Career Insights

Medical Assistant Certifications

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

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Updated April 14, 2025. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
Smiling medical assistant student with stethoscope using laptop in class, representing medical assistant certification training.

Medical assistants can prove their knowledge and skillset with certification.(1) Trade groups typically issue medical assistant certifications to individuals who meet professional requirements and pass a certification exam. Although certification is optional in most states, anyone who doesn't earn these qualifications may be at a disadvantage, as 74% of medical assistants have certification, according to statistics from the National Healthcareer Association's 2020 industry outlook cited by All Allied Health Schools. This study also found most healthcare institutions support certification, with 89% requiring or encouraging medical assistants to obtain it. (33)

As of 2023, there were 783,900 medical assistants employed in the United States.(2) Demand for these professionals is growing, with opportunities projected to increase by 15% between 2023 and 2033. That amounts to approximately 118,000 job openings every year within that period. With roughly 72% of employers screening new job candidates for medical assistant certification, getting these qualifications may make the difference between securing or missing out on one of these exciting new job opportunities.
 

Types of Medical Assistant Certifications

There are seven key certifications for medical assistants offered within the United States. These healthcare professionals can earn one or more of the following certifications:

Certified Medical Assistant

The Certified Medical Assistant, issued by the American Association of Medical Assistants, is the country's most well-known medical assistant certification. Medical assistants can apply for this certification, known as the CMA (AAMA), after completing a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools medical assisting program or no more than 30 days before graduating from one of these programs.(3) The AAMA may also accept alternative pathway candidates who graduated from other eligible postsecondary medical assisting programs.

To gain this medical assistant certificate, candidates must pass an exam featuring 200 multiple-choice questions testing general, clinical, and administrative knowledge.(4) The CMA (AAMA) test is divided into four 40-minute sections. A score of 405 or more out of 800 is a passing grade.(5) Sitting for the test costs $125 for AAMA members and recent graduates of CAAHEP and ABHES programs. All other candidates pay $250.

Medical Assistant Certification

The American Medical Certification Association issues Medical Assistant Certification to people who've graduated from a medical assisting training program in the last 12 months and people who've worked full-time as a medical assistant for at least 12 months.(6)

To gain certification, candidates must pass a 2-hour 100-question exam that tests knowledge of healthcare systems, safety and infection control, anatomy and physiology, medical office administration, patient care, and medical law and ethics.(7) Sitting for the exam costs $119 and includes all study materials.

Clinical Medical Assistant Certification

The AMCA also issues the Clinical Medical Assistant Certification.(8) Like the MAC, it's suitable for recent medical assisting graduates and medical assistants with at least 12 months of full-time experience. It's best suited for those who want to prove their clinical expertise and skills working with patients.

To gain certification, candidates must pass a 2.5-hour 175-question exam that tests professionalism and knowledge of clinical medical assisting, administrative medical assisting, and medical law and ethics. The exam costs $139 and includes study materials.

Registered Medical Assistant

Registered Medical Assistant certification is available from American Medical Technologists. This certification suits people who've graduated from an accredited medical assisting program within the last four years with 720 hours of instruction including at least 160 externship hours, people who've completed apprenticeships or workforce development programs in the same period, students scheduled to graduate, military graduates, instructors, and medical assistants with at least three years of full-time experience.(9)

Candidates must pass a 210-question exam that tests knowledge of anatomy and physiology, administrative medical assisting, clinical procedural tasks, and patient interaction.(10) Sitting for the exam costs $150.(11)

A medical assistant works to file medical records


Related: How To Become a Medical Assistant
 

National Certified Medical Assistant

The National Center for Competency Testing issues National Certified Medical Assistant certification. This certification focuses on the clinical side of medical assisting. Candidates can become NCMAs after graduating from a medical assisting program in the last five years, including military programs, or gaining one year of full-time experience as a medical assistant.(12) The NCCT also grants provisional certifications to high school students.

Candidates must pass a three-hour computer-based multiple-choice test.(13) It features 150 scored questions testing knowledge of pharmacology and general medicine, clinical medical procedures, administrative duties, and law and ethics.(14) Sitting for the exam costs $119.

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification, issued by the National Healthcareer Association, is another certification focused on clinical medical assisting work. Suitable candidates include people who've recently completed medical training programs or apprenticeships and medical assistants with at least one year of supervised work experience in the last three years or two years of experience in the last five years.(15)

Candidates must pass a three-hour test featuring 150 scored questions focused on foundational knowledge and basic science, anatomy and physiology, clinical patient care, patient care coordination and education, administrative assisting, communication and customer service, and medical law and ethics.(16) It costs $165 to take the test.(17)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant

The National Healthcareer Association also issues the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant certification. This certification has an administrative focus. The National Healthcareer Association has the same eligibility criteria for all its certifications.

