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Educational information only — not legal advice. Disqualification rules change over time and the waiver process is evaluated case by case. If you have a criminal record and are considering this career, contact the AAMA directly, Washington's Department of Health (if applicable), or a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

CMA Background Check: What It Actually Requires and What Disqualifies You

Unlike some healthcare certifications that only require disclosure, the AAMA sets a stricter default: certain findings bar you from the CMA exam outright, unless you request and receive a waiver. Here's how that process actually works, and what Washington layers on top of it.

The AAMA's actual policy: default disqualification, with a waiver path

Anyone found guilty of, or who pleaded guilty to, a felony — or who has had a healthcare credential denied, revoked, suspended, or placed on probation — is not eligible to take the CMA exam by default. Every applicant must attest to good moral character and disclose any felony conviction or healthcare-credential disciplinary action. If this applies to you, the Certifying Board allows a Request for Waiver Form with written evidence of mitigating circumstances, reviewed individually rather than through an automatic rule.

Two separate layers, often confused

CMA certification (national, AAMA)

  • Felony convictions and healthcare-credential discipline disqualify you by default
  • A waiver can be requested with written evidence and mitigating circumstances
  • Evaluated case-by-case against the AAMA Code of Conduct, not an automatic list
  • You must report any new conviction or plea immediately, even after a waiver is granted

Washington MA-C credential (only state with one)

  • Washington's Department of Health runs its own background check on every applicant
  • Includes fingerprint-based FBI/Washington State Patrol checks if you've lived out of state
  • Separate process from the AAMA's — applies only if you're pursuing MA-C specifically
  • The other 50 jurisdictions have no equivalent state-run check

How the AAMA waiver process works

If a disqualifying felony or disciplinary action applies to you, the path forward is a formal waiver request to the Certifying Board:

  1. 1Submit a Request for Waiver Form along with written evidence explaining why your conviction or plea should not prevent you from taking the CMA exam.
  2. 2The Certification Department reviews your submission individually, assessing whether the incident has a direct relationship to a potential violation of the AAMA Code of Conduct for CMAs.
  3. 3Factors considered include how long ago the offense occurred and your age at the time.
  4. 4If granted, the waiver remains subject to review and modification — any additional conviction or guilty plea afterward must be reported immediately and can affect your standing.

Frequently asked questions

Can you become a Certified Medical Assistant with a felony?
By default, no — a felony conviction or plea bars you from the CMA exam under AAMA's eligibility rules. You can request a waiver with written evidence of mitigating circumstances, reviewed case by case.
What does the waiver process look at?
Whether the offense relates to a potential Code of Conduct violation, how long ago it happened, and your age at the time — there's no published automatic-approval list.
Does Washington's MA-C credential require its own background check?
Yes — a separate state-run check, including fingerprint-based FBI/Washington State Patrol checks in some cases, independent of the AAMA's process. Only relevant if you're pursuing MA-C.
What if I don't disclose a conviction to the AAMA?
Every applicant must attest to good moral character and disclose felonies and healthcare-credential discipline. Any waiver granted is reviewed again if new violations occur, and you must report new convictions immediately.

Related guides

How to Become a Medical Assistant

Eligibility pathways, exam fees, and recertification

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CMA Reciprocity

What happens to your certification when you move states

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