About the Exam
Eligibility
Candidates must have graduated from an accredited medical assisting program to be eligible for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. This includes programs accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Additionally, candidates must have completed a practicum of at least 160 hours in an outpatient setting.
Candidacy Limits
Candidates are allowed three attempts to pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. Each attempt must be taken within five years of graduation from the medical assisting program. If a candidate does not pass the exam after three attempts, they must complete a new accredited medical assisting program to regain eligibility.
Content
The CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam content is divided into three main areas: Clinical Competency, General, and Administrative. Each section covers specific topics and skills essential for a Certified Medical Assistant. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, 180 of which are scored and 20 pretested.
Security
Exam security is a top priority to ensure the integrity and validity of the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. Candidates are required to present valid identification and adhere to strict testing policies. Any violations of the exam security policies may invalidate exam scores and forfeiture of exam fees.
NCCA Accreditation
The CMA (AAMA) Certification Program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). This accreditation demonstrates compliance with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs, ensuring that the certification program adheres to high standards of practice in the certification industry.
Test Administrator
The CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam is administered by Pearson VUE, a leading provider of computer-based testing services. Pearson VUE offers a secure and convenient testing environment, with test centers located across the United States and internationally.
Digital Badges
Candidates are awarded a digital badge upon passing the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. This badge serves as a verifiable digital credential that can be shared on social media, included in email signatures, and displayed on professional profiles. It provides instant recognition of the candidate’s achievement and certification status.
Recertification Requirements
Certified Medical Assistants (CMA (AAMA)) must recertify every 60 months to maintain their certification status. Recertification can be achieved by passing the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam again or by earning continuing education units (CEUs). A total of 60 CEUs are required for recertification, with specific requirements for clinical, administrative, and general categories.