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Board Certification 

The process for earning the Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) credential is based on a body of knowledge specific to your profession. You won’t find another medical practice management certification program as robust and clearly defined as this one. Quote from Rodney Haynes

The Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management defines the unique qualities and competencies a successful medical practice executive must possess.

  • ACMPE developed and regularly updates the Body of Knowledge, utilizing role delineation studies and expert panels of medical practice executives.
  • The professional competencies and eight domains, or areas of responsibility, outlined in the Body of Knowledge provide the framework for the certification exams and the basis for the continuing education requirement.

Medical practice management requires mastery of a broad knowledge and a deep skill set unique to the group practice environment. As such, the ACMPEhealthcare management certification program is specifically designed for practice managers with at least two years of experience.

To ensure your success, you will receive ongoing support from our dedicated volunteers and staff. Additionally, you will have the camaraderie of your colleagues as they too embark on this journey. You will also have access to:

  • Exam preparation resources
  • Free continuing education
  • Exclusive networking opportunities that often result in life-long professional friendships.

Everyone at MGMA-ACMPE is committed to your success.
  • To apply to the ACMPE board certification program and work toward obtaining the CMPE credential, you must:

  • Be a current MGMA-ACMPE member.
  • Pay a one-time $250 ACMPE board certification application fee.
  • Submit your completed application form, along with documentation of two years of healthcare management experience, including at least six months in a supervisory role. Adobe PDF

  • Once we’ve received your application fee and form and verified your professional experience, we’ll notify you of your acceptance into the healthcare management certification program!
  • ACMPE board certification validates your knowledge and skills through the completion of three requirements: an objective exam, an essay exam and continuing education. The process is designed to work for your success. Whether you decide to complete your continuing education hours first, take one or both of your exams first, or do everything concurrently is up to you.
  • Types of Exams


    To achieve the CMPE credential, members must pass both the objective and essay examinations. Developed by Certified Members and Fellows, these exams will test you on factual information, problem-solving skills, written communication and general management knowledge. The exams will span the four competencies and eight areas of responsibility outlined in the Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management.

    The CMPE credential covers eight areas of expertise, allowing you to master each area of practice management:
      Business OperationsFinancial Management Human Resource ManagementInformation Management Organizational Governance Patient Care Systems Quality Management Risk Management
    Objective exam: Candidates must receive a score of at least 70 percent on a 175-item, multiple-choice test within three hours and 15 minutes. Fee: $165  

    This exam assesses your on-the-job knowledge of a broad scope of group practice management principles and practices as described in the Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management.

    Essay exam: Candidates must use formal essay style to respond to questions on three real-life practice management situations within one and a half hours. Fee: $165  

    This exam assesses in-depth knowledge of medical practice management principles and issues, problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to communicate in formal writing style.

    View tip sheets for the essay and objective exams.  

  • Eligibility


    Objective and essay exams are designed to demonstrate your level of expertise in medical practice management. As such, examinees must have two years of ambulatory or other healthcare management experience. This experience must include at least six months as a direct supervisor of people in a healthcare delivery system, as well as significant functional responsibility in at least one of the Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management domains.

  • Exam registration


    Objective exams are offered via computer at many locations across the United States. Learn more about exam dates and registration details.

  • Credit hours


    Candidates must accumulate 50 credit hours in order to advance to CMPE status (assuming all the other requirements have been completed). You may receive credit for continuing education taken within one month prior to your Nominee acceptance date. You may choose to work concurrently on preparing for and taking the exams and meeting the continuing education requirements.

    Get more information on qualifying continuing education activities.

  • The ACMPE Certification Commission and the MGMA-ACMPE Board vote monthly to confer and award the CMPE designation to individuals who have completed the requirements. Once you have completed the board certification requirements, your name will be presented to the ACMPE Certification Commission and the MGMA-ACMPE Board. After the vote is final, ACMPE will send official notification of your advancement.

  • Once you achieve your certification, ensure that you enjoy instant recognition as an effective and experienced leader in your field by:

  • Including the CMPE designation after your name in all business correspondence, published articles, speaking engagement materials, etc. Don’t forget to add it to your automatic email signature and your profile in the MGMA Member Community.
  • Reprinting your business cards and résumé, with the CMPE designation placed after your name. Be sure to use “CMPE” and not “C.M.P.E.” To further clarify the meaning of CMPE in a context such as a resume, you can add:
    "A person who has earned the Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) designation has achieved board certification in medical practice management. The American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE) certifies an individual’s competence and advancement to CMPE status when the individual has passed objective and essay examinations and earned 50 continuing education credit hours.”
  • Incorporating this accomplishment into your next performance evaluation/annual review.
  • Prominently displaying your board certification certificate.
  • Send a news release to local news publications, business groups, associations and community groups to which you and/or your organization belong.
  • Once you have earned the CMPE credential, you must meet an ongoing continuing education requirement to ensure up-to-date knowledge and skills.

  • CMPEs (and Fellows) must earn and submit:  

  • 50 hours of qualifying credit every three years  
  • All members are on the same three-year cycle; the current cycle began Jan. 1, 2010 and concludes Dec. 31, 2012. MGMA-ACMPE will calculate a prorated requirement for Certified Members who advance after the beginning of the current cycle. Be sure to check your transcript regularly to see how many hours you still need to fulfill.

  • To qualify for the requirement, the activity’s subject matter must be relevant to the ACMPE Body of Knowledge for Medical Practice Management. Get more information about qualifying continuing education activities.