Mastering the Certified Medical Assistant Certification Test: A Guide

Alright, let’s face it. If you’re here, you’re probably dreaming of a stable, rewarding healthcare career, and the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification is your gateway. But before you start celebrating, there’s one tiny (but mighty) hurdle—the CMA exam.

Now, exams are obviously not the most fun thing ever, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pass this one if you have the right plan. This guide will break it down for you: how to qualify, how to prepare, what to expect on test day, and how to make sure your certification lasts.

Being certified, especially in medical coding and billing certification, is not only to get a job but to get a job that comes with a clear path of advancement, better salaries, security, and more responsibility. So, let’s grab our study notes (and maybe some coffee) and turn you into a CMA exam master!

What Is Medical Assistant Certification & Why Is It Important?

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential is more than a title—it’s a stamp of approval from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It tells healthcare employers that you have the clinical, administrative expertise, and knowledge from the best medical billing and coding classes needed to work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.

Key Facts About Medical Assistant Certification

  • According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for medical assistants is expected to grow 16% by 2032—much faster than most other jobs.

  • Certified medical assistants earn $5,000 to $10,000 more per year than non-certified MAs.

  • 90% of employers prefer to hire certified medical assistants over non-certified ones.

  • Certified medical assistants can perform advanced clinical tasks, such as administering injections, taking vital signs, and assisting in minor surgeries.

  • Medical assisting is one of the most in-demand jobs in the healthcare industry, with over 750,000 medical assistants currently employed in the U.S.

Getting certified isn’t just recommended—for many employers, it’s a requirement. Without it, you’ll be stuck in entry-level admin roles with limited career growth.

CMA Exam Eligibility: Who Can Take It?

Not everybody is able to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam. The AAMA has very specific eligibility requirements to guarantee that candidates are qualified to some extent.

You Can Take the CMA Exam If You Belong to One of These Categories:

1️⃣ Recent Graduate: You’ve completed a medical assistant program accredited by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) or ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools).

2️⃣ Non-Recent Graduate: You finished an accredited medical assistant program but not within the past year.

3️⃣ Current CMA Holder: If your certification has expired, you may need to retake the exam to maintain your credentials.

4️⃣ Alternative Pathway: If you’ve completed an NCCT-authorized program and have verifiable work experience as a phlebotomy technician, you might also be eligible.

Other Basic Requirements:

✔️ Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
✔️ Should have coursework in anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
✔️ Non-recent graduates must submit an official transcript proving program completion.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, check the official AAMA website for updated eligibility rules.

Choosing the Right Medical Assistant Certification

Not all medical assistant certifications are equivalent. You may require a particular certification based on your career objectives.

Most Recognized Medical Assistant Certifications:

💡 Expert Tip: If you want to work in hospitals, physician offices, or specialty clinics, the CMA (AAMA) certification is the most widely recognized and preferred by employers.

How to Prepare for the CMA Exam Like a Pro

Passing the CMA exam isn’t just about reading a textbook. You need a study plan, practice tests, and strategic preparation.

Step 1: Enroll in a CMA Prep Course

Online platforms like Mometrix, Kaplan, and ExamEdge offer comprehensive study guides, video lessons, and practice exams.

Step 2: Take CMA Practice Tests

  • Studies show that students who take at least 5-7 practice exams score 15-20% higher than those who don’t.

  • The exam covers Clinical Competency (59%), General Knowledge (21%), and Administrative Skills (20%).

  • Repetition is key! Review the questions you get wrong and focus on weak areas.

Step 3: Study Smart, Not Hard

  • Break your study sessions into 1-2 hours per day for at least six weeks before the exam.

  • Use flashcards and spaced repetition to reinforce key concepts.

  • Join study groups or online forums for extra support.

CMA Exam Logistics & Costs

Taking the CMA exam requires planning ahead. Here’s what you need to know:

💰 Exam Fee:

  • $125 for AAMA members

  • $250 for non-members

Exam Format:

  • 200 multiple-choice questions (only 180 are scored)

  • Divided into 4 sections (40 minutes each)

  • Three categories: Clinical (59%), General (21%), Administrative (20%)

📍 Test Locations: Pearson VUE centers across the U.S.

Maintaining Your CMA Certification

Your CMA certification is valid for five years. To keep it active, you need to:

🔹 Complete 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
🔹 Pay a recertification fee.
🔹 Retake the exam if CEUs aren’t completed in time.

Failing to renew on time may require you to start the process from scratch!

The Best Medical Coding & Billing Certification

Interested in expanding your career into medical coding and billing? This field is also growing rapidly!

👉 Check out AMB Certification Institute—they offer some of the best medical coding and billing certificates in the industry.

8 Less Known Facts

  1. Medical assistants with CMA certification can specialize in fields like dermatology, cardiology, and orthopedics for higher salaries.

Live Link: https://www.fhcaorlando.com/blog/highest-paid-medical-assistant-specialties

  1. The CMA exam includes 20 unscored experimental questions to test future exam content.

Live Link: https://www.mometrix.com/academy/certified-medical-assistant-practice-test/

  1. Some states allow CMAs to perform limited X-ray procedures after additional training.

  2. Medical assistants can transition into healthcare administration or practice management roles with experience.

Live Link: https://www.coursera.org/articles/certified-medical-assistant

  1. CMAs working in specialty clinics (like cardiology) can earn up to 30% more than those in general practice.

Live Link: https://www.fhcaorlando.com/blog/highest-paid-medical-assistant-specialties

  1. Certified Medical Assistants are often preferred for telehealth and remote patient monitoring roles.

  2. Some hospitals offer tuition reimbursement for CMAs who pursue nursing or advanced medical degrees.

  3. A CMA certification can be an advantage when applying for military medical roles or government healthcare positions.

Live Link: https://www.stepful.com/post/certified-medical-assistant

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • No, unless you qualify under NCCT’s work experience route.

  • Typically 8-12 months, depending on your program.

  • Yes, but some states have additional licensing requirements.

  • You can retake it after 90 days (up to three times per year).

  • Yes—certified medical assistants earn 20% more on average.

  • Yes! Many CMAs use this certification as a stepping stone to nursing school.

  • Absolutely—higher pay, better job security, and more career growth.

  • Lack of preparation and underestimating the clinical section.


Final Thoughts

A CMA certification is not just a piece of paper it is your key to a steady good paying career in healthcare. You can you can you can! With the right preparation you will ace that exam and step into a job you love! 🚀

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Where Can I Take the Certified Medical Assistant Exam: Your Guide