Medical assistant certifications: The complete breakdown
Table of contents
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC)
- Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Medical assistant certifications at a glance
- Examples of medical assistant jobs
- CCMA: Versatile and highly recognized
- Conclusion
The main medical assistant certifications in the U.S. are the CCMA, CMA, RMA, NCMA, and CMAC, along with other related credentials like the CMAA and the CNA. Medical assistants play vital roles on healthcare teams in a variety of settings, providing patient care and support to doctors, nurses, and other staff members. Although a formal certification is not always required to become a medical assistant, earning one can benefit your job search and create opportunities for career advancement.
Medical assistants are qualified to work across the healthcare sector, performing tasks such as taking vital signs, supporting providers during exams and procedures, ensuring compliance with HIPAA and other laws, and administering medications. Often the first and last points of contact for patients, they play a significant role in shaping the overall visit.
Several certifications are available, each with different responsibilities and training requirements: some focus on administrative tasks, while others help prepare medical assistants for clinical work. Here are commonly held medical assistant certifications for U.S.-based practitioners:
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
- Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification from American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) credential from the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
- Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) credential from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
These certifications are recognized by healthcare employers across the country. Each has its own eligibility criteria and renewal requirements, which can affect how long it takes to become a medical assistant. Earning a CCMA, CMA, or related certification demonstrates your commitment to professional standards and can help you stand out when pursuing your career.
Each certification will have slightly different requirements, costs, and employer preferences, so do your research before deciding which one to pursue.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
Administering organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) designation is designed for medical assistants seeking to work in clinical settings, such as hospitals, doctors’ offices, outpatient clinics, and other locations that offer direct patient care.
Eligibility requirements:
There are two ways to qualify for the CCMA exam:
- Complete a medical assistant training or education program
- Complete one year of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field in the last three years, or complete two years of supervised work experience within the last five years
If you choose to enroll in a training program, you may do so before earning your high school degree or GED, but you must show that you are scheduled to earn it within one year of beginning the course.
After you finish your education or training requirements, passing the exam is the final step toward national certification.
CCMA exam format:
- Number of questions: 180 questions (150 scored, 30 unscored)
- Length: 3 hours long
- Scoring scale: 200-500
- Passing score: 390 out of 500
- Cost: $169
- Main topics covered: Basic sciences, anatomy and physiology, client patient care, administrative assisting, communication and customer service, medical law and ethics; emphasis on client care
- In-person testing/testing site and live remote proctoring available. Primarily a digital exam.
Continuing education (CE) requirements:
To maintain your CCMA certification, you must pay a $195 renewal fee and complete 10 NHA-approved CE credits every two years.
Career advancement:
CCMAs can continue to build their practical skills through on-the-job training, earn more certifications, such as a Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, or Radiodology Technician license (with additional education and training), or consider medical assistant-to-nursing (licensed professional nurse or registered nurse) pathways.
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
Administering organization: American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
The CMA (Certified Medical Assistant), awarded by the AAMA, requires graduating from an accredited program and is often the standard at large hospitals and medical systems. Like the CCMA, CMAs are often responsible for both routine medical and administrative responsibilities.
Eligibility requirements:
To be eligible for the CMA Certification Exam, an applicant must meet at least one of these requirements:
- Be a student or graduate of a medical assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES);
- Be a medical assisting educator who has completed at least 1,000 hours in a postsecondary medical assisting program (recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education)
Alternative pathways allow those who have graduated from a postsecondary medical assisting program or apprenticeship equivalent to at least two semesters and 560 academic contact hours. Programs must also include a 160-hour practicum and externship (1,000 hours of medical assisting experience in an outpatient setting following program completion is admissible), award a diploma, certificate, or associate degree, and be offered by an organization accredited by the Department of Education or Council for Higher Education.
CMA exam format:
- Number of questions: 200 questions (180 scored)
- Length: Two hours 40 minutes long (split into four 40-minute sections)
- Scoring scale: 200-800
- Passing score: 405 out of 800
- Cost: $125 for AAMA members, $250 for non-members
- Main topics covered: Basic sciences, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, mathematics, client patient care, administrative assisting, communication and customer service, medical law and ethics; clinical competency heavily weighted
- In-person testing/testing site and live remote proctoring available. Primarily a digital exam.
Continuing education (CE) requirements:
CMAs must recertify every five years by earning a total of 60 recertification points during that period and paying the associated fees.
Career advancement:
Specializing in a high-demand field such as cardiology, dermatology, or oncology can be achieved through continuing education and work experience. Some CMAs go on to become lead medical assistants, enter healthcare administration, or enter nursing pathways.
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
Administering organization: American Medical Technologists (AMT)
A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) receives much of the same training as a CMA, preparing medical assistants for patient care and administrative duties. However, RMAs are not required to complete a medical assistant program to be eligible for testing.
