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How to Become a CMA (2026 Guide)

A national credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) — one accredited-program path, no state registry, and one process no matter where you live.

$125–$250
Exam fee (member/non-member)
$19.33/hr
National median MA pay
1,021,600
Medical assistants employed (BLS)
5 years
Recertification cycle

The CMA certification path

  1. 1Graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program
  2. 2Apply to AAMA (up to 30 days before graduation, or within 12 months after)
  3. 3Pass the 200-question CMA exam at Pearson VUE (430/500 scaled score to pass)
  4. 4Recertify every 5 years via 60 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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Eligibility: the one rule that matters

The CMA has a stricter eligibility rule than other medical assistant certifications: you must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES(Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools). There is no work-experience pathway and no military-training pathway — if your program isn't accredited by one of these two bodies, you can't sit for the CMA no matter how much clinical experience you have.

Not sure if your program qualifies? The CCMA (NHA) and RMA (AMT) both accept a work-experience pathway the CMA doesn't.

Cost

ItemCost
Exam fee (AAMA member)$125
Exam fee (non-member)$250
Pearson VUE scheduling$0 (included)
Retake feeSame as original

Fees as of 2025 — verify current pricing at aama-ntl.org before you apply.

What exam day looks like

200 multiple-choice questions (180 scored, 20 unscored pretest) over 3 hours, split into 4 segments with optional breaks between them, at a Pearson VUE test center or via remote proctoring. You'll see an unofficial pass/fail result before you leave; your official score report — broken down by content domain — arrives by mail in about 3 weeks.

Recertification

Your CMA is valid for 5 years. To renew, complete 60 continuing education units (at least 30 from AAMA-approved sources) or retake the exam. There's no grace period after your expiration date, so most CMAs start tracking CEUs early rather than cramming in year five.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible to take the CMA exam?
You must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES. There is no work-experience or military-training pathway for the CMA.
How much does the CMA exam cost?
$125 for AAMA members, $250 for non-members, as of 2025 — verify current pricing at aama-ntl.org. Retakes cost the same as the original exam, with a 30-day wait between attempts.
What is the CMA exam format?
200 questions (180 scored, 20 unscored pretest) over 3 hours, split into 4 segments, at Pearson VUE or via remote proctoring. You need a scaled score of 430/500 to pass.
How often do I need to recertify?
Every 5 years, via 60 continuing education units (at least 30 AAMA-approved) or by retaking the exam.

Go deeper

CMA Exam Eligibility Requirements →

CMA Exam Cost and Fees 2026 →

CMA Exam Day: What to Expect →

CMA Recertification Guide →

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