A registered medical transcriptionist obtains certification via an examination given by the Association For Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). The RMT test consists of a 130-question exam, which is comprised of multiple-choice and fill-in-the-blank questions. There is also a transcription-performance portion of the test, in which dictation must be transcribed and edited.

Upon passing the RMT exam, the credential is valid for 3 years. After three years, the credential can be renewed via a test or attendance of a designated professional course.