Eligibility requirements:
An RMA applicant can meet one of the following criteria:
- Be a recent graduate from an accredited MA program
- Have completed a hybrid education/work experience assisting program that has a combination of didactic and clinic experience equal to 720 total hours, with 160 hours minimum devoted to externships
- A structured, alternate training course may be approved if it’s a minimum of 500 hours
- Gain a total of 5,616 hours (full-time employment for three years) of experience in both clinical and administrative duties
- Be a graduate of a medical services training program from the U.S. Armed Forces
- Have a minimum of five years of full-time teaching experience in a medical assisting discipline that encompasses both clinical and administrative competencies
- Additional clinical experience may be able to supplement teaching experience if a minimum of five years is not reached
All of these routes will require their own set of documents, from transcripts to valid CPR cards. In general, you should be prepared to provide proof of a high school diploma or GED, any additional education requirements, and relevant work experience.
RMA exam format:
- Number of questions: 210 questions
- Length: 2 hours long
- Scoring scale: 0-100
- Passing score: 70%
- Cost: $150
- Main topics covered: Anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, wellness and nutrition, clerical duties, law and ethics, infection control, lab procedures and protocols; fairly equally weighted across sections
- In-person testing/testing site and live remote proctoring available. Primarily a digital exam.
Continuing education (CE) requirements:
RMAs are required to complete 30 Certification Continuation Program (CCP) points every three years and pay related fees to maintain their credential.
Career advancement:
Continuing education and work experience can help RMAs specialize in high-demand fields. Some RMAs advance to lead medical assistant roles, pursue healthcare administration, or enter nursing pathways.
National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
Administering organization: National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT)
NCMA-certified medical assistants are allied health professionals trained in direct patient care, ECG, phlebotomy, pharmacology, patient safety, and confidentiality.
Eligibility requirements:
The NCCT pathway is one of the most flexible, allowing candidates to apply by:
- Completing an NCCT-authorized medical assistant training diploma
- Completing an apprenticeship or one year of experience
- Completing a training program through military pathways
- Completing one year of verifiable teaching experience at an NCCT-authorized organization
Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is also required.
NCMA exam format:
- Number of questions: 150 questions (125 scored, 25 unscored)
- Length: 3 hours long
- Scoring scale: 200-720
- Passing score: 575 out of 720
- Cost: $119
- Main topics covered: Basic sciences, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, client patient care, administrative assisting, communication and customer service, medical law and ethics
- In-person testing/testing site and live remote proctoring available. Primarily a digital exam.
Continuing education (CE) requirements:
Credentials can be kept active by completing 12 contact hours (CH) of continuing education annually.
Career advancement:
NCMAs may advance to senior medical assistant positions, pursue healthcare administration, or follow nursing pathways. Continuing education and work experience can help NCMAs specialize in specific medical disciplines.
Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC)
Administering organization: American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
The Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) designation, accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), validates skills in providing safe patient care, medical procedures, and healthcare operations.
Unlike other certifications, the CMAC is offered both digitally and through a physical exam without requiring special accommodations.
Eligibility requirements:
Basic eligibility requirements include:
- Graduating from an approved training program
- Completing one year of work expeirence
Other requirements include being at least 17 years of age, possessing a high school diploma or equivalent, and agreeing and adhering to the AMCA Code of Ethics. Exams can be taken at approved AMCA testing sites at no additional fee; exams taken at other sites will require an additional $25 payment.
CMAC exam format:
- Number of questions: 175 questions (160 scored, 15 unscored)
- Length: 2 hours and 30 minutes long
- Passing score: Depends on exam version, usually between 70%-75%
- Cost: $139
- Main topics covered: Professionalism, medical law and ethics, clinical medical assisting (nearly 60% of the exam), and administrative assisting
- In-person testing/testing site and live remote proctoring available. Both digital and paper-and-pencil exams available.
Continuing education (CE) requirements:
To maintain your CMAC certification, complete 10 CE credits every two years.
Career advancement:
CCMAs can continue to build their practical skills through on-the-job training, earn additional certifications, or consider medical assistant-to-nursing pathways (e.g., licensed practical nurse or registered nurse).
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
Administering organization: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
The CMAA exam and certification, also administered by the NHA, trains medical office assistants or medical secretaries to help keep healthcare offices running smoothly. These professionals are primarily tasked with administrative roles such as responding to patient correspondence, answering calls, scheduling appointments, using computer and electronic systems, and updating medical records.
Eligibility requirements:
In addition to holding (or being on track to earn) a high school diploma or GED, CMAAs must either:
- Complete a medical administrative assistant training or education program
- Complete at least one year of supervised work within the last three years
- Complete two years of supervised work experience in the last five years
Like the CCMA, the CMAA has more flexible requirements than other certifications.
