Washington CCMA Practice Test and Exam Guide (2026)

Washington is different from most states — it does regulate medical assistants. Washington State requires MAs to hold a Medical Assistant credential (MA-C, MA-R, MA-P, or MA-Hemodialysis Technician) issued by the Washington Department of Health. National certification (like the NHA CCMA) is the primary pathway to obtaining the state MA-C credential. State regulator: Washington State Department of Health, Medical Assistant Program. All MAs must hold a state MA credential to work. Recognized certifications: For the MA-C (Certified) pathway, WA DOH accepts CCMA (NHA), CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), NCMA (NCCT), and CMAA (NHA). Candidates who pass a nationally recognized exam and meet WA training requirements can apply for MA-C. NHA exam vendor: PSI test centers or PSI live online proctoring. Exam format: 180 questions (150 scored + 30 pretest), 3 hours, computer-based, scaled score 200-500, passing 390. Washington annual mean wage for medical assistants (BLS May 2024, SOC 31-9092): $54,610 — the highest in the nation. Top Washington employers: Providence, MultiCare Health System, Kaiser Permanente Washington, UW Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Swedish Health Services, Overlake Medical Center, Seattle Children's, PeaceHealth, Confluence Health.

Washington State is unique. You cannot legally work as a medical assistant here without a state-issued MA credential. The CCMA (NHA) is the most common route to the state MA-C (Certified) credential. The pathway typically looks like: 1. Complete an approved MA training program or accumulate qualifying work experience. 2. Pass a nationally recognized exam (CCMA, CMA, RMA, or NCMA). 3. Apply to the Washington Department of Health for the MA-C credential. 4. Pay the state application fee and renewal fees. Once you hold MA-C, you can perform delegated tasks including vitals, phlebotomy, injections, EKGs, medication administration, and specimen collection. Scope is defined by state rule and by the delegating healthcare practitioner. Alternate credentials: MA-R (Registered) — for MAs who do not hold a national certification but meet other requirements; more limited scope. MA-P (Phlebotomist) and MA-Hemodialysis Technician are narrower state credentials for specific tasks. Renewal: The state MA-C credential renews annually with continuing education. NHA CCMA renews every 2 years with 10 CEUs. Both must be kept current.

The NHA CCMA covers seven content domains. Clinical Patient Care is 54% — the biggest slice. Focus study time there.

PSI operates test centers across Washington State. Major locations: - Seattle / Bellevue / Renton / Tukwila - Tacoma / Lakewood / Puyallup - Everett / Lynnwood - Spokane / Spokane Valley - Vancouver (WA) - Bellingham - Olympia / Lacey - Yakima - Kennewick / Richland (Tri-Cities) - Wenatchee - Bremerton / Silverdale Schedule at psiexams.com after receiving your ATT from NHA. Seattle-metro test centers book out fastest — plan 2-3 weeks ahead. PSI live online proctoring is available from any WA address with a webcam and photo ID.

Step 1: Confirm NHA eligibility — high school diploma/GED plus (a) MA program completion within 5 years, or (b) 1 year supervised MA work experience within 3 years. Note: if you are pursuing the state MA-C credential, verify your training program is Washington DOH-approved. Step 2: Create your NHA account at nhanow.com and upload eligibility documentation. Step 3: Pay the $165 NHA exam fee. Receive Authorization to Test within 1-2 business days. Step 4: Choose PSI test center, PSI live remote, or school test site. Step 5: Schedule at psiexams.com. Step 6: Take the exam. Arrive 30 minutes early with two IDs. Preliminary results at test center; official scores within 2 business days. Step 7 (Washington-specific): After passing the CCMA, submit your MA-C application to Washington DOH. Include exam verification from NHA, training documentation, and the state application fee. Approval typically takes 4-6 weeks. Do not begin unsupervised MA-C-level work until the state credential is issued.

Washington is the highest-paying state for medical assistants in the U.S. Per BLS OES May 2024: - Annual mean wage: $54,610 (highest nationwide) - Hourly mean: $26.25 - Employment: approximately 21,000 medical assistants statewide Seattle metro (King County) MAs frequently earn $58,000-$65,000; Bellevue and Redmond specialty clinics push $70,000+ for experienced CCMAs. Tacoma and Everett metros pay $52,000-$58,000. Spokane averages $46,000-$50,000. Rural Eastern Washington pays less but has meaningfully lower cost of living. Washington's high MA pay is driven by three factors: high state minimum wage, strong unionized healthcare presence, and dominant hospital systems (Providence, MultiCare, Kaiser Permanente Washington, UW Medicine) that compete aggressively for MA talent. Top employers: Providence (largest employer in the state), MultiCare Health System, Kaiser Permanente Washington, UW Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Swedish Health Services, Overlake Medical Center, Seattle Children's, PeaceHealth, and Confluence Health.

**Do I need to be certified to work as an MA in Washington?** Yes. Washington is one of the few states that requires a state-issued MA credential (MA-C, MA-R, MA-P, or MA-Hemodialysis Tech). You cannot work as an MA in Washington without one. **How does the CCMA relate to the Washington MA-C credential?** The CCMA is a nationally recognized exam that satisfies part of the MA-C application requirements. After passing the CCMA, you apply to Washington DOH for the state MA-C credential. **Which certification is best in Washington?** Any of the state-recognized nationals — CCMA (NHA), CMA (AAMA), RMA (AMT), NCMA (NCCT) — can lead to MA-C. CCMA is often the most affordable path. **How much does the CCMA cost in Washington?** $165 through NHA plus the Washington DOH MA-C application fee (verify current fee on the DOH website). **Where can I take the CCMA in Washington?** PSI test centers in Seattle, Tacoma, Everett, Spokane, Vancouver, and more, or via PSI live online proctoring. **What is the average MA salary in Washington?** About $54,610 annual mean per BLS May 2024 — the highest in the U.S. Seattle metro pays $58,000-$65,000+. **How long does it take to become a CCMA in Washington?** Accredited MA programs run 9-12 months. Add 4-6 weeks after passing the CCMA to receive your state MA-C credential from Washington DOH.