Certified Medical Device Auditor (CMDA) Exam FAQs
What is the purpose of the Certified Medical Device Auditor (CMDA) exam?
The CMDA exam is designed to validate a professional’s ability to audit medical device quality systems against applicable standards, regulations, and best practices. It assesses both technical understanding and practical auditing judgment across the defined Body of Knowledge.
What type of questions are included in the exam?
The exam consists entirely of multiple-choice questions that evaluate comprehension, analysis, and application of auditing concepts rather than simple memorization. Each question has one correct answer.
In which formats is the CMDA exam offered?
Candidates can take the CMDA exam either as a computer-based test at an authorized test center or as a paper-and-pencil exam at approved locations, depending on availability and scheduling.
Is the CMDA exam conducted as an open-book exam?
Yes, the CMDA exam is open-book. Candidates are allowed to bring their own printed reference materials, such as standards, textbooks, and notes, provided they comply with exam center policies.
How many questions are scored on the computer-based CMDA exam?
While the computer-based exam presents more questions overall, only a defined portion is scored. The remaining questions are unscored and are included for exam development and future validation purposes.
What language is the CMDA exam administered in?
The exam is offered exclusively in English, and all exam questions, instructions, and result communications are provided in English.
How and when are CMDA exam results shared?
For computer-based exams, candidates receive an immediate preliminary pass or fail result upon completion. Official confirmation is later emailed by ASQ after final processing. Paper-based exam results require additional processing time before notification.
What happens if I do not pass the CMDA exam?
Candidates who do not pass receive a performance summary highlighting strengths and areas for improvement. Retakes are permitted within a specified time window, usually at a reduced retake fee.
What role does the Body of Knowledge play in exam preparation?
The Body of Knowledge defines the subject areas, topics, and cognitive levels tested in the exam. It serves as the official blueprint for study planning and should guide all preparation efforts.
Are calculators allowed during the exam?
For computer-based exams, an on-screen calculator is typically provided. For paper-based exams, candidates may use approved non-programmable calculators in accordance with testing policies.
Are practice questions or mock exams available for preparation?
Yes, practice resources such as question banks and sample exams are available to help candidates become familiar with the exam format, question style, and time management requirements.
What credentials do candidates receive after passing the exam?
After successfully passing the exam, candidates receive official certification confirmation along with instructions to access their digital certificate and certification badge through ASQ’s credentialing platform.
