Thinking about a career in healthcare but not sure where to start? Becoming a certified medical scribe could be your perfect first step.
Medical scribes work closely with doctors, helping to record patient visits and manage electronic health records. It is a fast-growing role with real impact, and with the right scribe certification, you can jump into the field quickly.
From understanding the MSCE certificate to knowing what training you need, this guide will walk you through everything to kickstart your career.
Getting a scribe certification can make you stand out and increase your chances of being hired in these roles.
Top Medical Scribe Certifications (Including MSCE Certificate)
There are several well-known medical scribe certifications available, each offering different benefits depending on your goals and experience level.
Here are some of the top options, including the popular MSCE certificate:
1. Medical Scribe Certification Exam (MSCE™) – AHDPG
Offered by AHDPG, the MSCE™ leads to the Certified Medical Scribe Professional (CMSP™) credential. The exam has 100 multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions, with a passing score of 80%.
It covers topics like medical terms, anatomy, HIPAA, EHR use, and clinical workflows. The cost is $165 with no extra membership fees.
It is ideal for pre-med or pre-PA students looking to gain professional recognition as a medical scribe.
2. Certified Scribe Program (CSP) – AHDPG
The CSP by AHDPG trains scribes for fast-paced settings like emergency departments and outpatient clinics. It focuses on accurate, efficient documentation and workflow support.
Ideal for those looking to specialize in high-volume clinical environments, this certification helps build quick decision-making and strong charting skills.
It is suited for candidates aiming to work under pressure and maintain detailed, real-time documentation during patient visits.
3. ScribeAmerica Healthcare Scribe Certification (HSC)
Scribe America provides this certification and focuses on preparing scribes for jobs in hospitals and clinics.
It includes both training and certification, and is widely accepted by healthcare employers.
It is ideal for candidates looking for a direct path to employment, as many who complete the program are hired by ScribeAmerica for real-world scribing roles right after training.
4. ACMSO Medical Scribe Certification Program
ACMSO offers a recognized online certification program that covers medical terminology, clinical environment knowledge, EHR systems, HIPAA compliance, and real-time documentation skills.
It is self-paced and includes interactive modules, practice exams, and expert mentoring.
This flexible program is ideal for learners seeking comprehensive training from home and is widely respected in the healthcare industry.
5. Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (ADHI)
Another top-ranked medical scribe certification is the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) Medical Scribe Program.
This fully online program emphasizes essential medical scribe skills, professionalism, and clinical documentation standards. It covers medical terminology, patient confidentiality, health information management, and EHR usage.
With a flexible, self-paced format and a focus on current industry standards, it is ideal for those interested in clinical documentation improvement as well as healthcare careers requiring strong record-keeping and compliance skills.
Eligibility Criteria and Prerequisites for MSCE Certificate
To start your venture toward a medical scribe certification, it is important to first understand the basic requirements you will need to meet.
Here’s a quick overview of what most programs expect:
| REQUIREMENT | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | Usually 18 years or older |
| Education | High school diploma or GED |
| Language Skills | Must speak and write English clearly |
| Typing Speed | Recommended: 40–50 words per minute |
| Medical Knowledge | Basic understanding is helpful, but not needed |
| Training Program | Some certifications may require one |
These simple requirements help make sure you are ready to handle real medical settings.
Once you meet them, you can move forward with training and take your scribe certification exam confidently.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Medical Scribe Certification?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you earn your certification and begin your career in healthcare:
Step 1: Choose a Certification Program
Begin by picking a trusted certification program like the MSCE certificate from AHDPG or others like CMSS from ACMSS.
Make sure the certification is well-recognized by hospitals and clinics, and matches your career goals.
Reading reviews and checking job listings can help you see which certifications employers prefer.
Step 2: Complete a Training Course
Most programs offer or require a short training course before the exam.
These courses teach you important skills like medical terms, how to read and write patient charts, and how to use electronic health records (EHR).
You can find online or classroom options, depending on what suits your schedule.
Step 3: Register and Prepare for the Exam
After training, go to the official certification provider’s website to register for the exam.
Make sure you understand the cost, test format, and deadlines. Then start preparing with study guides, practice tests, and sample questions.
Review all the topics carefully, especially medical language, EHR use, and patient documentation.
Step 4: Take the Certification Exam
On exam day, you will answer multiple-choice questions and maybe some short fill-in-the-blank items.
The exam tests your knowledge of clinical terms, workflows, and privacy rules like HIPAA.
Most tests are timed, so try to stay calm and manage your time well during the test.
Step 5: Receive Your Certificate and Apply for Jobs
If you pass the exam, you will receive an official scribe certification showing that you’re qualified.
You can now start applying for medical scribe jobs in hospitals, clinics, or emergency rooms.
A certification improves your chances of getting hired and helps you stand out from other applicants.
Medical Scribe Certification Exam Procedures
Understanding the exam format and requirements helps you prepare effectively and know what to expect on test day.
- Multiple-Choice Format with Practical Components: Tests knowledge and real-time documentation skills
- Exam Duration Ranges from 1.5 to 2 Hours: Plan for adequate time to complete all sections
- Minimum Passing Score is 80%: Most certification programs require this threshold
- Exam Fees Typically Cost $150 to $300: Budget for certification expenses when planning
- Practical Components Assess Documentation Speed: You’ll demonstrate real-world scribe abilities
This credential opens doors to entry-level positions and shows healthcare facilities that you’re ready to handle the fast-paced demands of medical documentation.
Global Perspective on Medical Scribe Certification
Medical scribe certification opens doors beyond U.S. borders.
Some programs, like those from ACMSO, earn international recognition. This means you could work in hospitals and clinics around the world.
Your scribe skills transfer easily across different healthcare systems. Documentation, patient interaction, and medical terminology knowledge work everywhere.
In Canada, Australia, or European countries, certified scribes are valuable team members.
This global flexibility makes scribe certification a smart career investment. You are not limited to one country or healthcare system.
The Bottom Line
Medical scribe certification represents a valuable stepping stone into healthcare.
The combination of hands-on experience, competitive salaries, and flexible career paths makes this profession increasingly attractive. With technology advancing rapidly, skilled scribes remain in high demand.
The investment in certification pays off through better job prospects and higher earning potential.
Plus, your skills open doors to future healthcare careers or international opportunities.
Take the first step toward your healthcare goals. Research certification programs and start building your medical career foundation today.
