Q: How do you get AAMA certified?
A: To become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA (AAMA)), you must follow a multi-step process: graduate from an accredited medical assisting program, submit an application to the AAMA, pass the national certification exam, and then maintain the credential through continuing education. This is a structured pathway designed to ensure high professional standards.
Q: What is the first step to eligibility?
A: The foundational step is to graduate from an accredited medical assisting program. The program must be accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). This is the standard and most straightforward eligibility route.
Q: Are there other ways to qualify for the exam?
A: Yes, the AAMA offers an Alternative Pathway for candidates who graduated from a medical assisting program that is not CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited. This path requires graduates to have their transcripts individually reviewed and approved by the AAMA. Additionally, the pathway is open to instructors of medical assisting programs and formally trained medical assistants from the U.S. Armed Forces.
Q: What does the certification exam involve?
A: The CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam is a comprehensive, computer-based test. Key details:
- Format: 200 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 3 hours (195 minutes).
- Content: Covers three domains: General (medical terminology, anatomy, professionalism), Administrative, and Clinical knowledge.
- Scoring: Uses a scaled score from 200 to 800, with a passing score of 405.
Q: How much does it cost to take the exam?
A: Exam fees are tiered:
- $125: For current students or recent graduates (within 12 months) of an accredited program, and for current AAMA members.
- $250: For all other candidates (non-recent graduates and non-members).
Q: Is certification permanent?
A: No. The CMA (AAMA) credential is valid for 60 months (5 years). To maintain it, you must recertify by either:
- Earning 60 Continuing Education (CE) points, with at least 30 from AAMA-approved providers.
- Retaking and passing the CMA (AAMA) exam again.
Q: Why is AAMA certification valuable?
A: The CMA (AAMA) is the premier certification for medical assistants. It is widely recognized and often preferred by employers, leading to better job prospects, higher earning potential, and greater professional credibility within the healthcare team.
For a broader perspective on the value of professional development in healthcare, you can review our previous FAQ: Are AMA courses worth it?