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CCMA Reciprocity: Does Your Certification Transfer Between States?

Short answer: your certification already travels with you to 50of 51 U.S. jurisdictions — there's nothing to transfer. There is exactly one real exception, and it's not what most candidates expect.

Two different things, often confused

Your CCMA certification is issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) — a national, non-governmental organization. It is valid in all 50 states and D.C. the moment you earn it, unlike state-issued credentials (e.g., nursing licenses or CNA certifications) that require endorsement when you move. Washington's Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) credential is the one exception — a separate, state-issued credential layered on top of national certification, required only in Washington.

What actually happens when you move states

  • ✓Your CCMA certification stays valid — no action neededNational credential, not state-issued
  • ✓Check whether you're moving into or out of WashingtonOnly 1 of 51 U.S. jurisdictions require anything extra
  • ✓If Washington, apply for the MA-C credential as a new applicantYour CCMA counts toward it, but the MA-C application itself is separate
  • ✓If New Jersey, confirm your CCMA is recognized for injection delegationNJ's rule names the CMA specifically — not clearly published for CCMA

What to do when you move states: step by step

  1. 1
    Confirm your CCMA certification status with NHA
    Your certification itself needs no action when you move — it's valid nationally. Just keep your contact information current with NHA, since recertification reminders and CE deadlines are sent there.
  2. 2
    Check whether you're moving into or out of Washington
    Washington is the only state requiring a separate medical assistant credential (Medical Assistant-Certified, or MA-C) on top of national certification. If Washington isn't involved, there's nothing further to do.
  3. 3
    If Washington: apply fresh for the MA-C credential
    This is a new state application, not a transfer — your CCMA satisfies the national-exam requirement, but you still need to submit the MA-C application itself, including a 7-hour HIV/AIDS course and the state's background check. The MA-C credential does not follow you if you later leave Washington; it stays tied to Washington.
  4. 4
    If New Jersey: confirm your injection-delegation status
    NJ's Board of Medical Examiners allows only nationally-certified medical assistants to give injections, and its published materials specifically name the CMA. Before assuming your CCMA is treated identically, confirm with your employer or the Board directly.
  5. 5
    Update your employer with proof of certification
    Keep your active CCMA certificate (and MA-C certificate, if applicable) handy — employers in regulated settings will want to see both before you start working.

Frequently asked questions

Does my CCMA certification transfer to another state?
Yes, automatically — it's a national credential issued by NHA, not any state. There is no endorsement process because it was never state-specific.
Is there any state where CCMA alone isn't enough?
Yes — Washington, which requires a separate Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C) credential on top of national certification. No other state has an equivalent requirement.
Do I have to retake the CCMA exam when I move states?
No. The exam is a one-time national credential. Even moving into Washington doesn't require a new exam — your CCMA counts toward the separate MA-C application.
What about New Jersey?
NJ restricts injection administration to nationally-certified medical assistants, naming the CMA specifically in its published guidance. CCMA's status under this rule isn't clearly published — confirm with your employer or the NJ Board before relying on it.

Find your state's requirements

Each state guide below notes whether anything beyond national certification applies.

AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming

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