This certification asks candidates to pass a test with 110 scored questions in two hours and 15 minutes.(18) The questions emphasize foundational knowledge, communication and professionalism, medical law, ethics and compliance, scheduling, patient encounters, billing and revenue cycles, and medical practice administrative procedures and logistics. Sitting for this exam costs $129.(19)

Registered Medical Assistant

American Allied Health issues Registered Medical Assistant certification. This certification suits people who've completed a relevant training program, including military training, medical assistants with at least one year's work experience, and anyone previously certified by another agency.(20)

To gain certification, candidates must score at least 75% on a 2-hour exam featuring 150 true/false and multiple choice questions.(21) The exam costs $110, which includes a topical study guide, practice tests, and one retake exam.
 

Choosing the Right Certification

Several factors influence the right certification for medical assistants, including employer preferences and state requirements. While only Washington requires certification, certified medical assistants may have a wider scope of duties, such as the ability to administer vaccines, in some states.(22, 23) Many employers prefer or require certified medical assistants, even in states where their duties aren't impacted.
 

Medical assistant students receiving instruction prior to RMA vs CMA certification testing..


Schools and certification agencies are often closely aligned. Many graduates choose the certification they feel their school has best prepared them for. Browsing job postings can also help medical assistants learn whether certain certifications are more desirable in their local market. There are general medical assistant certifications and certifications specializing in clinical and administrative work. Some people pursue certifications based on their interests or the type of jobs that are readily available in their area.(24)

Related: RMA vs. CMA: Comparing Medical Assistant Certifications
 

Preparing for Certification Exams

Thorough preparation can help medical assistants pass their certification exams. Some helpful strategies include:

  • Reviewing exam outlines from certifying organizations.
  • Scheduling regular study times.
  • Studying early to avoid cramming.
  • Using review courses, study guides, and online resources.
  • Taking practice exams to become familiar with the testing format and conditions.
  • Forming a study group with others taking the same certification exam.

Benefits of Certification

Becoming certified can improve a medical assistant's job prospects and earning potential. Certified medical assistants typically have better job prospects, as their certification shows their commitment to professional development. As certified medical assistants have proven their knowledge, some employers seek these candidates to help protect them against malpractice lawsuits. Their extra training also helps protect them against job cuts and take advantage of opportunities to advance in healthcare.

Maintaining Certification

Different certification bodies have different ways to maintain certification:

  • CMA (AAMA): Pass the exam again, or earn 60 continuing education units (including at least 30 AAMA-approved CEUs) and pay the enrollment fee every 60 months.(27)
  • MAC: Earn at least 10 CEUs and pay recertification fees every two years.(28)
  • CMAC: Earn at least 10 CEUs and pay recertification fees every two years.
  • RMA: Pay an annual fee and earn at least 30 CEUs every three years.(29)
  • NCMA: Pay an annual fee and complete continuing education hours.(30)
  • CCMA: Earn at least 10 CEUs and pay recertification fees every two years.
  • CMAA: Earn at least 10 CEUs and pay recertification fees every two years.
  • RMA-AAH: Pay an annual fee and earn at least 5 yearly CEUs.

 

Career Opportunities for Certified Medical Assistants

Certified medical assistants can explore a range of career paths and specializations, including:

  • Administrative medical assistant: Performs administrative duties such as managing medical records and scheduling patient appointments.(31)
  • Clinical medical assistant: Performs patient care, such as monitoring vitals and helping doctors perform examinations, in a clinical setting.
  • Specialty medical assistant: Performs tasks related to a specific specialty, such as podiatry or optometry.
  • Medical office manager: Oversees a medical office's daily operations, including monitoring staff and budgets.

  • Medical biller and coder: Liaises with insurance firms, code claims, and patients to ensure full payment for healthcare organizations.

     

Medical assistant provides patient support under doctor supervision.


Advancing technology and the COVID-19 pandemic have helped medical assistants access new and exciting specializations, such as telehealth support, COVID-19 testing and vaccination, electronic health management, and patient education.(32) The pandemic placed increased demand on certified medical assistants and expanded their responsibilities, including giving them a new focus on infection control.

Related: Medical Assistant: A Comprehensive Guide to the Profession
 

Conclusion

As medical assistant certifications demonstrate a commitment to excellence and patient care, they are beneficial for securing job opportunities. In some states, they can even influence the type of work that medical assistants can perform. The healthcare industry values certified medical assistants and their commitment to ongoing education, which helps them maintain industry standards. If you want to take the next steps in your career as a medical assistant, pursue certification and continue your professional development.

