CMA Exam 2025
Whether you’re a current medical assistant or you want to become one, obtaining your CCMA (certified clinical medical assistant) certification can help you advance in your career.
Getting a CCMA is important because it demonstrates that you’ve met the highest standards in your field. It can also increase your chances of finding a job in the healthcare industry and improve your pay.
Free CMA Practice Test Online
CMA Exam Questions and Answers
– Attend a medical assisting program that is accredited. Attending a recognized school is advised for aspiring medical assistants.
– Verify your eligibility for the certification exam.
– Select a test date and submit the application.
– Pass the exam by studying.
– Maintain your recertification.
The BLS reports that, nationwide, certified medical assistants make much less money on average than all other jobs (May 2025). The average yearly income for CMAs, according to the BLS, is $38,190, while the mean wage for all U.S. occupations is $58,260.
A medical assistant is a multi-skilled allied health care professional who has been trained to carry out clinical and office duties in an outpatient setting while being overseen by a certified healthcare physician.
Either at your school, a PSI testing facility close by, or through live remote proctoring at the venue of your choice, you’ll take the exam. Get your outcomes.
They could do elementary laboratory procedures, get rid of polluted materials, and sanitize medical equipment. They could also be responsible for tasks including explaining medications or special diets to patients, getting them ready for x-rays, taking out stitches, drawing blood, or changing bandages.
“No” is the shortest response. It is not necessary for medical assistants to have a state license or certification from another organization in order to work. Nevertheless, becoming a certified medical assistant has some benefits for your profession.
Most aspiring medical assistants need between nine months and two years to complete their education, while the precise length of time can vary. It takes a lot of steps to become a medical assistant, including finishing high school, enrolling in medical assistant school, and earning certifications.
In California, there is no requirement for medical assistants to hold a license or certification. However, the employer of the medical assistant and/or the malpractice insurance provider of the supervising physician or podiatrist may insist that the medical assistant hold a national or private association certification.
Patient care is provided by a non-certified medical assistant who works under the direction of a doctor or nurse. The main duties of the position include getting the patient ready for exams, helping with treatments, organizing testing and follow-up care, and recording care in the patient’s medical file.
Medical assistants can join the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), which also provides CMA (AAMA) certification and educational opportunities.
Medical assistants can work without having to get a state license or a certification from another organization. But getting certified as a medical assistant has benefits for your career.
As of March 28, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) in the US is $19, but the range frequently lies between $17 and $20.
Recertifying every 60 months is a requirement for CMAs (AAMA) in order to better ensure ongoing competency and knowledge and, in turn, better safeguard patients. It is necessary to maintain current status in order to use the CMA (AAMA) certificate.
A high school diploma is often required to begin a job as a medical assistant. Gaining employment may be facilitated by formal training and certification from an approved institution. The next stage is to sit for and pass an industry certification exam after graduating from a recognized program. Two certification examinations are available to U.S. Career Institute program graduates. For more information on the certification process, see our Career and Certifications page.
Every year, the third complete week of October is devoted to commemorating Medical Assistants Recognition Week (MARWeek).
A medical assistant with the CMA (AAMA)® certificate has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certifying Board (AAMA).
While medical assistants can receive phlebotomy training and perform a variety of patient care and administrative jobs.
Several allied health workers, including medical assistants, are authorized to take blood samples. It’s one of the several clinical and administrative duties that medical assistants carry out.
Once the licensed individual has confirmed the correct medication and dosage, and the injection is intramuscular, intradermal, or subcutaneous, the medical assistant may deliver injections of scheduled medications if they have received the necessary training.
No, a medical assistant is unable to serve as a CNA.
While a CNA is a nursing position with a focus on helping with patient care, a medical assistant mostly does clerical and administrative tasks. The two medical roles call for various levels of training, experience, and competencies.
The answer is that a CNA can serve in this capacity.
The two medical roles call for various levels of training, experience, and competencies. Despite the fact that CNAs are perfectly capable of performing medical assistant duties, this position places more of an emphasis on scheduling and requires less expertise in medicine.
You can expand your skill set as a nurse, EMT, or medical assistant by receiving training and certification in intravenous (IV) therapy.
All you have to do is obtain the National Center for Competency Testing’s National Certified Medical Assistant credential. After receiving it, you are qualified to work in any state.
In Florida, medical assistants are not needed to hold a license or certification.
When studying for the CMA exam, medical assistants frequently inquire about how difficult the test will be. The test is difficult and demands some preparation. The greater your study skills, the more likely it is that you will ace the test the first time.
