Frequently Asked Questions about the AMS Program

How should I prepare for the AMS exam?
Anyone preparing for the AMS exam should read and study each Core Curriculum course. The progress checks and course test for each course are particularly helpful for exam preparation. In addition, the candidate can test their own mastery of each course using the online prep tests on HIDA’s AMS Website (www.hidaeducation.org) (license required).

A highlighter pen is also a great tool for AMS study. Highlight terms, facts, and other key points in the material, and ask a friend to quiz you. Remember that AMS exam questions cover the factual points and sales methods covered in the material, not the examples and other "softer" content.

Must I buy the AMS Sales Training Program in order to take the AMS exam?
The AMS Exam is available to employees of AMS Licensee companies only. In order to be a licensee company, the company must also be a HIDA member company or a HIDA Associate Member.

What is the fee to take the AMS exam?

Candidates from companies with current AMS Sales Training licenses take the AMS Exam free of charge. If the tester fails to pass the test on the first attempt, a 30-day waiting period and $99 fee apply.

What is the format of the exam and what does it cover?
The exam has 95 multiple-choice questions, each with just one right answer. The exam includes approximately 5-10 questions from each of the 13 AMS Core Curriculum courses. Content covered includes selling techniques, account and territory management methods, the distribution business, human body systems and functions, medical products and procedures, third-party reimbursement for healthcare, and key customer issues.

What happens if I fail the exam?
Only the candidate is notified of a failing score on the AMS exam. (The company trainer or manager may access the score via HIDA’s AMS Website.) The candidate may re-take the exam after one month. A new exam application is required.

What is the exam re-take fee?
The exam re-take fee is $99. A 30-day restudy period also applies.

May I get a copy of my test to see where I made errors?
To protect the integrity of the AMS exam over time, HIDA does not provide copies of tests or test answers.

If I re-take the exam, are the questions the same?
The exam format and the content covered are the same every time, but the exact questions vary to ensure the integrity of the exam.

Can I receive credit for non-HIDA training programs?
HIDA can approve other training programs for credit on a case-by-case basis. To request credit, the AMS-holder should contact support@hida.org and provide proof of attendance. The program content must be relevant to medical products sales. HIDA has sole authority to determine whether a program qualifies for AMS points.

How do I maintain AMS accreditation?
AMS accreditation is active for at least one year after the date when you pass the AMS exam. After that, you must earn 6 AMS points each year to keep the AMS designation current. To request an extension to the one year requirement, contact support@hida.org.