Medical Assistant Certification: How to Ace the CMA Today

What is a Certified Medical Assistant?

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is a healthcare professional who has completed a training program and passed the CMA exam administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. CMAs assist doctors with patient care, including tasks like taking vital signs and patient histories, scheduling appointments, and managing medical records.

It’s a role that requires high-level organizational and administrative skills, as well as an analytical mind and interpersonal skills. If you enjoy working with people, multi-tasking, and blending administrative tasks with clinical interactions, becoming a CMA could be a good fit for you.

Certification Requirements for Medical Assistants

The CMA offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is one of the most recognizable credentials in the field, followed by the Registered Medical Assistant offered by American Medical Technologists. Whichever route you choose, you’ll need to meet eligibility requirements and other guidelines to sit for the test. Requirements include:

• Graduate from an approved medical assisting program
• Register for the examination of your choice
• Pay any associated fees
• Pass the certification examination
• Renew your certification as needed

Types of Medical Assistant Certifications

Deciding to pursue certification can be an easy decision to make. After all, it can open the door to new job opportunities and greater income potential. The challenge is knowing which certification option to pursue. Medical assistants have several choices, each offered by a different professional organization. Here’s a look at some of the available programs, their eligibility requirements, and who may benefit.

Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is considered the gold standard medical assistant certification. Offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants, it’s only available to those who meet certain education requirements. To become a CMA, you must first graduate from an approved medical assisting program, then take and pass the CMA exam administered by the AAMA. The test consists of 200 multiple-choice questions in clinical, general, and administrative categories, and is available on demand. It costs $30 for AAMA members and $45 for non-members. Once obtained, the CMA designation is valid for five years before recertification.

Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

Becoming a Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is another option for professionals in this field. Offered by American Medical Technologists, this test is open to graduates of medical assistant programs, military members who graduated from medical service training programs, medical assistants with at least five years of experience, and medical assisting instructors. Regardless of the route, all applicants must pass a certification exam. The computer-based exam is $135 and takes approximately two hours to complete. To maintain certification, RMAs must pay a $50 annual fee and earn 30 points of continuing education every three years.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

The National Healthcareer Association offers the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). There are two ways to qualify to take the exam. The first is to graduate from a medical assistant training or education program. The second is to complete one year of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field. The exam is available in person or online; students can choose the format and date when they register and pay the associated examination fee of $165. Certifications must be renewed every two years, and CCMAs must complete 10 continuing education credits to get recertified.

National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

Offered by the National Center for Competency Testing, the National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential offers multiple pathways to certification. The NCMA is for those who have graduated from an authorized medical assisting program in the past 10 years, have at least two years of full-time work experience within the past 10 years, have at least 10 years of experience as a medical assistant instructor, or have completed the military equivalent of medical assistant training. The $119 exam consists of 150 scored questions; renewal is $77 each year.

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant is offered by the National Healthcareer Association. What sets this certification apart is that it is specifically for those who want to specialize in administrative, rather than clinical tasks. To take the CMAA exam, applicants need to have completed a medical administrative assistant training program or have one year of supervised work experience in a medical administrative assistant program. The CMAA certification exam costs $129 and can be taken online or in person. Ten continuing education credits are required to renew a certification, required every two years.

FAQs About Medical Assistant Certification

If you’re considering becoming a medical assistant, you probably have lots of questions about getting your education, your future in the medical field, and how being a CMA differs from other medical careers. Plenty of students have the same questions, so we’ve listed the most common ones with answers below.

Can a CMA call themselves a nurse?

No. Certified Medical Assistants are distinctly different from nurses, and they’re not allowed to refer to themselves as nurses. In fact, in some states, it’s illegal for anyone without a valid nursing license to identify themselves as a nurse. CMAs and nurses have different levels of education, different skill sets, and different licensing requirements. Nurses must complete a qualified nursing program and then pass the NCLEX-PN (for licensed practical nurses) or NCLEX-RN (for registered nurses) before becoming a licensed nurse.

How much does it cost to get CMA certified?

Certificate programs are usually the most affordable CMA programs. Full-degree programs take longer and cost more. Expect to pay $1,500-$10,000 for your CMA program, before scholarships and financial aid. When it comes to certification, costs vary depending on the certification you pursue and how many times you must take the exam to pass. Expect to pay between $100-$165 for each exam.

How long does CMA certification take?

CMA certification takes between four months and two years. Ultimately, it will depend on the program you attend and how much time you can dedicate to your studies. You can choose between earning a diploma from an online medical assistant program (a few months), getting a certificate from a community college (about a year of full-time study), or an associate degree from a community college (two years of full-time study).

Can I get my MA certification online?

Yes, you can get your MA certification online. There are plenty of medical assisting programs available entirely or mostly online. However, many programs require some form of in-person externship to gain hands-on experience. While that may seem inconvenient, it’s important and can help you become a stronger job candidate. Once you’ve completed your MA program, you can also take your certification exam online. Many certifying bodies offer online options for their exams.

What is the difference between a CMA and a CNA?

Certified medical assistants (CMAs) can serve in a variety of roles in healthcare settings. They might manage office work, handle clinical procedures, manage patients, or a combination of these. For instance, in a doctor’s office, you might find a CMA prepping the exam room before an appointment or performing diagnostic tests. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) spend all their time with patients, providing basic care and support like dressing, bathing, and taking vital signs.