CCMA FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam.
What does a CCMA do?
CCMAs are critical members of healthcare teams, offering direct support to patients, doctors, nurses, and other providers. Some of the tasks that CCMAs perform include:
- Recording patients' vital signs
- Supporting providers during examinations and procedures
- Administering medications and injections
- Conducting EKGs, drawing blood, and performing other key lab procedures
- Managing patient check-in and check-out processes
- Handling phone calls and responding to inquiries
- Maintaining and updating electronic health records (EHR)
CCMAs help ensure that every level of patient care is handled smoothly and effectively, from detail-oriented administrative duties to delivering life-saving care, improving patient experience and outcomes.
Why should I get certified as a CCMA?
According to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), 96% of employers require or encourage medical assistants to obtain certification, as it acts as proof of a medical assistant's competency and expertise in the field. Becoming certified leads to better career opportunities, higher salary potential, and more credibility in the field. Receiving your license can also make it easier to earn additional certifications down the line, which is helpful for those exploring CCMA-to-Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or CCMA-to-Registered Nurse (RN) career pipelines.
How can I sign up for the CCMA exam?
To register for the CCMA exam, you must apply to take the test through NHA's website. To qualify for the exam, you will need to either have a high school diploma (or equivalent) and complete a training or educational program, or fulfill certain work requirements. The exam costs $165 to take, and you can prepare using NHA's official materials as well as with trusted, third-party exam prep providers.
Do you need a college degree to become a CCMA?
No, the only degree requirement to become a CCMA is to possess a high school diploma or GED. You can qualify for the CCMA either by completing a medical assistant training program, which is often available online, or by obtaining practical experience.
What's the difference between CCMA vs CMA vs RMA?
The NHA administers the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) credential and prepares medical assistants for roles in settings focused on direct patient care. The CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is a broader certification administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). CCMAs focus more on hands-on clinical tasks, while CMAs are trained in more general clinical and administrative duties. A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is credentialed by the American Medical Technologists (AMT) and receives much of the same training as a CMA.
All three certifications prepare medical assistants for patient care and administrative duties, though the CCMA emphasizes clinical tasks such as drawing blood, interacting with patients, and performing various tests.
How long does it take to get NHA CCMA results?
CCMA results are usually available online within two days (48 hours) of the test date. If you pass, you will receive an official NHA certificate.
Is the CCMA exam hard?
The CCMA exam is considered moderately difficult, with many test takers finding its broad scope and three-hour testing time challenging. While education and work experience help prepare candidates for the content of the exam, test-takers should expect to spend between one and three months dedicated to focused test preparation for the best chance of success.
How long is the CCMA valid?
The CCMA is valid for two years. Medical assistants certified by the NHA must renew their license by completing 10 continuing education credits and paying the $185 renewal fee.