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Attaining a medical assistant certification can be a great addition to your resume but picking a medical assistant certification can be confusing. There are several to choose from and they all have similar, yet different requirements. In addition, some states may require certain certifications to be a medical assistant so it’s important to do your research before registering for a certification exam. Here’s part one of our breakdown of the top four certification exams to be keeping on your radar.

Most Flexible
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) from the National Healthcareer Association

Criteria Required to Take the Exam:

Exam Fee: $155

  • If you are a graduate from a training program:

    • You must have a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency test
    • Completed a medical assistant training program at an accredited institution/provider within the last five years

  • If you have a year of experience:

    • You must have a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency test
    • One year of work experience in medical assisting within the last three years

  • If you were in the military:

    • Medical service training that is NHA-approved offered by the US military counts as a completed training program. If graduation from the training program is five years prior, the applicant must also have relevant work experience as described above.

    The NHA website also has a quiz to help you determine if you are eligible to take the exam or not. If you are permitted to take the exam, you can register for the CCMA exam on their website to begin the certification process right away.

Most Straightforward
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) from the American Association of Medical Assistants

Criteria Required to Take the Exam:

  • If you are currently a student or graduated within the last twelve months (recent graduate):

    • Exam Fee: $125
    • Must have graduated to be about to graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program
    • No documents required but program completion must be verified by program director

  • If you graduated from training over twelve months ago:

    • Exam Fee: $125 AAMA members, $250 nonmembers
    • Must submit official transcript

  • If you completed medical programs accredited by USDE or CHEA: Certification Exam Eligibility Pilot Program:

    • Exam Fee: $125 for AAMA members, $250 for nonmembers
    • Must submit copy of final transcript
    • Must submit attestation form
    • This pilot program will end on August 31, 2023

    If you qualify for any of these categories, you will be able to apply online to take the CMA exam in order to earn a certification.