A Guide to Eligibility

Learn about the ways you can demonstrate your eligibility to sit for the the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam. 

Eligibility Requirements for the CMA (AAMA)® Exam

To be eligible for the CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam, an applicant must meet one of the following requirements:

Find Out if You're Eligible

Take this survey to help you determine your eligibility for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam.

Take the Eligibility Survey

Learn about Fees and Required Documentation

Did you graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES- accredited medical assisting program more than 12 months ago?

Candidates who graduate from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program that was accredited at any time during the student's enrollment, or who graduated within the 36 months prior to the program becoming CAAHEP or ABHES accredited, are eligible to apply for the exam.

Required Documentation

Official transcript            

Nonrefundable Fees:

  • $125 AAMA members
  • $250 nonmembers

Are you a student or recent graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES- accredited medical assisting program?

The candidate must have graduated from or be about to complete a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.

  • Completing students may register for the exam as soon all classroom coursework (excluding practicum/externship) has been completed.  
  • Recent graduates are those who apply for the exam within 12 months of graduation.

Required Documentation

No documentation required. Your program completion—including a practicum—must be verified by your program director in order for you to receive your certification.

Nonrefundable Fee: $125

Did you previously pass the CMA (AAMA) exam?

The candidate must have previously passed the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam and is applying to recertify the CMA (AAMA) credential.

Required Documentation

No documentation is necessary if you have provided your CMA (AAMA) certificate number and most recent certification or recertification date on the application.

Nonrefundable Fees:

  • $125 AAMA members
  • $250 nonmembers

Did you graduate from a postsecondary medical assisting program or postsecondary medical assisting apprenticeship programs that meets certain requirements?

The candidate must have graduated from a postsecondary medical assisting ​or postsecondary medical assisting apprenticeship program which meets the criteria. Learn more about the requirements. 

Required Documentation

At a minimum, a transcript (an unofficial transcript may be submitted for initial review, but if approved, an official transcript will be required) and an attestation form. In some case, additional documentation may be required.

Nonrefundable Fees:

No fee to enter the program and submit documentation for review to determine eligibility. Once eligibility is confirmed, the following exam fees apply:

  • $125 AAMA members
  • $250 nonmembers

Are you a medical assisting educator?

An individual who has been employed in a teaching and/or program director position for a minimum of 1,000 hours in a post-secondary medical assisting program that is part of an institution accredited by an accrediting body recognized by either the United States Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Required Documentation

Completed attestation form (also available in the online application), verifying the eligibility requirements, signed by the individual's immediate supervisor.

Nonrefundable Fees

  • $125 AAMA members
  • $250 nonmembers
3 medical assistants

Take the Next Step

Learn about your options for preparing and and what you need to do to apply.

Prepare for Your Exam
Learn about the Application

SIGN UP FOR THE AAMA E-UPDATE NEWSLETTER

Subscribe to our e-Newsletter, the AAMA e-Update to stay up to date on the latest information!