Footnotes:

1. “Guide to Certifications for Medical Assistants,” All Allied Health Schools, https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/medical-assisting/medical-assistant-certification/
2. “Medical Assistants,” Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm
3. “Eligibility Requirements for the CMA (AAMA)® Exam,” American Association of Medical Assistants, https://www.aama-ntl.org/cma-aama-exam/eligibility
4. “About the Exam,” American Association of Medical Assistants, https://www.aama-ntl.org/cma-aama-exam/about
5. “FAQs on CMA (AAMA)® Certification and Practice Exam,” American Association of Medical Assistants, https://www.aama-ntl.org/cma-aama-exam/faqs-certification
6. “Eligibility Requirements,” American Medical Certification Association, https://www.amcaexams.com/exam-candidates/eligibility-requirements/
7. “Medical Assistant Certification (MAC),” American Medical Certification Association, https://www.amcaexams.com/certifications/medical-assistant-certification/
8. “Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC), American Medical Certification Association, https://www.amcaexams.com/certifications/clinical-medical-assistant/
9. “Medical Assistant (RMA),” American Medical Technologists, https://americanmedtech.org/Medical-Assistant
10. “Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) Certification Examination Competencies and Examination,” American Medical Technologists, https://americanmedtech.org/Portals/0/PDF/Get%20Cert/Prepare%20for%20Exam/RMA-Content.pdf
11. “Get Certified,” American Medical Technologists, https://americanmedtech.org/Certification/Get-Certified/tabs/4?_gl=1*1wbexkc*_ga*MTQ1MDA0NzI2Mi4xNzI0OTAyMDcw*_ga_PNNYQYV7LV*MTcyNDkwMjA3MC4xLjEuMTcyNDkwMjEwOS4yMS4wLjA.#apply/
12. “Medical Assistant Eligibility Criteria,” NCCT, https://www.ncctinc.com/Documents/MA%20Route.pdf
13. “Candidate Handbook,” NCCT, https://www.ncctinc.com/Documents/CandidateHandbook.pdf
14. “National Certified Medical Assistant Detailed Test Plan,” NCCT, https://www.ncctinc.com/Documents/MA%20Detailed%20Test%20Plan.pdf
15. “Candidate Handbook,” National Healthcareer Association, https://www.nhanow.com/docs/default-source/test-plans/candidate_handbook.pdf?sfvrsn=523d64d7_34
16. “NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Test Plan for the CCMA Exam,” National Healthcareer Association, https://www.nhanow.com/docs/default-source/test-plans/nha_ccma_test_plan_2022.pdf
17. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) 3.0 Exam Application, National Healthcareer Association, https://certportal-store.nhanow.com/product/ccma_exam_sell_sheet_3/
18. “NHA Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) Test Plan for the CMAA Exam,” National Healthcareer Association, https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/Test%20Plans/NHA_CMAA_Test_Plan_2021.pdf
19. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) 3.0 Exam Application, National Healthcareer Association, https://certportal-store.nhanow.com/product/cmaa3ea/
20. "Medical Assistant, RMA (AAH) Online National Certification, American Allied Health, https://www.americanalliedhealth.com/certification/registered-medical-assistant-(RMA)
21. "Information Center," American Allied Health, https://www.americanalliedhealth.com/information-center
22. "Medical Assistant Frequently Asked Questions," Washington State Department of Health, https://doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/medical-assistant/frequently-asked-questions
23. "States That Require Medical Assistants to Meet Education and Testing Requirements," CMA Today, https://www.aama-ntl.org/docs/default-source/default-document-library/cmatoday-novdec-2023-pa.pdf
24. "Most Popular Medical Assistant Certifications," Stepful, https://www.stepful.com/post/top-medical-assistant-certifications-to-advance-your-career
25. "Medical Assistant - Certified Salary in the United States," Salary.com, https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-assistant-certified-salary
26. " Medical Assistant - Non-Certified Salary in the United States," Salary.com, https://www.salary.com/research/salary/benchmark/medical-assistant-non-certified-salary
27. "Recertification Policies," American Association of Medical Assistants, https://www.aama-ntl.org/cma-aama-exam/recertification-policies
28. “Stay Certified,” American Medical Certification Association, https://www.amcaexams.com/stay-certified/
29. "Maintain Certification," American Medical Technologists, https://americanmedtech.org/Certification/Stay-Certified
30. "Recertification Home," NCCT, https://www.ncctinc.com/continuing-education
31. "The Ultimate Guide to Medical Assistant Certifications," Nurse.org, https://nurse.org/healthcare/medical-assistant-certifications/
32. "Transforming Interprofessional Roles During Virtual Health Care: The Evolving Role of the Medical Assistant, in Relationship to National Health Profession Competency Standards," Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8366115/
33. Industry Outlook. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2024, from https://info.nhanow.com/hubfs/campaigns/2020/access%202020/NHA_IndustryOutlook_2020.pdf 

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Interested in learning more about our Medical Assistant program? We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.