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How to Become a CCMA (2026 Guide)

A national credential from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) — one of the few medical assistant certifications you can qualify for without a formal training program.

~$165
Exam fee
$19.33/hr
National median MA pay
1,021,600
Medical assistants employed (BLS)
2 years
Recertification cycle

The CCMA certification path

  1. 1Qualify via an accredited program OR supervised clinical work experience (1 year in the last 3, or 2 years in the last 5)
  2. 2Apply through nhanow.com and submit your eligibility documentation
  3. 3Pass the 180-question CCMA exam at a PSI center or via remote proctoring (390/500 scaled score to pass)
  4. 4Recertify every 2 years via 10 CEUs or by retaking the exam

Unlike a state-issued license, there is no state registry step — you're certified nationally as soon as you pass.

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Two ways to qualify

Path 1: Education

Graduate from a medical assisting program that is NHA-approved, or accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.

Path 2: Work Experience

At least 1 year of full-time (~35+ hrs/week) supervised clinicalwork experience in the past 3 years, or 2 years in the past 5 years — verified by an employer attestation letter. Administrative-only roles don't qualify on their own.

This is the biggest structural difference between the CCMA and the CMA (AAMA) — the CMA has no work-experience pathway at all. California residents using the work-experience path need 2 years of experience within the last 5 years specifically — the shorter 1-year option doesn't apply in California.

Cost

ItemCost
Exam fee~$165
Retake fee~$165 (no discount)
Recertification (every 2 yrs)~$179

Fees as of 2025 — verify current pricing at nhanow.com before you apply.

What exam day looks like

180 multiple-choice questions (150 scored, 30 unscored pretest) over 3 hours, at a PSI testing center or via remote proctoring. Most candidates finish in 90–120 minutes. Scoring is scaled from 0–500, and you need a 390 to pass.

Recertification

Your CCMA is valid for 2 years. To renew, complete 10 continuing education credits through NHA's CE Portal and pay a renewal fee (approximately $179). If your credential lapses more than a year past expiration, NHA typically requires retaking the full exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to go to school to become a CCMA?
No — you can qualify through an accredited program or through 1 year of full-time supervised clinical work experience within the past 3 years, verified by an employer letter.
How much does the CCMA exam cost?
Approximately $165, as of 2025 — verify current pricing at nhanow.com. Retakes cost the same as the original exam. You get 3 attempts total, with at least a 30-day wait between each; after a third failure, you must wait 1 year before trying again.
What is the CCMA exam format?
180 questions (150 scored, 30 unscored pretest) over 3 hours, at a PSI testing center or via remote proctoring. You need a scaled score of 390/500 to pass.
How often do I need to recertify?
Every 2 years, via 10 continuing education credits and a renewal fee (approximately $179), or by retaking the exam.

Go deeper

CCMA Work Experience Path Guide →

CCMA Exam Cost and Fees 2026 →

CCMA Exam Day: What to Expect →

CCMA Recertification and CE Guide →

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