5.2 RMA vs. CMA: Choosing the Right Certification
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 and military training; the CMA (AAMA) accepts CAAHEP/ABHES students and graduates, its alternative pathway for other qualifying programs, and medical assisting educators, but has no work-experience route
The RMA exam is faster-paced (34 sec/question) compared to the CMA (48 sec/question)
The RMA exam costs $150; the CMA costs $125 for AAMA members and recent graduates and $250 for nonmembers
The RMA is taken in person at a Pearson VUE site (AMT is not authorizing new remote-proctored exams); the CMA is delivered by PSI at a test center or by live remote proctoring
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
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 405 (scale 200-800) |
| Exam Fee | $150 | $125 (AAMA member or recent graduate) / $250 (nonmember) |
| Retake Fee | $150 | Full exam fee for each attempt ($125/$250) |
| Testing Vendor | Pearson VUE | PSI |
| Online Testing | No (in person at Pearson VUE) | Yes (PSI live remote proctoring) |
| Content Areas | 3 work areas | 3 content areas (general, administrative, clinical) |
| Eligibility Routes | 5 (education, competency, experience, military, instructor) | CAAHEP/ABHES student or graduate, alternative pathway, or MA educator; no work-experience route |
| Recertification Cycle | Every 3 years | Every 5 years |
| Continuing Education | 30 CCP points per 3 years | 60 CEUs per 5 years (30 must be AAMA CEUs), or retake the exam |
| Annual Dues | $75/year | None required (AAMA membership is optional) |
| Pass Rate | 71% of candidates examined (2025) | 69% of first-time candidates (July 2024 to April 2025) |
CMA (AAMA) facts are from the AAMA certification pages and the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application and Policies, checked October 22, 2026.
Who Should Choose the RMA?
The RMA is the best choice if:
- You did not graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program, and your program does not qualify for AAMA's alternative pathway
- 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 are not an AAMA member, completing student or recent graduate and want the lower fee ($150 vs. $250 for other CMA nonmembers; AAMA members, completing students and recent graduates pay $125)
- You are a career changer entering medical assisting through a non-traditional pathway
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
What is the PRIMARY advantage of the RMA over the CMA for candidates without formal medical assisting education?
The RMA allows more time per question
The RMA accepts a work-experience route
The RMA exam has fewer total questions
The RMA is recognized by more employers
Where is a new AMT RMA exam attempt taken in 2026?
At home, through live remote proctoring
In person, at a Pearson VUE test site
At a PSI test center, as for the CMA
On paper, through a mailed exam booklet
How do the recertification requirements compare between RMA and CMA?
RMA: 60 CEUs every 5 years; CMA: 30 CCP every 3 years
RMA: 30 CCP every 3 years; CMA: 60 CEUs every 5 years
Both require 60 CEUs every 5 years
Both require 30 CCP every 3 years
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