CMA Certification Process & Eligibility

Earning the CMA (AAMA) credential requires meeting specific educational requirements and passing the certification exam. Understanding the full process helps you plan your timeline and avoid delays.

Eligibility Requirements

Accreditation Matters

Your medical assisting program must be accredited by one of two organizations:

• CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) — The most common accreditor for medical assisting programs, with over 600 accredited programs nationwide
• ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) — Also accepted by AAMA, typically accredits career schools and technical colleges

Programs that are not accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES do not qualify you to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam. Verify your program's accreditation before enrolling.

Step-by-Step Certification Process

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Program

• Graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program
• Programs typically take 1-2 years (certificate, diploma, or associate degree)
• Curriculum covers clinical, administrative, and general medical assisting competencies
• Programs include both didactic instruction and supervised clinical externship

Step 2: Submit Your Application

• Apply online through the AAMA Certification Department website
• Submit official transcripts or verification of program completion
• You can apply up to 30 days before your anticipated graduation date

Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee

• $250 for AAMA members
• $300 for non-members
• $50 late fee may apply for applications submitted outside the standard window
• Payment is made online via credit/debit card

Step 4: Schedule Your Exam

• After your application is approved, you receive authorization to schedule
• Schedule through Prometric at prometric.com or by calling Prometric
• Choose a Prometric test center location and preferred date/time
• Testing is available year-round

Step 5: Take the Exam

• Arrive at the Prometric center at least 30 minutes before your appointment
• Bring two forms of identification (one government-issued photo ID)
• Preliminary pass/fail result displayed on screen immediately after completing the exam

Step 6: Receive Official Results

• Official score report mailed within 6-8 weeks
• If you pass, your CMA (AAMA) certificate is included with the score report
• If you do not pass, the report includes performance by content area

Retake Policy

Recertification Requirements

CMA (AAMA) certification is valid for 60 months (5 years). To maintain your credential, you must recertify before it expires.

Option 1: Continuing Education (60 CEUs)

• Earn 60 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) over the 60-month period
• Must include at least 10 CEUs in each of the three content areas:
  • General Knowledge (10+ CEUs)
  • Administrative Knowledge (10+ CEUs)
  • Clinical Knowledge (10+ CEUs)
• The remaining 30 CEUs can be in any combination of content areas
• CEUs can be earned through AAMA-approved courses, seminars, workshops, and online programs

Option 2: Reexamination

• Retake and pass the CMA (AAMA) exam before your certification expires
• Same exam format, fee, and passing score apply

What to Bring on Exam Day

NOT Allowed:

• Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
• Notes, textbooks, or study materials
• Food or drinks (stored in a locker)
• Calculators (one is provided on the computer if needed)

Study Timeline Recommendations

Tips for Exam Day Success

1. Get a good night's sleep — avoid cramming the night before
2. Eat a balanced meal — avoid heavy or sugary foods that may cause energy crashes
3. Arrive early — at least 30 minutes before your appointment
4. Read each question carefully — understand what is being asked before looking at options
5. Eliminate wrong answers first — narrow down to the best choice
6. Don't change answers unless you're certain — your first instinct is often correct
7. Flag difficult questions — skip and return to them rather than spending too much time
8. Pace yourself — 48 seconds per question; check your progress at question 50, 100, and 150
9. Answer every question — there's no penalty for guessing
10. Stay calm — take deep breaths if you feel anxious; you can take your optional break