Exam Application Steps

The following steps require that you first thoroughly read, then refer to, the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application.

Step 1. Verify that You Are Eligible for the Exam

Review Exam Eligibility Requirements for details.

Eligibility, Documentation, and Fees*
Eligibility Category	Required Documentation	Fee (Nonrefundable)
Category 1 Completing student or recent graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program Completing students may take the exam no more than 30 days prior to completing their formal education and practicum.	No documentation required. Your program completion—including a practicum—must be verified by your program director in order for you to receive your certification.	$125
Category 2 Nonrecent graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program	Official transcript	$125 AAMA members $250 nonmembers
Category 3 CMA (AAMA)^® recertificant	No documentation is necessary if you have provided your CMA (AAMA) certificate number and most recent certification or recertification date on the application.	$125 AAMA members $250 nonmembers
Education Pathway Graduates of postsecondary medical assisting programs and postsecondary medical assisting apprenticeship programs that meet certain requirements For more information, see the "Certification Exam Eligibility Pilot Program" webpage.	At a minimum, the following documentation will be required: 1. Transcript (an unofficial transcript may be submitted for initial review, but if approved, an official transcript will be required). 2. Attestation Letter If curriculum requirements and other criteria are not sufficiently documented, additional documentation will be needed. See the Certification Exam Eligibility Pilot Program webpage for details.	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

*The candidate fee applies for each exam attempt.

Step 2. Review All Exam Policies and Information

When you submit your application, you are certifying that you have reviewed and accept all provisions under “Applicant agreement” and that you will abide by all the policies set forth in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application, so it is important to read them thoroughly.

Step 3. Gather Your Documentation

Gather the appropriate documentation for your eligibility category.

(See the “Eligibility, Documentation, and Fees” table in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application .)

Step 4. Determine Start Date for 90-Day Testing Period

Select the date that you wish your 90-day testing period to begin. This will determine when you should apply for the exam.

(See “Ninety-Day Testing Period” and “Application Timelines” in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application .)

If submitting the application online, please allow 24 hours after registering to receive the email from PSI with scheduling instructions. If submitting the application by mail, please allow two weeks for processing.

Applicants can schedule their exam as soon as their application is completed and their payment is processed.

Note: Applicants who must submit specific documentation must allow extra time for application processing:

Candidates requesting a waiver due to having been found guilty of a felony, or pleaded guilty to a felony, or having a professional license, registration, or certification denied, revoked, suspended, or subjected to probationary conditions by a regulatory authority or certification board
People with disabilities who require special provisions on exam day
Non-recent graduates who do not submit an official transcript with their application

Step 5. Monitor Your Email

Use an email address that will be valid for the next year (school addresses often expire after graduation). Add CMAExam@aama-ntl.org and No-Reply@psiexams.com to your approved email list. Check your spam or junk email folder for "CMAExam@aama-ntl.org" and "No-Reply@psiexams.com" emails.

Step 6. Apply for the Exam

Apply Online Now

Or, download the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application and complete the application form on the last page. Verify that you have written your first, middle, and last name as they appear on the government-issued photo ID that you must bring to the test center. Submit the application and your candidate fee and include any documentation you gather in Step 2. Retain a copy of the completed application and documentation for your records. If you mail your application, do not send the other pages of the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application with it.

Those applying through the education pathway (as opposed to one of the numbered categories) should apply online via the “Certification Exam Eligibility Pilot Program” webpage.

Step 7. Make Name, Email, and Postal Address Corrections on a Timely Basis

Edit your profile online or email us to update your contact information.

(See “Candidate Name/Address Specifications” and “Test Center Identification Requirements” in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application.)

Step 8. Schedule Your Exam

Schedule your exam appointment after your application and payment are processed.

(See “Exam Scheduling” in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application.)

Step 9. Prepare for the Exam

See “Study suggestions.” Also, thoroughly review the “Test Center Scheduling and Policies,” so that your test session goes smoothly.

Step 10. Complete the Exam

After you have completed your exam, you will receive a pass/fail notification.

Step 11. Watch for Your Official Score Reports

You’ll receive your official exam scores within three weeks after your exam date pending verification of program completion and/or fulfillment of all application requirements.

(See “Post-Exam Information and Policies” in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application.)

Step 12. Watch for Your Certificate or Digital Badge

If you pass and meet all exam eligibility requirements, you will receive a digital badge instead of a paper certificate via an email from Badges@aama-ntl.org titled “AAMA digital badge account management” within 10 business days. Digital badging is cutting-edge technology that allows CMAs (AAMA) to securely—and quickly—share their credential across the web, on résumés, in email signatures, and via social media outlets to celebrate and validate their achievement.

Add Badges@aama-ntl.org to your approved email list to ensure you receive your digital badge.

See the “Digital Badges” webpage for more information.

CMAs (AAMA) may view their certification status at My Certification Information. CMA (AAMA) certification is valid for a 60-month period.

(See “CMA (AAMA) Recertification Requirements” in the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application.)