The duration of medical assistant training varies, but many certificate programs last roughly a year. The average time to earn an associate’s degree in medical assisting is two years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are various possibilities that are shorter.
There are 200 multiple-choice questions on the CMA exam, but only 20 of them will affect your final score. Four 40-minute sections of the exam are given, with optional breaks in between.
In California, a certified medical assistant makes an average yearly pay of $35,500. In California, certified medical assistant salaries can range from $18,000 to $61,500 and are based on a number of variables, including experience, company, bonuses, tips, and more.
A CMA in Texas will make an average salary of $33,664 per year as of April 8, 2025. In case you need a quick pay estimator, that comes out to about $16.18 per hour. This amounts to $647 each week or $2,805 per month.
Medical assistants make an average of $37,190 a year, or $17.88 per hour, across the country. Medical assistants in Florida make significantly less than that, with average making $35,480 a year or $17.06 an hour.
As of February 27, 2025, the average Medical Assistant pay in Georgia is $37,534, however the range frequently lies between $34,604 and $40,528.
As of March 28, 2025, the average Medical Assistant pay in New Jersey is $43,007, however the range frequently is between $39,647 and $46,436.
In the United States, the average yearly wage for a non-certified medical assistant is $36,162. To view Non Certified Medical Assistant wages near you, set a location filter. Salary estimates are based on nine anonymous salary submissions made by Non Certified Medical Assistant employees to Glassdoor.
The average length of a medical assistant trade school curriculum is one year. When you’re done, you’ll receive a certificate proving that you’ve obtained the necessary education to work as a medical assistant. These programs have annual costs that range from $2,500 to $20,000.
The fee is $125 unless test takers are AAMA members, currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, a CAAHEP or ABHES program. $250 is the fee for all other test takers. There is no return for fees.
– Enroll in the exam. Anytime, anywhere, create a free NHA account and use the account portal to submit your Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) exam application.
– Fix a time.
– Prepare yourself at all costs.
– Attempt the test.
– Get your outcomes.
Arizona does not mandate certification; nonetheless, given the high demand, employers could strongly prefer to hire certified medical assistants.
In order to work in the state of Illinois, medical assistants are not required to obtain a license or certification. However, due to the extensive training required for certification, there are more job prospects accessible for qualified medical assistants.
– Look for a medical assistant program that has been accredited.
– Become Nationally Certified.
– Start looking for a job as a medical assistant.
– Keep up your professional credentials.
– Get the Right Training and Education for Medical Assistants the Washington State Medical Assisting Exam successfully
– Send Washington State your medical assistant transcripts and official documents.
– Provide documentation and demonstrate the necessary skills for a medical assistant
– Check All Additional Washington State Licensing
– Apply for Your Washington Medical Assistant License
– Receive your high school diploma.
– Finish the necessary training.
– Acquire the suggested certificates.
– Develop vital abilities.
– Obtain a GED or High School Diploma (Four Years)
– Fill out a necessary medical assistant form (one to two years)
– Passing the CMA test (less than one year)
– Keep your AAMA (CMA) certification current (every 60 months)
– Finish a medical assistant training program that has been accredited.
– Obtain Certification.
Only the states of Idaho, Washington, Connecticut, and New Jersey demand certification from medical assistants. However, given how fiercely competitive this industry is, the majority of medical assistants opt to become certified. The ability to seek for higher jobs and advance in the medical industry is made possible by certification. There are several certification paths available for medical assistants to advance their professions.
– Studying exam materials is more than just memorization. There may be questions and subjects on the test that are not covered in any official study materials.
– Use the practice exams.
– Enroll in a review course.
– Determine which topics and sections need more attention.
Learn strategies for preparing for the CMA (AAMA) Exam. Access the curriculum outline, test your knowledge of medical terminology, sign up for the AAMA, and obtain resource suggestions.
Compared to the CMA, whose duties are more broad and comprehensive in terms of patient care, the CNA provides daily, hands-on personal care for patients. Unlike CMAs, CNAs typically work in inpatient hospitals.
The American Medical Technologists, another organization, provides the RMA. Both the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) and Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) are voluntary, national certificates within the medical assisting field.
According to the credential attained, a CMA must first get a diploma or associate degree from a recognized program and then pass a certification exam. This procedure can take one to two years to complete. A CNA needs to complete an unique certificate or diploma program, which can take 4 to 12 weeks, and then pass the required exams.
The “front office” of a medical practice or healthcare institution is where medical administrative assistants often spend their time, according to NHA. They might be responsible for organizing practice correspondence, keeping records, and making appointments.
