The age limit for CMA certification depends entirely on which specific credential you are pursuing, as "CMA" refers to two distinct professional designations. It is crucial to differentiate between the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA from the AAMA) and the Certified Management Accountant (CMA from the IMA), as their eligibility criteria differ significantly.
For each pathway, the age limit for CMA certification is as follows:
- Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA): There is no official age limit to sit for the CMA (AAMA) exam. Primary eligibility requires graduation from an accredited medical assisting program.
- Certified Management Accountant (IMA): Candidates must be at least 18 years of age to register for the CMA (IMA) program and sit for the exams, in addition to holding a bachelor's degree and relevant work experience.
Therefore, the pertinent age limit for CMA credentialing is only a formal barrier for the management accounting path. For both designations, the foundational requirements of education and, for the IMA CMA, professional experience, are far more consequential than age. Prospective candidates must always consult the official certifying body—either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) or the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)—for definitive, current eligibility guidelines.