Q: How long is the AAMA certification?
A: The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) is valid for 60 months (5 years). To maintain the credential beyond this period, you must complete a Recertification process before your certification expires.
Q: What are the requirements to recertify the CMA credential?
A: You have two primary pathways to recertify:
- Continuing Education (CE) Route: Complete 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within the five-year certification cycle. Of these:
- At least 30 CEUs must be from AAMA-approved providers.
- A minimum of 10 CEUs must be in the area of Administrative duties.
- A minimum of 10 CEUs must be in the area of Clinical duties.
- The remaining 10 CEUs can be in either category or in General medical assisting knowledge.
- Re-examination Route: Retake and pass the current CMA (AAMA) Certification Examination before your credential expires.
Q: What happens if my certification expires?
A: If you do not complete the recertification process by your expiration date, your credential becomes inactive. You cannot use the CMA (AAMA) title. To regain active status, you must retake and pass the full certification exam again.
Q: How can I prepare for the initial CMA (AAMA) exam?
A: Successful preparation involves:
- Formal Education: Completing an accredited medical assisting program is the foundational step.
- Comprehensive Review: Using official AAMA study guides and outlines to cover all exam content areas (General, Administrative, Clinical).
- Practice Testing: Taking timed practice exams to build stamina and identify areas needing further study.
For more detailed information on exam content and official recertification guidelines, visit the American Association of Medical Assistants website at www.aama-ntl.org.