The process of becoming a CMA can take one to two years, depending on the credential attained, and requires a diploma or associate degree from a recognized program as well as passing a certification exam. In order to become a CNA, one must first earn a specialized certificate or diploma, which can take four to twelve weeks, and then pass a test for certification.
The Nationally Registered Certified Medical Assistant (NRCMA) designation proves to coworkers, clients, employers, and the general public that certified individuals possess the administrative and clinical knowledge and proficiency necessary for the medical assistant professional in physician and healthcare practice.
The medical assistant has the option of becoming certified or registered (CMA). The organization to which she or he belongs is the only factor determining these designations. The fact that one credential bears the title “Registered” and the other uses “Certified” does not indicate any substantive difference between the two credentials.
Certified clinical medical assistants do a range of tasks that integrate office work with patient care, according to the NHA. CCMAs can plan patient appointments, make it easier for patients to attend the office, and maintain patient records, including electronic health records (EHR).
Financial Planning, Performance and Analytics and Strategic Financial Management are the two sections of the CMA Exam. 100 multiple-choice CMA Exam questions and two 30-minute essays are included in each section. There are 10–12 written response or calculation questions in the essay part that are based on typical business scenarios.
The title “Certified Medical Assistant” refers to a medical worker who works in a variety of medical settings, doing basic administrative and clinical activities.
The majority of medical assistants work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, doctors’ offices, and other healthcare settings.
A medical assistant with the CMA (AAMA)® certificate has been certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants’ Certifying Board (AAMA).
Although it is not necessary to have a formal education or training to work as a medical assistant in Georgia, most employers prefer to recruit candidates who have finished a training program, obtained a certification or degree, or have been certified by a national certifying body. Certifying organizations do demand formal education.
Although it is not necessary to be certified in Missouri, many students decide to do so as part of their career path. A student must finish a medical assisting program that has been approved in order to get certified. From a certificate to an associate’s degree, this could be.
Numerous firms are eager to recruit medical assistants without experience or certification, according to a short search on any well-known job board.
Registered nurses and medical assistants are not the same. It would be unlawful to practice as a nurse without a nursing license, as nurses are required to hold a license from the state in which they work. If a medical assistant completes a nursing program and passes the exam, they can pursue a career as a nurse.
Only the state of Washington requires medical assistants to be certified and licensed. The licensing of medical assistants is not mandated in any other states.
CMA Certification Online
Getting certified as a medical assistant opens up many doors in the healthcare field. You can work in a doctor’s office, hospital, or outpatient clinic. This career is in high demand and has a positive outlook.
Several online schools offer medical assisting certification courses. These programs are self-paced and can be completed in as little as a year.
The program teaches students the basics of working as a medical assistant, including the importance of patient care and safety, as well as how to work with patients in a professional manner. It also focuses on preparing students for the CCMA exam.
You’ll learn about a variety of health topics, such as medical terminology, physiology, anatomy, and pharmacology. You’ll also gain experience performing common duties such as taking vital signs, administering injections, and venipuncture.
Upon completion of the online course, you’ll be prepared to sit for the national CCMA exam from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). NHA has been providing qualified healthcare workers with a CCMA for over three decades. The exam helps employers determine your level of expertise and ensures you’re familiar with the latest medical practices and procedures.
CMA Certification Requirements
Certified clinical medical assistants (CCMAs) perform a range of tasks in the medical field. They work for doctors in hospitals and private medical offices. Some specialize in a specific area of medicine, such as pediatric or geriatric care.
CCMAs combine office procedures with patient care duties. They can provide assistance with exams and other procedures like EKG, phlebotomy and lab tests. They also assist with medical records and billing.
The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) requires CCMAs to pass an exam in order to receive certification. The test is 150 questions long and takes three hours to complete. It’s offered to students and recent graduates of accredited medical assisting programs.
In addition to the exam, CCMAs can take refresher courses to brush up on their skills and prepare for future exams. The National Healthcareer Association also offers study aids such as quiz books and practice exams.
Depending on the path you choose, it can take nine months to two years to get certified. During this time, you will complete a variety of hands-on training and classroom studies. You will also complete an externship at a medical facility to gain real-world experience.
CMA Test Prep
Taking the test for certified clinical medical assistant certification can help you advance your career in the health care field. The certification is widely recognized and respected by hospitals, other health care organizations, and potential employers. It can also help you secure a higher salary and open more job opportunities.
Getting the right test prep is crucial to ensuring a successful exam. You’ll need to study a variety of topics and strategies.
