The following general information is intended to provide the candidate with fundamental information on how to prepare for the examination. The examination has two parts. The first section is comprised of one hundred (100) objective questions that test the candidate's awareness of the Body of Knowledge. The second section requires the candidate to respond in written form to three questions based on current healthcare issues and developments.

Examination results will be reported on a pass/fail basis only.

The examination is based on the basic body of knowledge, understanding, skills and values relevant to healthcare administration as defined by the Accrediting Commission on Education for Health Service Administration (ACEHSA). Such information and learning can be achieved from work experience, reading, professional associations as well as formal academic education. 

Consideration is given to the eight ACEHSA areas outlined below in the development of the credentialing examination.

1. Assessment and understanding of the health status of populations; determinants of health and illness; and factors influencing the use of health services.

2. Understanding of the organization, financing, and delivery of health services, drawing on the social science disciplines (broadly defined to include economics, law, political science, psychology, sociology, and related disciplines).

3. Understanding of, and development of skills in, economic, financial, policy, and quantitative analysis.

4. Understanding of the values and ethical issues associated with the practice of health services administration, and the development of skills in ethical analysis.

5. Understanding of, and development of skills in, positioning organizations favorably in the environment and managing these organizations for continued effectiveness.

6. Understanding of leadership creativity and communication skill development.

7. Understanding of, and development of skills in, the management of human resources, information systems, and capital.

8. Understanding of, and development of skills in, methods for assessing overall organizational performance and, in particular, assuring quality of services provided.

Study Guides Available

The exam is based on the reading material available in the Study Guide.

Download AAMA Study Guide (PDF)
Includes test overview, sample test, and suggested reading list.

Download CAAMA Study Guide (PDF)
Created by Army-Baylor University.

In order to view a PDF you must have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader software(6.0) installed on your computer. There is no charge to obtain this software and it can be downloaded directly over the Internet from the Adobe Web site.