How to Get CMA Certification: Your Complete Guide to Medical Assistant Credentials

If you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant, you’ve probably heard about certification—and you might be wondering which one is right for you. The good news is that becoming a certified medical assistant opens doors to a stable, rewarding career in healthcare, and the path to certification is more accessible than you might think.

Medical assistant certifications come in several forms, including CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), RMA (Registered Medical Assistant), and CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant). While each certification has slightly different requirements, they all lead to similar job opportunities and demonstrate your competence to potential employers. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about getting certified as a medical assistant—from understanding the different types of certifications to choosing the right training program.

Understanding Medical Assistant Certifications

Before diving into how to get certified, it’s important to understand what these certifications mean and why they matter.

Medical assistant certifications are credentials that verify you’ve completed the necessary training and passed a standardized exam. While not all states require certification to work as a medical assistant, many employers prefer or require it—and certified medical assistants typically earn higher wages and have better job prospects.

The Three Main Certifications

CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) The CMA credential is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and is often considered the most widely recognized certification. It emphasizes both clinical and administrative skills and requires graduates from accredited programs.

RMA (Registered Medical Assistant) The RMA certification is provided by American Medical Technologists (AMT) and offers more flexible pathways to eligibility, including options for experienced medical assistants and military medical personnel.

CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) The CCMA credential comes from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and focuses primarily on clinical skills. This certification is ideal for those who want to emphasize hands-on patient care over administrative duties.

All three certifications are nationally recognized and respected by employers. The choice between them often comes down to your training program, career goals, and personal preferences.

Step-by-Step: How to Get CMA Certification

If you’re specifically interested in the CMA certification, here’s exactly what you need to do:

Step 1: Complete an Accredited Medical Assistant Program

To be eligible for the CMA exam, you must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

These programs typically include:

Anatomy and physiology
Medical terminology
Clinical procedures (taking vitals, assisting with exams, administering medications)
Administrative skills (scheduling, billing, electronic health records)
Hands-on externship in a real medical setting

Most accredited programs can be completed in 9–24 months, depending on whether you’re pursuing a certificate, diploma, or associate degree.

Step 2: Apply for the CMA Exam

Once you’ve completed your accredited program, you can apply to take the CMA exam through the AAMA website. You’ll need to:

Submit proof of graduation from an accredited program
Pay the exam fee (approximately $125 for AAMA members or $250 for non-members)
Schedule your exam at a testing center

Step 3: Prepare for the Exam

The CMA exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four sections:

General medical knowledge
Administrative procedures
Clinical procedures
Patient care and safety

The exam is challenging, but with proper preparation, you can pass on your first attempt. Study resources include:

AAMA study guides and practice exams
Review courses offered by many training programs
Online study groups and flashcard apps
Hands-on practice during your externship

Most successful candidates spend 10–15 hours per week studying for 2–3 months before the exam.

Step 4: Pass the Exam and Receive Your Certification

To pass the CMA exam, you need a score of at least 430 out of a possible 800 points. Once you pass, you’ll receive your official CMA certification and can begin using the credential professionally.

Your CMA certification is valid for 60 months (5 years) and can be renewed through continuing education or by retaking the exam.

Alternative Pathways: RMA and CCMA Certification

While the CMA is an excellent choice, the RMA and CCMA certifications offer different advantages that may better suit your situation.

How to Get RMA Certification

Eligibility Requirements:

Graduate from an accredited medical assistant program, OR
Complete a military medical services training program, OR
Have at least 3 years of experience working as a medical assistant

The Exam:

210 multiple-choice questions
Covers general, administrative, and clinical medical assisting
Costs approximately $120
Slightly less rigorous than the CMA exam, according to those who’ve taken both

Recertification:

Valid for 3 years
Requires 30 continuing education credits for renewal

How to Get CCMA Certification

Eligibility Requirements:

Complete a medical assistant training program, OR
Have at least one year of clinical experience as a medical assistant

The Exam:

200 questions focusing on clinical skills
Emphasizes patient care, phlebotomy, and infection control
Costs vary but typically range from $117–$155

Recertification:

Valid for 2 years
Requires 10 continuing education credits or exam retake

The CCMA is an excellent option if you want to focus more on clinical responsibilities rather than administrative tasks.

