Exam Preparation
Successful completion of AHDI credentialing exams will depend not only on training and experience but very often on focused exam preparation and study. A goal-oriented approach to competency preparation can make the difference between earning and not earning that coveted credential. Candidates should consider any or all of the following recommendations for exam prep, independent exercise, and/or collaborative group study:
1. Know and understand your exam blue print. The 130 items on the RMT exam and the 120 items on the CMT exam (250 total items on the CQE) come from specific core competency objectives outlined on the exam blue prints for each exam. Understanding what competency is going to be evaluated for each objective will assist a candidate in more focused and purposeful study. Blue prints for both exams along with sample assessment items and FAQs are housed in the candidate guide. Download that resource below. Take time to listen to the Steps to Credentialing recording below.
Credentialing Candidate Guide
Steps to Credentialing recording
2. Invest in exam prep resources and materials.
The CMT Exam Guide
The RMT Exam Guide
RMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives
CMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives
The Book of Style Workbook
The RMT Review Guide (Stedman’s) *
The CMT Review Guide (Stedman’s) *
For other potential self-assessment products, visit the Self-Assessment Section of the online store.
* The review guides published in partnership with Stedman’s were written prior to the release of the new RMT and CMT exam blue prints, so other supplement study will be required with those resources, but the majority of clinical and style content in these publications is still valid and aligns with the core competency objectives housed on the new exam blue prints.
NOTE: Our new exam guides and dictation/transcription practice products that align with the current exam blue prints are now available and can be found at the links below:
RMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blue Print
CMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Blue Print
RMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives
CMT Exam Guide: A Walk Through the Audio Objectives
3. Sign up for an exam prep online course. AHDI has partnered with Oak Horizons to offer prep courses for exam preparation to assist candidates with facilitated study. While by no means exhaustive, these courses serve as an excellent assessment for candidates who seek practical application exercise prior to examination. For more information about how to register for these courses, select the desired course below.
RMT Prep Assessment Course
CMT Prep Assessment Course
AHDI has partnered with TRSi to offer a technology-driven course in speech recognition editing, a core competency required under the CMT exam Blue print. Though not required, CMT candidates who would like practical experience in this competency prior to the exam will likely find this course a helpful exam prep resource.
Speech Recognition Editing Course
4. Join an RMT or CMT study group. One of the best ways to prepare for any exam is to partner with other candidates to study, learn, and tackle exam prep collaboratively. AHDI components and industry employers are some of the best sources for study group organization. Check the AHDI Events Calendar below for available study groups. If you don’t have a group meeting in your area, consider joining an online study group or hosting one of your own.
RMT Study Group Course
AHDI Events Calendar
RMT/CMT Exam Study Group Guide
Ready to take the exam? Seek eligibility here → Sign Up for an Exam