The best way to prepare is to devote a significant amount of time to your study plan. This will allow you to master the most important concepts and improve your knowledge in areas that may be less familiar.
You can study with a group of peers or in an individualized learning environment. Either way, you’ll be able to get hands-on practice in challenging concepts and develop a strong understanding of how your new knowledge applies to the actual job.
The test for certified clinical medical assistant certification is offered through Prometric testing centers around the country. It consists of 200 multiple-choice questions divided into four testing periods. Each period is 40 minutes long, with an optional 20-minute break between sections.
CMA Exam Questions
The exam for certified clinical medical assistant certification includes 200 multiple-choice questions. Unlike other certification exams, the CMA exam does not contain decoys (answers that look and sound like the correct answer but aren’t).
If you are preparing to take the test, you can use these sample CCMA questions to get an idea of the types of questions you may encounter. However, it is important to remember that these sample questions do not reflect the actual exam.
Once you have a general idea of what type of questions will appear on the CMA exam, it is time to start studying for the actual exam. The first step is to review the exam content outline provided by the NHA.
You will want to allocate certain periods of time each week to study for the exam. This will help you focus on the specific areas of study that are most challenging.
The NHA also recommends taking practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam and to determine which topics you need to brush up on. Lastly, be sure to remove any distractions during your study periods.
CMA Certification Salary
A certified clinical medical assistant certification adds credibility to your skills and helps you earn higher salaries than your non-certified counterparts. This career field has high demand and a fast pace of job growth.
A career as a clinical medical assistant can be an excellent option for those who love working in the healthcare industry and want to help patients. These professionals assist physicians and other medical staff in both clinical and administrative roles, and they are also responsible for front-office duties such as answering the phone, scheduling appointments, and assisting with patient intake procedures.
The salary for a certified clinical medical assistant may vary widely depending on the location, work setting, practice specialty, and experience level. However, in general, the national average for a certified clinical medical assistant is about $34,550 per year.
In addition to gaining an in-demand job and a good starting salary, becoming a certified clinical medical assistant can also provide you with a pathway toward advanced certification. MedCerts offers a number of specialty certifications that will allow you to become more specialized and market yourself to a wider variety of employers.
CMA Exam Dates
A certified clinical medical assistant is a professional who works in a variety of healthcare facilities. They provide patient care and administrative assistance in various settings, including hospitals and private clinics.
To become a CMA, you need to have completed an approved program or training. These programs can take a year or more to complete.
In addition, you need to pass a certification exam. The CMA exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and it tests your knowledge in a variety of subjects related to the medical assisting profession.
The exam covers general, clinical, and administrative topics in the field of medical assisting. These include topics such as anatomy, physiology, and laboratory procedures.
The exam is offered three times a year during two-month test windows. You can schedule your exam online with IMA testing partner Prometric. You can also reschedule your appointment through Prometric’s website if necessary. However, you must pay a $50 rescheduling fee if you reschedule your exam within 3 – 30 days of the original test date.
CMA Certification Cost
As a medical assistant, you’ll spend much of your time helping patients receive the care they need. You’ll perform a variety of tasks, including taking medical histories and recording vital signs. You’ll also perform clerical and administrative duties in doctor’s offices, hospitals, and other health care settings.
Having certification as a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA) or a certified medical administrative assistant (CMAA) can help you get more job offers and improve your career prospects. These credentials are offered by the National Healthcareer Association, which requires candidates to meet a number of qualifications.
To become a CCMA, you must have graduated from a one- or two-year medical assisting program that’s accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). You can take the exam as soon as you finish your coursework, or up to 12 months after graduation.
The cost of the exam ranges from $125 to $250. You can recertify your CMA every five years by completing continuing education courses or by retaking the exam.
CMA Exam Pass Rate
Certified clinical medical assistants are in demand because they offer a wide range of employment options. The job is also a growing one, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects employment to grow 16% from 2025-31.
To become a CMA, you must pass the exam. It’s important to study consistently and create a study plan. Once you’ve done this, you can start to master the topics that are covered on the test.
The exam content is quite broad, and it requires a solid understanding of health care delivery. It includes questions about general medical knowledge, administrative skills, and clinical skills.
You can prepare for the exam by completing practice tests and paying close attention to how long it takes you to answer each question. This will help you identify areas where you need to work on.
The exam is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It’s a rigorous examination that includes questions from a variety of sources. The AAMA’s mission is to provide education, certification, credential acknowledgement, networking opportunities, scope-of-practice protection, and advocacy for quality healthcare centered on the patient.