How to Become a Certified Medical Assistant in Washington (2026 Guide)

How to Become a CMA in Washington: Step by Step

The CMA exam and AAMA eligibility rules are the same nationwide. Washington's only state-specific layer is its own requirement.

1. 1
   Graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program

   Unlike some certifications, CMA has only one eligibility pathway — there is no work-experience alternative. You must graduate from (or be in your final semester of) a Medical Assistant program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, which includes a required supervised practicum/externship.
2. 2
   Pass the national CMA exam

   Register with the AAMA and pay the exam fee ($125 for members, $250 for non-members — this never varies by state). The exam is 200 multiple-choice questions (180 scored, 20 unscored pretest) over 3 hours split into 4 segments, at a PSI test center or via remote proctoring. A scaled score of 405 is required to pass.
3. 3
   Complete Washington's Medical Assistant-Certified (MA-C)

   Washington has 5 MA credential tiers (MA-C, MA-R, MA-P, MA-H, MA-EMT); MA-C is the broadest (includes phlebotomy/IV placement) and is the one CMA- or CCMA-certified technicians apply for. Requires passing one of 5 approved national exams (CMA and CCMA both qualify) within 5 years of application, plus a 7-hour HIV/AIDS course. National certification itself does NOT need to be maintained for MA-C renewal. The fee is $115. Renewal: Every 2 years ($110 renewal), no CE required.
4. 4
   Apply for your first medical assistant position

   With CMA certification and Washington's state requirement in hand, you can apply to physician offices, outpatient clinics, and specialty practices. Average pay in Washington is $25.82/hr.

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