What is the CMA exam fee?

Q: What is the CMA exam fee?

A: The fee for the Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) exam is not a single fixed price. It ranges from $125 to $250, depending primarily on your membership status and when you graduated

Q: How much does it cost for a recent graduate?

A: The exam costs $125 for candidates in the following categories

Category 1: Students who are currently completing or who are recent graduates (within the past 12 months) of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program.

Members: Individuals who are members of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Q: What is the fee for other candidates?

A: The exam fee is $250 for candidates in these categories

  • Category 2: Individuals who graduated from an accredited program more than 12 months ago (non-recent graduates)
  • Non-members: Candidates who are not members of the AAMA.

Q: Are there any additional fees?

A: Yes, there are fees for specific situations

  • Reactivation Fee: If your CMA (AAMA) credential has expired and you wish to recertify by taking the exam again, you must pay an additional $50 reactivation fee on top of the applicable exam fee.
  • Retake Fees: If you do not pass the exam on your first attempt, you must pay the full exam fee again to retake it. The AAMA allows a maximum of three exam attempts

Q: How does this fee compare to other medical assistant certifications?

A: The CMA (AAMA) exam fee is competitive with other major national certifications. For comparison

Q: How can I ensure I pay the correct fee?

A: The most reliable way is to consult the official AAMA resources when you are ready to apply. Eligibility categories and fees are detailed in the official Candidate Application and Handbook, which is available on the AAMA website

For information on the exam format and delivery, including details on the online testing process, you can review our previous FAQ: Can I take the CMA exam online?