Eligibility, Registration & Certification Process
Key Takeaways
Candidates need a high school diploma or GED plus completion of an MA training program within the last 5 years OR 1 year of supervised clinical experience within the last 3 years (or 2 years within the last 5)
The exam fee is $169 and registration is completed online through the NHA website at nhanow.com
Candidates can test at a participating school, at PSI testing centers nationwide, or use live remote proctoring from home
Score results are available within 48 hours via the NHA online account portal
Certification renewal requires 10 CE credits and a $195 renewal fee every 2 years
If you fail the exam, you can retake it after a 30-day wait (three attempts, then a one-year wait), paying the full exam fee each time
NHA offers study materials including practice tests, study guides, and interactive learning tools
The CCMA credential is recognized by employers nationwide and may be required for clinical medical assistant positions
Eligibility Requirements
The NHA CCMA exam has two eligibility pathways — you must meet one of the following:
Pathway 1: Education-Based
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent |
| Training | Completion of a medical assistant training or education program |
| Timeframe | Program must have been completed within the last 5 years |
Pathway 2: Experience-Based
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | High school diploma, GED, or equivalent |
| Experience | 1 year of supervised clinical work experience as a medical assistant, or 2 years |
| Timeframe | 1 year within the last 3 years, or 2 years within the last 5 years (California residents: 2 years within the last 5) |
Key differences from CMA (AAMA):
- The CMA requires a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program, or AAMA's Alternative Pathway for other qualifying postsecondary programs — there is no experience pathway
- The NHA CCMA accepts training programs from any accredited or state-recognized institution or provider, plus registered apprenticeships, U.S. military medical services training and employer programs
- The NHA CCMA also allows candidates with supervised work experience to qualify, even without formal training program completion
Step-by-Step Certification Process
Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility
- Confirm you have a high school diploma or GED
- Gather documentation of your training program completion OR supervised work experience
- Ensure your training/experience falls within the required timeframe
Step 2: Create an NHA Account
- Visit nhanow.com and create a free online account
- Complete your candidate profile with personal information
- Select the CCMA certification exam
Step 3: Register and Pay
- Register for the CCMA exam through your NHA account
- Pay the $169 exam fee when you apply, unless your school or employer sponsors the exam (select your organization when you create your NHA account so any pre-purchased exam applies)
- Finish the payment within 2 hours of applying, or the application is voided
- Registration confirmation is sent to your email
Step 4: Schedule Your Exam
- Choose your testing method: your school (if it is an NHA testing site), a PSI testing center, or live remote proctoring
- For PSI centers: search for locations at psiexams.com and select your preferred date/time
- For remote proctoring: schedule through your NHA account and ensure your computer meets system requirements
- Testing is available year-round with flexible scheduling
Step 5: Take the Exam
- At a PSI center: arrive 15-30 minutes early with valid government-issued photo ID
- For remote proctoring: log in 15 minutes before your appointment, complete the check-in process
- Complete all 180 questions within the 3-hour time limit
Step 6: Receive Your Results
- Computer-based exam results are available within 48 hours
- You will receive an email notification when your score report is ready
- Log in to your NHA account to view your official results
- If you pass, your digital certificate and credential verification are available in your account
Retake Policy
| Policy | Details |
|---|---|
| Waiting Period | At least 30 days between attempts; after a third failed attempt, wait 1 year |
| Retake Fee | Full exam fee ($169) for each attempt |
| Score Report | Domain-level performance provided to guide future study |
| Study Plan | Focus on content areas rated Below or Near on your score report and review the test plan; NHA cannot require its study materials |
Certification Renewal
NHA CCMA certification is valid for 2 years from the date of certification. To maintain your credential:
Renewal Requirements:
- Complete 10 continuing education (CE) credits during each 2-year certification period
- Pay the $195 renewal fee (a separate fee applies to each additional NHA certification; the same 10 CE credits cover them all)
- CE credits can be earned through:
- NHA-approved online continuing education courses
- Employer-sponsored training programs
- Accredited healthcare conferences and workshops
- College coursework in healthcare-related subjects
Renewal Process:
- Log in to your NHA account before your certification expires
- Submit documentation of completed CE credits
- Pay the renewal fee
- Your certification is updated for another 2-year period
Lapsed Certification:
- Up to 30 days after expiration, you can still renew through the normal process
- From 30 days to 1 year after expiration, you must reinstate: 15 CE credits plus the renewal and reinstatement fees
- After 1 year, you must retake the CCMA exam
What to Bring on Exam Day (PSI Testing Center)
| Required | Details |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Current government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport |
| Confirmation | Exam scheduling confirmation (printed or on mobile device) |
| Name Match | Name on ID must exactly match the name on your NHA account |
NOT Allowed:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices
- Notes, textbooks, or study materials
- Food or drinks in the testing area
- Bags, purses, or backpacks (stored in a locker)
- Calculators or reference materials (none are needed)
Remote Proctoring Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Computer | Desktop or laptop with webcam and microphone; PSI lists 8 GB RAM minimum |
| Internet | Stable broadband; PSI lists 750 kbps minimum, 3 Mbps or faster recommended (checked October 2026) |
| Environment | Private, quiet room with no other people present |
| Desktop | Clear workspace — no papers, books, or devices visible |
| Browser | Compatible browser with PSI Secure Browser installed |
| ID | Government-issued photo ID shown to proctor via webcam |
Which of the following is a valid eligibility pathway for the NHA CCMA exam?
Must graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited program only
Must have a bachelor's degree in healthcare
High school diploma/GED plus completion of an MA training program within the last 5 years
No education requirements — only work experience is needed
What is the exam fee for the NHA CCMA certification exam?
$115
$169
$250
$300
How many continuing education credits are required to renew NHA CCMA certification?
5 CE credits every year
10 CE credits every 2 years
30 CE credits every 3 years
60 CE credits every 5 years
Put the NHA CCMA certification steps in the correct order from first to last.
Arrange the items in the correct order
Receive CCMA credential and digital certificate
Create NHA account and register
Schedule exam at PSI center or remote proctoring
Verify eligibility (education or experience)
Take the exam (180 questions in 3 hours)
Pay the $169 exam fee
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.