July 14, 2026
CCMA Exam Cost and Fees in 2026
How much the CCMA exam costs in 2026, what the ~$155 NHA fee covers, retake fees, employer reimbursement, and how it compares to the CMA.
What the CCMA Exam Costs in 2026
The NHA CCMA exam fee is approximately $155 as of 2025. That number has held steady for several years, but NHA can update pricing at any time, so always verify current fees at nhanow.com before you register.
That single fee covers the essentials of taking the exam:
• Your eligibility review by NHA
• Exam administration at a PSI testing center or via live remote proctoring
• One official score report delivered to your NHA account
What the fee does not cover:
• Study materials, practice tests, or review courses
• Travel, parking, or lodging if you test at an in-person PSI center
• Additional score reports sent to employers or schools beyond the first free one
There is no separate application charge. When you pay the exam fee, your application is included.
Full Cost Breakdown
Here is the full picture of what you might spend to earn and maintain your CCMA credential. Fees below are as of 2025 and should be verified at nhanow.com.
Full Cost Breakdown| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|
| CCMA Exam Fee | ~$155 | Includes eligibility review and one score report |
|---|
| Retake Fee | ~$155 | Full fee applies; no retake discount |
|---|
| NHA Study Guide (optional) | ~$50–80 | Sold separately at nhanow.com |
|---|
| Third-Party Prep (optional) | Free–$50 | Practice tests and flashcards from sites like certprepacademy.com |
|---|
| Recertification (every 2 yrs) | ~$99 | Requires 10 CEUs |
|---|
Can my employer pay for the CCMA exam?
Yes, and many do. Large urgent care chains, multi-site clinic operators, hospital systems, and healthcare staffing agencies often reimburse the CCMA exam fee or pay it upfront as a hiring incentive or employee benefit.
Before you pay out of pocket, take these steps:
• Ask your HR department or recruiter whether the company reimburses certification exam fees
• If you have a job offer, ask whether the exam fee can be included as a signing benefit
• If you are currently enrolled in a medical assistant program, ask your program director whether the school has a group pricing arrangement with NHA that lowers the fee for students
Even if the answer is no, asking costs you nothing and can save you the full $155.
What happens if I fail — do I pay again?
Yes. The retake fee is the same as the initial exam fee, approximately $155 as of 2025. NHA does not offer a discount for candidates who failed a previous attempt, so budget accordingly if you are not fully confident on test day.
A few rules to know about retakes:
• NHA does not limit the total number of retake attempts you can make
• You must wait 30 days between attempts before you can test again
• After three failed attempts, NHA may require additional documentation or training before approving another retake
Use the 30-day waiting window strategically. Pull up your score report, identify the domains where you lost the most points, and drill full-length practice tests until your weak areas are consistently strong. Do not just re-read the study guide — active practice under timed conditions is what closes the gap.
Is the CCMA cheaper than the CMA?
Generally yes, especially if you are not already an AAMA member. As of 2025, the CMA (AAMA) exam fee is roughly $125 for AAMA members and about $250 for non-members. AAMA membership is a separate annual cost on top of the exam fee.
Most first-time candidates are not AAMA members, which means the practical comparison looks like this:
• CCMA (NHA): ~$155 total, no membership required
• CMA (AAMA) for non-members: ~$250 for the exam alone
So yes, the CCMA is notably cheaper for most new candidates. That said, price should not be the only factor in your decision. The two credentials have different eligibility paths and different levels of recognition depending on the employer. Check the job listings in your area to see which credential the clinics and hospitals you want to work for actually ask for, then choose based on eligibility and employer demand — not just the sticker price.
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