Options for the Credentialing Exam
As a current medical assistant student, you're likely considering your options for the credentialing exam. It's an important step in your journey toward becoming a certified professional in the field. There are several paths you can take, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. Let's explore three common options: Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
The Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) credential is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT).
Application Process
- Application fee - $150
- Create an AMT account
- About your Application
- Good for one year
- Allow 1-2 weeks for processing
- Pay by credit/debit card, OR if your school is paying, they will provide you with a coupon code
- Fee is nonrefundable
Scheduling the Exam
- Students will schedule and will take at a Pearson Vue site
- Once your application is processed, you will be sent an e-mail with directions on how to schedule your exam
- Exams are scheduled at Pearson VUE testing centers unless your school is registered as a testing site
- AMT cannot schedule your exam for you
- The Pearson VUE profile you create for the exam is separate from your AMT account.
Maintaining the Credential
- Annual renewal fee: $60
- Report continuing education every three (3) years. You will be responsible for tracking your continuing education and the expiration date of your credential
- Reminder: Most continuing education credits come with a cost
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
Application Process
- Application fee - $135 for recent graduates
- Access the CMA (AAMA) exam tab and the “Apply for the Exam.” Follow the steps provided and complete the application information, including attestation statements
- Fee payments are nonrefundable and are non-transferable to another candidate or another 90-day testing period.
- Do not send personal checks. Candidate fees must be paid by money order, credit or debit card, cashier’s/certified check, or institution check.
Scheduling the Exam
- Students will provide the following when they apply: “Testing period start date. The date that I want my 90-day testing period to begin: / / (month/day/year)”
- Once the application is accepted, students will schedule their exam at a registered testing site using information from the AAMA.
Maintaining the Credential
- Recertification is due every 60 months (5 years)
- By examination – apply and sit for the CMA(AAMA) exam and pass with the required score.
- By Continuing Education – Earn 60 qualified Continuing Education credits over 60 months. Complete the recertification application. Submit with an application fee of $65 for AAMA members or $130 for non-members. (AAMA membership fees: approximately $90 - $100 depending on the state.) You will be responsible for tracking your continuing education and the expiration date of your credential.
- Reminder: Most continuing education credits come with a cost.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).
Application Process
- Application fee - $160
- NIMAA registers the graduating cohort
- Students will complete the application and then receive an invite to schedule
Scheduling the Exam
- Students will access the scheduler to determine their testing date and schedule their exam using the code provided
- Students will complete the exam using Live Remote Proctoring and can take the exam in any proctor-approved location using a laptop with a camera or a separate webcam
Maintaining the Credential
- Recertification is due every two (2) years
- By Continuing Education – You must earn 10 Continuing
- Education credits over two (2) years accessed through the NHA website.
- You will be responsible for tracking your continuing education and the expiration date of your credential
- Complete the recertification application.
- Submit with recertification fee = $169
- Reminder: Most continuing education credits come with a cost.
Last updated 5/13/2024
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