Yesterday’s post talked about the new AHDI credentialing exams and gave an overview of how the new system will work. In today’s post, I will try to answer some of the questions I am hearing about the new exams.

Can You Take the Exam from Home?

Yes, this is now a possibility. The exam will be monitored by a proctor through a webcam. Your computer will also need to have a webcam. The candidate guide published by AHDI outlines what requirements your computer must meet to be able to do this. It’s noteworthy that taking the exam remotely also means it costs less to take.

I am a new graduate. Which exam is best for me?

If you are just graduating from your MT program, the right exam to take is the RMT. AHDI recommends someone have two years of acute care experience before attempting to take the CMT. Note that this is a recommendation and not a requirement. Some new graduates have taken and passed the CMT exam. However, with this new exam, it sounds like the CMT test may have more of a focus on interpretative skills and you might want to have some real life experience before attempting the CMT.

I have many years of acute care experience, but no credential. Can I just take the CMT exam?

No. If you are striving for the CMT credential, then you would need to take the CQE, which combines the RMT and CMT exams into one test. The rationale for this is that it must be shown that the person who holds the CMT credential possesses the required core knowledge, which is what is tested on the RMT.

How long will each exam take?

Both the RMT and the CMT exams are given with a 3 hour time allotment. The CQE is given a 5 hour block of time because of the combined nature of the test.

How Much Does an Exam Cost?

You must first request an “authorization to test” from AHDI. That is a cost of $10. That allows you to show you are eligible to take the exam and schedule it with the testing company. The fees for each exam are as below:

RMT Pricing (3-hour exam session)

On-site exam, member: $150.00
On-site exam, nonmember: $ 230.00
Online proctored (OLP) exam, member: $100
Online proctored (OLP) exam, nonmember: $180

CMT Pricing (3-hour exam session)

On-site exam, member: $200.00
On-site exam, nonmember: $ 280.00
Online proctored (OLP) exam, member: $150
Online proctored (OLP) exam, nonmember: $230

CQE Pricing (5-hour exam session)

On-site exam, member: $275.00
On-site exam, nonmember: $ 355.00
Online proctored (OLP) exam, member: $225.00
Online proctored (OLP) exam, nonmember: $305.00

Will Requiring the RMT prior to taking the CMT give more authority to the RMT credential?

What I hear people saying is that employers often ask if they have their CMT, but do not ask about the RMT. Will this new test change that? I frankly think the jury is still out on that one. I believe the credential will become more valued when employers see a need for hiring those who hold the credential. The move toward mandatory credentialing could change all of that, however, that’s not an overnight process.

Will the new credentials study course here at MT Tools have SRT exercises?

Yes, that is something we’re adding to the program. The courses are being revamped to follow the new exam blueprints by AHDI. Remember, the credential study course is on sale until January 10. Don’t miss the discount and get signed up now!

What other questions might you have about the exams?