verification of certification will be provided.

Certification Program

AAMAS

10200 W 44th Avenue
Suite 304
Wheat Ridge, CO 80033
720-881-6045
Fax: 303-422-8894
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