How to Become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant)

To become a CMA, you complete a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES, then pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam given by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The credential is valid for 60 months. Most people finish training and pass the exam within one to two years.

Quick facts

Item	Detail
Credential	CMA (AAMA), Certified Medical Assistant
Issued by	American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
Main requirement	Graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program
Exam	200 questions (180 scored, 20 unscored), four 40-minute segments
Passing score	405 scaled score
Attempts allowed	3
Exam fee	$125 for AAMA members, $250 for non-members
Certification length	60 months (5 years)

What is a CMA?

A CMA is a Certified Medical Assistant credentialed by the AAMA. Medical assistants handle both clinical and administrative work in outpatient clinics, doctors' offices, and other ambulatory care settings. Clinical tasks include preparing patients for exams, taking medical histories, giving medications as directed, running EKGs, changing dressings, and collecting lab samples. Administrative tasks include scheduling, medical records, coding, and insurance forms.

The letters "CMA (AAMA)" are a specific trademark. Other medical assisting certifications exist, such as the CCMA from the NHA and the RMA from the AMT. This guide covers the AAMA credential, which the AAMA reports 68,495 people held as of January 5, 2026.

How to become a CMA in five steps

Follow these five steps in order. Steps one and two take the most time.

1. Finish high school or earn a GED. This is the entry point for every accredited medical assisting program.

2. Complete an accredited medical assisting program. The program must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Programs run from about 9 months for a certificate to 2 years for an associate degree. Most include a practicum, which is a supervised, usually unpaid, internship in a real healthcare setting.

3. Apply to the AAMA for the exam. Submitting the application is free. You confirm your eligibility category and provide proof you completed, or are within 30 days of completing, your program.

4. Pay the fee and study. After the AAMA validates your application, you pay the registration fee and schedule your test. Build a study plan around the three content areas below. You can take a free CMA practice test to find your weak spots before you sit the real thing.

5. Pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. Score at least 405. You then hold the CMA (AAMA) credential and can use it on your resume and license record.

Who is eligible for the CMA exam?

You qualify for the CMA (AAMA) exam through one of three routes set by the AAMA Certifying Board.

• Completing student or recent graduate. You have completed, or are within 30 days of completing, a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program.

• Medical assisting educator. You have completed at least 1,000 hours teaching in a postsecondary medical assisting program at an institution accredited by a body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.

• Alternative Pathway. A separate route the AAMA offers for candidates who do not fit the first two categories. Check the current terms on the AAMA site, since the details are set by the Certifying Board.

Recertification is a separate category for people who already passed the exam and let the credential lapse.

What is on the CMA exam?

The CMA (AAMA) exam has 200 multiple-choice questions. Of those, 180 count toward your score and 20 are unscored pretest items mixed in. The test runs in four 40-minute segments, about 160 minutes of testing time, with optional breaks between segments. It is closed-book.

Questions fall into three content categories. Clinical competency is the largest share of the exam. The other two areas cover general medical knowledge and administrative skills. You need a scaled score of 405 to pass.

You get three attempts. If you fail three times, you must either retake a full certification program or pursue a different medical assisting certification.

How much does it cost to become a CMA?

The main out-of-pocket cost is the exam registration fee: $125 for AAMA members and $250 for non-members. Submitting the exam application itself is free. Recent graduates and students can qualify for AAMA membership, which lowers the fee to $125.

The larger cost is the accredited program. Tuition varies widely by school and by whether you earn a certificate or an associate degree. Optional study materials and practice tests add to the total but are not required.

How long does it take to become a CMA?

Most people become a CMA in one to two years. The timeline depends on the program you pick.

• Certificate or diploma program: about 9 to 12 months.

• Associate degree program: about 2 years.

• Application, scheduling, and exam: a few weeks on top of your program, once you are eligible.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Enrolling in a program that is not accredited. Only CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited programs make you eligible under the standard route. Confirm accreditation before you pay tuition.

• Confusing the CMA (AAMA) with other credentials. The CCMA (NHA) and RMA (AMT) are different exams with different rules. Apply for the one your employer or state expects.

• Waiting too long to apply. You can apply as a completing student, within 30 days of finishing. Applying early keeps your momentum and your material fresh.

• Skipping timed practice. The real exam is timed in four segments. Practicing under time pressure is different from reading notes.

How do you keep your CMA active?

A CMA (AAMA) credential is valid for 60 months, or 5 years. You keep it active in one of two ways.

• Continuing education. Earn 60 recertification points through the AAMA, then apply online and pay the renewal fee. The fee is $65 for AAMA members and $130 for non-members.

• Re-examination. Retake and pass the CMA exam. This costs $125 for members and $250 for non-members.

Is becoming a CMA worth it?

For most people entering healthcare, yes. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects medical assisting jobs to grow much faster than the average for all occupations over the next decade. [CONFIRM: add the exact BLS growth percentage and median wage if you want hard numbers, from bls.gov, so the figures stay current and accurate.] A recognized certification also helps you get hired faster and can raise your pay compared with uncertified assistants.

FAQ

Can you become a CMA without going to school? Not through the standard route. The AAMA requires a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program for the main eligibility category. The Alternative Pathway is the exception, so check its current terms on the AAMA site.

How many times can you take the CMA exam? Three times. If you do not pass on the third attempt, you must retake a full certification program or pursue a different medical assisting certification.

How hard is the CMA exam? The AAMA reported a first-time pass rate of 69% for exams administered between July 2024 and April 2025. That puts it in the moderate range. Candidates who study the three content areas and practice under timed conditions tend to do better.

Is the CMA (AAMA) the same as the CCMA? No. The CMA (AAMA) is issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants. The CCMA is issued by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). They are separate credentials with separate exams and rules.

How long is a CMA certification good for? 60 months, or 5 years. You renew it with 60 continuing education points or by retaking the exam.

This is a sponsored article not reviewed by our medical review team