CMAA exam format:
- Number of questions: 135 questions (110 scored)
- Length: 2 hours 15 minutes long
- Scoring scale: 200-500
- Passing score: 390 out of 500
- Cost: $129
- Main topics covered: Basic sciences, anatomy and physiology, client patient care, administrative assisting, communication and customer service, medical law and ethics
Continuing education (CE) requirements:
To maintain your CMAA certification, you must pay a $195 renewal fee and complete 10 NHA-approved CE credits every two years.
Career advancement:
CMAAs can advance to roles with more clinical responsibilities, pursue leadership roles on administrative teams, or enter healthcare administration (coding and billing, recruitment, etc.).
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Administering organization: Administered at the state level
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a related nursing credential, not a medical assistant certification, included here for comparison. CNAs, often called nursing aides, provide basic, hands-on daily care to patients in hospitals and nursing homes under the direction of licensed nurses. These roles are more clinical and patient-care focused than other medical assistantships.
Eligibility requirements:
There is no single organization that administers the CNA exam: eligibility and testing are run by individual states. In general, CNAs are expected to complete a state-approved training program, pass a two-part competency exam, and clear a background check.
CNA exam format:
- Two sections: Written or oral knowledge exam + hands-on clinical skills evaluation
- Main topics covered: Basic nursing skills, activities of daily living (ADLs) like hygiene and grooming, self-care, communication, psychosocial care skills, proper PPE usage, safety, and vital sign measurement
- Format details depend on the state
Continuing education (CE) requirements:
Vary by state.
Career advancement:
CNAs can choose to specialize in a specific field or pursue nursing licensure as an LPN or RN.
Medical assistant certifications at a glance
Here’s a summary of major medical assistant and related certifications, all in one place for your review:
| CCMA | CMA | RMA | NCMA | CMAC | CMAA | CNA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certifying body | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) | American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) | Individual states and jurisdictions |
| Eligibility | Accredited/approved program, on-the-job experience, or military training | Graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program; alternative pathways exist for non-traditional applicants | Accredited/approved program, on-the-job experience, or military training | Accredited/approved program, on-the-job experience, or military training | Accredited/approved program, on-the-job experience, or military training | Accredited/approved program, on-the-job experience, or military training | State-approved training program |
| Exam | 180 questions, 3 hours | 200 questions, 160 minutes | 210 questions, 2 hours | 150 questions, 3 hours | 175 questions, 2 hours 30 minutes | 135 questions, 2 hours 15 minutes | Varies by state |
| Recertification | Every 2 years | Every 60 months (5 years) | Every 3 years | Annual | Every 2 years | Every 2 years | Varies by state |
| Often preferred by | Outpatient clinics, urgent care | Hospitals, large health systems | Major health systems and private practices | Ambulatory and outpatient clinics | Outpatient, ambulatory, and acute-care | Administrative teams at outpatient clinics, private practices, hospitals, and surgery centers | Nursing teams at hospitals, home health organizations, and outpatient clinics |
Before deciding which one to pursue, consider requirements, exam details, national vs. state recognition, your desired place of work (clinic, ambulatory service, hospital, etc.), and advancement opportunities.
Examples of medical assistant jobs
After passing your certification exam, you can start applying for entry-level positions. Most certified medical assistants work in outpatient clinics, primary care offices, or specialty medical practices, though hospitals and surgical centers also employ MAs.
Common job titles include:
- Medical Assistant
- Clinical Medical Assistant
- Administrative Medical Assistant
- Medical Office Assistant
- EHR Specialist
Like other allied healthcare roles, medical assistants are in high demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for medical assistants is expected to grow 13% between 2025 and 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The May 2025 median pay was $45,690 (median pay for nursing assistants was $41,870). Certification is preferred by many employers and can support higher pay.
CCMA: Versatile and highly recognized
When it comes to deciding which medical assistant certification path to take, passing the CCMA offers:
- A flexible path to entry
- Affordable testing
- Preparation for both clinical and administrative duties
- Widespread industry recognition through the NHA
- Competitive compensation for medical assistant roles
- Several advancement pathways
- More reasonable continuing education requirements
While the actual salary difference between certifications is generally minor, the CCMA’s value-add lies in its flexibility, wide industry recognition, and institutional support from the NHA, a leading healthcare training organization.
Conclusion
A large percentage of U.S. employers require medical assistants to hold some form of certification. While formal certification is not always necessary to become a medical assistant, earning one can strengthen your resume and open doors to career advancement. When selecting the certification that’s right for you, consider its requirements, eligibility criteria, roles and responsibilities, and long-term advancement opportunities: the right healthcare path for you is out there.
