Certification

Benefits of CMA (AAMA) Certification

Earning your Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)^® credential can be the key to unlocking new opportunities, higher earning potential, and greater job security.

Eligibility

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Prepare

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Apply

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CMA (AAMA) Core Values

Actively participate in the delivery of quality health care.
Promote patient safety and well-being.
Contribute to a positive health care experience for patients.
Demonstrate integrity and respect, and protect patient confidentiality.
Advocate for the essential value of certification and continuing education.
Embrace change, growth, and learning.

Medical Assistant with Patient in Wheelchair

About the Certification

The Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)^®—or CMA (AAMA)^®—credential represents a medical assistant who has achieved certification through the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The CMA (AAMA) has been educated and tested in a wide scope of general, clinical, and administrative responsibilities as outlined in the Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)^® Certification Exam.

The certification program of the Certifying Board of the AAMA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and complies with the NCCA Standards for the Accreditation of Certification Programs. The NCCA is the accrediting body of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (ICE).

The Certifying Board of the AAMA is committed to impartiality, objectivity, and fairness in all aspects of its CMA (AAMA) Certification Program. This commitment is reflected in all policies of the Certifying Board, and the execution of all policies.

Exam Statistics

Below are the statistics on CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam from July 2023 to July 2024.

A total of 6,575 CMA (AAMA) Certification Exams were administered from July 2023 to July 2024. Of those, 5,984 were first time administrations.
The percent pass rate for first time administrations was 76%.
As of October 10, 2024, there were a total of 70,362 CMAs (AAMA).

Frequently Asked Questions About Certification

What is the exam like?

The computerized exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topic areas that are listed in the Content Outline for the CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam.

Before the exam begins, there will be an optional tutorial that shows how to navigate through the exam. The maximum time allowed for the tutorial is five minutes. The time used for the tutorial is not counted as part of the test time and will not affect your score.

Upon completion of the tutorial, the exam will be administered in four 40-minute segments. You will have three optional breaks between each segment totaling 20 minutes. The first break after segment one will be five minutes, the second break after segment two will be ten minutes, and the third break after segment three will be five minutes. Your test time will not be extended if you decline the tutorial or the optional break time. You will have 160 minutes to answer all the exam questions. The maximum time allowed for your exam appointment, not including the tutorial or post-exam survey, is three hours (180 minutes).

Are accommodations available for the exam?

People with disabilities who require special accommodations on exam day must first be completely enrolled for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam before submitting a test accommodations request to PSI. Once completely enrolled and a scheduling email is received, candidates must use the PSI special accommodations link to submit the request and all required documentation to PSI. For more information, please review the PSI requirements for exam accommodation requests.

How do I access my AAMA ID when creating an account with PSI?

You can access your AAMA ID by signing into the AAMA website and selecting "My Account." Your ID will be found under the "Profile" section.

How is the exam scored?

Your score is based on the number of correct responses on the total examination. This score has been standardized and fixed on a scale that is based on a reference group, which comprises certification candidates who are graduates of CAAHEP- accredited programs taking the examination under standard conditions for the first time. The scale ranges from 200 to 800.

The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants establishes the minimum passing score for each examination. A standard-setting exercise/study is conducted on a regular basis to establish the standard level of minimum competency an entry level medical assistant from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program must meet in order to pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam on the first attempt. The participants in this study are randomly selected from CMAs (AAMA) across the country who represent the profession. This study results in a standard that is translated to a minimum passing score. The minimum passing score (MPS) is 405. Thus, you will need to obtain a score of 405 or more to pass the examination. The AAMA Certifying Board may change this minimum required proficiency level as deemed appropriate.

When will I receive my exam results?

An official pass/fail notification will be provided to you immediately upon your completion of the exam.

Candidates will be emailed an official report of the score achieved approximately 24 hours after the exam date. You can also sign in to your AAMA account to check or updates on your exam status and your scores. (Scores will be posted to your account 24 hours after you take your exam.)

Candidates who pass the exam and have had all program requirements verified will be awarded the CMA (AAMA) credential, which will be confirmed by the issuance of a digital badge.

If you have not received a score report within 24 hours of the exam date, contact the AAMA Certification Department.

How many times can I take the exam?

Initial candidates for the CMA (AAMA) Exam are allowed three exam attempts. Candidates recertifying by exam are allowed three attempts. Each attempt will require a new exam application and fee.

If I don't pass the exam, how soon can I reapply?

If your official result indicates that you did not pass, you may submit an application and the regular candidate fee at your earliest convenience.

What if I'm not receiving any email from the AAMA or PSI?

Consider these tips:

Make sure you have provided an email address that will be valid for the next year (school addresses often are closed after graduation).
If you need to change your email address, update your profile online or call the AAMA immediately at 800/228-2262.
Add CMAExam@aama-ntl.org and No-Reply@psiexams.com to your approved email list.
Check your spam or junk email folder for emails from CMAExam@aama-ntl.org and No-Reply@psiexams.com.

I’m retired. Can I still use my CMA (AAMA) credential?

The Certifying Board allows retired CMAs (AAMA) to use “CMA (AAMA)–Retired” after their names for ceremonial purposes only (e.g., national, regional, state, or local meetings) for a one-time fee of $50. Fill out the CMA (AAMA)–Retired Registration Form and submit to Certification@aama-ntl.org.

What if I’ve been found guilty of or pleaded guilty to a felony or had a professional license, registration, or certification denied, revoked, suspended, or subjected to probationary conditions?

The Certifying Board may grant a waiver based upon mitigating circumstances. If you wish to request that the Certifying Board permit you to take the test, you must submit a Request for Waiver Form and written evidence that demonstrates your felony conviction or plea or professional misconduct should not prevent you from taking the CMA (AAMA) Exam.

See the AAMA Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Standards and Procedures for CMAs (AAMA) and Exam Candidates for details

AAMA Conference Attendees 2 Medical Assistants

CERTIFICATION