CMA Certification Process & Eligibility
Key Takeaways
Eligibility requires one AAMA route: graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program, prior CMA certification, the alternative pathway, or at least 1,000 hours as a medical assisting educator
Completing students may register once classroom coursework (excluding practicum) is done, or no earlier than 30 days prior to completion of all formal coursework requirements, including the practicum; recent graduates apply within 12 months of graduation
The exam fee is $125 for AAMA members, completing students and recent graduates, and $250 for nonmembers
Candidates may take the exam up to six times within a 12-month period, with no required waiting period between attempts
CMA certification must be renewed every 60 months through 60 CEUs or by reexamination
Recertification CEUs must include at least 10 in each of the three content areas (General, Administrative, Clinical)
AAMA membership provides discounted exam fees
The CMA (AAMA) credential is recognized by employers nationwide as the gold standard for medical assistants
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
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | One AAMA route: graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program, prior CMA certification, the alternative pathway, or medical assisting educator (1,000 hours) |
| Program Completion | Completing students may register once classroom coursework (excluding practicum) is finished, or no earlier than 30 days prior to completion of all formal coursework requirements, including the practicum |
| Application Window | Recent graduates apply within 12 months of graduation |
| Returning CMAs | Previously certified CMAs whose credential has lapsed can also apply |
| No Experience Required | Clinical experience is not a prerequisite for the exam |
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
- Completing students may apply once classroom coursework (excluding practicum) is finished, or no earlier than 30 days prior to completion of all formal coursework requirements, including the practicum
Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee
- $125 for AAMA members, completing students and recent graduates
- $250 for nonmembers
- 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 PSI at test-takers.psiexams.com/aama or by calling PSI at 855/340-0092
- Choose a PSI test center or live remote proctoring, then your date and time
- Watch for the PSI scheduling email, which arrives within 24 hours of applying online
Step 5: Take the Exam
- Arrive at the PSI test center at least 30 minutes before your appointment (live remote proctoring candidates check in 30 minutes early)
- Bring two forms of identification (one government-issued photo ID)
- Pass/fail notification provided immediately after completing the exam
Step 6: Receive Official Results
- Official score report emailed about 24 hours after testing
- 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
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Waiting Period | None between attempts |
| Maximum Attempts | 6 attempts within a 12-month period |
| Retake Fee | A fee for each attempt ($125 AAMA members, completing students and recent graduates; $250 nonmembers) |
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)
- 30 of the 60 CEUs must be AAMA CEUs; the other 30 can come from 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
| Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary ID | Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport) |
| Secondary ID | Second form of ID with signature (credit card, Social Security card) |
| Name Match | Name on IDs must match your AAMA application name |
NOT Allowed:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
- Notes, textbooks, or study materials
- Food or drinks (stored in a locker)
- Calculators (on the prohibited personal items list)
Study Timeline Recommendations
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 6 months before | Begin reviewing content, identify weak areas |
| 4 months before | Start structured study plan, practice questions daily |
| 2 months before | Focus on weak areas, take full-length practice exams |
| 1 month before | Review key facts, continue practice questions, build stamina |
| 1 week before | Light review only, ensure logistics are planned |
| Day before | Rest, prepare materials, confirm appointment details |
Tips for Exam Day Success
- Get a good night's sleep — avoid cramming the night before
- Eat a balanced meal — avoid heavy or sugary foods that may cause energy crashes
- Arrive early — at least 30 minutes before your appointment
- Read each question carefully — understand what is being asked before looking at options
- Eliminate wrong answers first — narrow down to the best choice
- Don't change answers without a clear reason
- Flag difficult questions — skip and return to them rather than spending too much time
- Pace yourself — 48 seconds per question; check your progress at question 50, 100, and 150
- Answer every question — there's no penalty for guessing
- Stay calm — take deep breaths if you feel anxious; you can take your optional break
Which accrediting bodies must a medical assisting program be accredited by in order for graduates to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam?
AMA or AAMC
CAAHEP or ABHES
AAMA or AHA
JCAHO or CMS
How long is CMA (AAMA) certification valid before recertification is required?
24 months (2 years)
36 months (3 years)
48 months (4 years)
60 months (5 years)
How many times may a candidate take the CMA (AAMA) exam within a 12-month period?
Three
Four
Six
Unlimited
How many total CEUs are required for CMA recertification, and what is the minimum per content area?
40 total CEUs, minimum 5 per area
50 total CEUs, minimum 10 per area
60 total CEUs, minimum 10 per area
80 total CEUs, minimum 20 per area
Put the CMA (AAMA) certification steps in the correct order from first to last.
Arrange the items in the correct order
Pay the exam fee
Take and pass the exam at a PSI test center or by live remote proctoring
Submit application to AAMA Certification Department
Graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program
Receive CMA (AAMA) credential
Schedule exam through PSI
Match each CMA (AAMA) exam detail to the correct value.
Match each item on the left with the correct item on the right
Total questions
Exam time
Passing score
Member exam fee
Recertification cycle
Retake waiting period
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.