Key Takeaways
- The RMA (AMT) and CMA (AAMA) are both widely recognized medical assistant certifications accepted by most employers
- The RMA offers 5 eligibility routes (including work experience), while the CMA requires graduation from a CAAHEP/ABHES program
- The RMA exam is faster-paced (34 sec/question) compared to the CMA (48 sec/question)
- The RMA exam costs $150, making it significantly less expensive than the CMA ($250-$300)
- The RMA offers online testing via OnVUE, while the CMA is only available at Prometric centers
- RMA recertification is every 3 years (30 CCP points); CMA recertification is every 5 years (60 CEUs)
- Both certifications are accepted by most employers, though some may prefer one over the other based on regional or organizational tradition
- The RMA is an excellent option for career changers, military veterans, and experienced medical assistants without formal education credentials
Last updated: February 2026
RMA vs. CMA: Choosing the Right Certification
Both the RMA (AMT) and CMA (AAMA) are nationally recognized medical assistant certifications. Understanding the differences helps you choose the credential that best fits your situation.
Comprehensive Comparison
| Feature | RMA (AMT) | CMA (AAMA) |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Body | American Medical Technologists | American Association of Medical Assistants |
| Total Questions | 210 | 200 (180 scored + 20 pretest) |
| Time Limit | 120 minutes (2 hours) | 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes) |
| Time per Question | ~34 seconds | ~48 seconds |
| Passing Score | Scaled 70 / 100 | Scaled 430 / 750 (~64%) |
| Exam Fee | $150 | $250 (member) / $300 (non-member) |
| Retake Fee | $110 | Full exam fee ($250/$300) |
| Testing Vendor | Pearson VUE | Prometric |
| Online Testing | Yes (OnVUE) | No |
| Content Domains | 4 domains | 3 domains |
| Eligibility Routes | 5 (education, competency, experience, military, instructor) | 1 (CAAHEP/ABHES graduate) |
| Recertification Cycle | Every 3 years | Every 5 years |
| Continuing Education | 30 CCP points per 3 years | 60 CEUs per 5 years |
| Annual Dues | $75/year | Varies (optional AAMA membership) |
| Pass Rate | ~70% | ~65-70% |
Who Should Choose the RMA?
The RMA is the best choice if:
- You did not graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program
- You have 3+ years of medical assisting work experience and want to obtain certification
- You have military medical training that you want to credential
- You prefer online testing (OnVUE) over testing at a physical center
- You want a more affordable certification option ($150 vs. $250-$300)
- You are a career changer entering medical assisting through a non-traditional pathway
- You teach medical assisting at an accredited institution
Who Should Choose the CMA?
The CMA is the best choice if:
- You graduated from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program
- Your employer or state specifically requires the CMA (AAMA) credential
- You want the credential that is sometimes considered the "gold standard" in certain regions
- You prefer a longer exam time (more time per question)
- You want a longer recertification cycle (5 years vs. 3 years)
Bottom Line: Employer Acceptance
- Most employers accept both the RMA and CMA
- Some employers or regions may have a slight preference for one over the other
- Having any national certification is far better than being uncertified
- Check job postings in your area to see which certification is most commonly requested
- Both certifications lead to the same job roles and similar salary ranges
Test Your Knowledge
What is the PRIMARY advantage of the RMA over the CMA for candidates without formal medical assisting education?
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Test Your Knowledge
Which certification exam offers online testing through OnVUE?
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Test Your Knowledge
How do the recertification requirements compare between RMA and CMA?
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