A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry

Question for CMTs - sm

Posted: Sep 19, 2011

I am thinking about taking the test to become a CMT. If you have done this, what references would you recommend that I have in front of me while taking the test? Has anyone failed the test on their first try and if so, can you retake it without paying a second fee? I have been an MT for a long time and should be able to pass the test but I'm worried they might fail you for little things. What other suggestions can anyone offer? I know there will be people telling me to save my money. Believe me, I really don't want to pay the devil but I am trying to make myself more marketable. Thanks for any advice.

cmt - I was one

[ In Reply To ..]
I was a CMT in the 1990s and then I was on the board of directors of a local chapter of AAMT (what they were called back then), so I really thought I needed to be one.

Do you live somewhere that you can get the needed CEC credits to keep up your CMT, or would you take on-line courses or something? It is expensive to keep yourself a CMT.

I did not pass my test the first time. I was not feeling great that day, and managed to really mess up. You do have to pay out the fees every time you take it. Believe it was about $300 back then.

I guess in this day and age of being and MT and being marketable, having those initials really does not help a lot anymore. Not many are giving an incentive to put out the money to become a CMT.

It depends on how many years of MT you have, but I guess whatever references you use on a regular basis would help. I know a lot of MTs will take some extra classes or get some specialized references to help study ahead of time, but that was not really needed 20 years ago, so not sure what is necessary these days.

I know I had to have a mentor sitting with me while I took the test, but I was able to do that right in the office I worked in at the time. I am sure you need to have a mentor with you now, also, but not sure how that works anymore either. I am glad I do not have to take that test now. I did not renew my CMT after the 1990s as I moved to a small town and no way of getting easy CECs like we could 20 years ago, when we had monthly meetings and annual state and national conventions to attend. Oh, for the good old days back again.

I get the CECs for free by just reading the journal articles and - answering a few questions

[ In Reply To ..]
It's not expensive at all to get your CECs. In fact, it's free! Just use the journal and take the quizzes in each category. No problem.

CMT - anon

[ In Reply To ..]
I believe you now have to pass the RMT exam before you can take the CMT exam. I do know that NO reference materials are allowed at the testing sites. I passed the first time, so I'm not so sure about a free retake. You can check this all out at AHDI Frequently Asked Questions About the CMT exam. Regarding studying for the CMT exam, I used the CMT Review Guide and the BOS. Hope this helps and good luck!

This is correct. - CMTx2

[ In Reply To ..]
As of January 2011, you now must pass the RMT before you can take the CMT (which is why I hurried and took the test (and passed) in December 2010).

No reference materials are allowed now, and you go to an independent testing center. There will be people sitting next to you who will be sitting for other certifications. The day I was there, there were a couple of veterinarian students sitting for some sort of exam.

The days of having a mentor proctor for the second part, like how it was done in the '90s, are long over.

I studied the CMT Review Guide and the BOS. I also purchased a set of test questions on 3 CDs through AHDI. You definitely must study. Please don't think you'll ace it just because you have 20 years' experience. I have 15 years' experience, studied a lot, and still barely passed it. It was *much* more difficult compared to when I took the test (and passed) back in the late '90s. (I did not keep up with my CECs and let my first CMT lapse -- a decision I greatly regret.)

I work at a hospital, and we are on the verge of outsourcing. My CMT is likely going to save my butt. I'll probably be the only one retained because of it and will be doing QA and shift lead/trouble-shooting work. (Whew.)

I do think it's worth your time and effort.

Thank you all - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
I will definitely check into this more. It seems that it is required to "move up the ladder". Thanks again.

Get the CMT blueprint guide - - A lifesaver!

[ In Reply To ..]
I passed my exam this past summer. I used the CMT test guide and also the exam blueprint. Make sure to read the appendices and study the EMR terms.

I can't believe people are still willing to waste their - money on this fake credential.

[ In Reply To ..]
It's making a few at the top in an anti-
US-MT organization, AHDI, very wealthy, and the poor MTs paying for this bogus credential are getting:
NOTHING
NADA
ZILCH
ZIP

in return, not to mention forking out more money to continue to keep the credential "valid".

AHDI and their cash cow (aka "CMT") are nothing but a money-making scheme which preys upon the insecurities of medical transcriptionists.

DON'T BUY INTO THIS FRAUD.

Unfortunately - sm

[ In Reply To ..]
Some of the larger hospitals are requiring you to be a CMT before applying. Not much we can do if we want to apply for a better paying job.

This 'fake' credential got me an entire extra - 1 cent per line

[ In Reply To ..]
which in this day and age is nothing to sneeze at.

Apparently my then-employer swallowed this 'fake' credential hook, line, and sinker. Gee. Poor them. And poor me, having to accept such a pay increase. Abuse! Call the labor department!

I disagree with you. I have a great deal of respect for CMTs - nm

[ In Reply To ..]
nm

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