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CMA Reciprocity: Does Your Certification Transfer Between States?

Short answer: almost always, there's nothing to transfer. Medical assistants are one of the least state-regulated roles in healthcare. There's exactly one real exception — here's what it is and what to do about it.

Two different things, often confused

Your CMA certification is issued by the AAMA — a national, non-governmental organization. It is valid in all 50 states and D.C. the moment you earn it, with no state-by-state endorsement process, unlike state-issued credentials (e.g., nursing licenses or CNA certifications). A state medical assistant credential (which only Washington requires) is a completely separate, state-issued credential layered on top of your national certification. That piece does NOT automatically follow you to a new state.

What actually happens when you move states

  • ✓Your CMA certification stays valid — no action neededNational credential, not state-issued
  • ✓Moving to or from Washington? Check the MA-C credentialOnly 1 of 51 U.S. jurisdictions require a separate state credential
  • ✓If you're moving into Washington, apply for MA-C as a new applicantNot a "transfer" — a fresh application, with its own fee and background check
  • ✓Every other state: nothing to apply for at allConfirm your new employer, not a state agency

What to do when you move states: step by step

  1. 1
    Confirm your CMA certification status with the AAMA
    Your certification itself needs no action — it's valid nationally and doesn't expire based on where you live. Just make sure your contact information on file with the AAMA is current, since recertification reminders and CE deadlines are sent there.
  2. 2
    Check whether your destination is Washington
    Washington is the only U.S. jurisdiction that requires medical assistants to hold a separate state credential — "Medical Assistant-Certified" (MA-C), $115 application fee, Every 2 years ($110 renewal), no CE required. Every other state has no equivalent requirement.
  3. 3
    If moving into Washington, apply for MA-C as a new applicant
    This is a new application to Washington's Department of Health, not a transfer or endorsement — your CMA certification qualifies you to apply (you don't need to retake an exam), but the state credential itself is not portable and must be obtained fresh. Budget time for Washington's own background check as part of that application.
  4. 4
    If moving out of Washington, your MA-C credential simply stops being needed
    You don't need to do anything to "release" it — your national CMA certification continues to be valid in your new state on its own.
  5. 5
    Check New Jersey's injection rule if that applies to your role
    If your new state is New Jersey and your job involves giving injections, confirm your employer has your CMA certification on file — the state restricts who may administer injections based on national certification status, but there's no separate application to file.

Frequently asked questions

Does my CMA certification transfer to another state?
Yes, automatically — it's a national credential issued by the AAMA, not any state. There is no endorsement process because it was never state-specific.
If it's national, why would I ever need to do anything when I move?
Because Washington is the one U.S. jurisdiction (of 51) that requires medical assistants to hold its own "MA-C" state credential on top of national certification — and that credential doesn't transfer if you move into or out of the state.
Do I have to retake the CMA exam when I move states?
No. The exam is a one-time national requirement, and Washington's MA-C application accepts your existing CMA certification rather than requiring a new exam.
Does New Jersey require a separate medical assistant license?
No — New Jersey has no separate state MA credential. It does restrict who may give injections to nationally-certified medical assistants (naming CMA specifically), but that's a scope-of-practice rule, not a license to apply for.

Find your new state's requirements

Each state guide below confirms whether a separate state credential applies — for 50 of 51 jurisdictions, the answer is no.

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

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