Choosing the Right Training Program

The quality of your training program will directly impact your readiness for certification and your success in the field. Here’s what to look for:

Accreditation Matters

For CMA certification, your program must be accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. Even if you’re pursuing RMA or CCMA credentials, attending an accredited program ensures you’re receiving quality education that employers recognize.

Hands-On Training

The best medical assistant programs emphasize practical, hands-on experience. Look for programs that include:

Training in actual medical or clinical settings
Externships or clinical rotations
Practice with real medical equipment and procedures
Opportunities to work directly with patients under supervision

This kind of real-world experience builds confidence and prepares you for the realities of the job—not just the exam.

Exam Preparation

Quality programs include exam prep as part of the curriculum. This might include:

Practice exams that simulate the real test
Study guides and review sessions
Test-taking strategies and time management tips
Support from instructors who understand the certification process

Affordability and Speed

Medical assistant programs vary widely in cost and duration. Accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 12–24 weeks, allowing you to start working sooner and avoid lengthy debt. Compare tuition costs, financial aid options, and total time to completion when evaluating programs.

What Happens After Certification?

Once you’ve earned your certification, you’re ready to begin your career as a medical assistant. Here’s what you can expect:

Job Opportunities

Certified medical assistants work in a variety of settings:

Physician offices and clinics
Hospitals and urgent care centers
Specialty practices (cardiology, pediatrics, dermatology)
Outpatient surgical centers
Community health centers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong job growth for medical assistants, with employment expected to grow much faster than average for all occupations.

Salary Expectations

According to recent data, certified medical assistants typically earn between $36,000 and $44,000 annually, with experienced professionals in specialized settings earning even more. Certification can boost your earning potential by approximately 10% compared to non-certified medical assistants.

Career Advancement

Starting as a certified medical assistant doesn’t mean staying in the same role forever. Many professionals go on to:

Specialize in areas like phlebotomy, EKG, or medical coding
Move into supervisory or office management positions
Pursue further education to become nurses or other healthcare professionals
Train and mentor new medical assistants

Why Certification Is Worth It

You might be wondering if certification is really necessary. While some states and employers don’t require it, certification offers significant advantages:

Better Job Prospects: Many employers prefer or require certification, giving you access to more opportunities.
Higher Earning Potential: Certified medical assistants typically earn more than their non-certified counterparts.
Professional Credibility: Certification demonstrates your commitment to the profession and your competence to employers and patients.
Career Mobility: If you move to a different state or want to change employers, certification is recognized nationwide.
Continued Growth: The recertification process keeps you up-to-date with current best practices and industry standards.

Common Questions About Medical Assistant Certification

Do I need a degree to get certified? No. While some programs offer associate degrees, you can become certified through certificate or diploma programs that take less than a year to complete.

Which certification is best? All three major certifications (CMA, RMA, CCMA) are respected by employers. The “best” one depends on your training program, career goals, and personal preferences. Many employers use the terms interchangeably.

How hard is the certification exam? The exams are challenging but passable with adequate preparation. Most candidates who complete an accredited program and study thoroughly pass on their first attempt.

Can I work as a medical assistant without certification? In most states, yes—but certification significantly improves your job prospects and earning potential.

How long does the entire process take? From starting a training program to earning certification, the process typically takes 9–18 months, depending on your program and how quickly you take the exam after graduation.

Your Fast Track to Medical Assistant Certification

Getting certified as a medical assistant is an achievable goal that can launch you into a meaningful, stable healthcare career—without years of schooling or massive debt. Whether you choose CMA, RMA, or CCMA certification, the path is clear: complete an accredited training program, pass your certification exam, and begin making a difference in patients’ lives.

The key is choosing a training program that prepares you thoroughly, provides hands-on experience, and supports you through the certification process. With the right preparation, you can be working as a certified medical assistant in less than a year.

Launch Your Medical Assistant Career with Zollege

Ready to get started? Zollege offers accelerated medical assistant training programs designed to prepare you for CCMA certification. With hands-on training in real medical offices, experienced instructors, and a focus on getting you job-ready fast, Zollege helps you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed. Our programs are available across the United States, making it easy to find a location near you. Start your journey to becoming a certified medical assistant today—no four-year degree required.