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.*
*Until Dec. 31, 2020, the Certifying Board of the AAMA is allowing a temporary waiver of this policy only for students who have completed all aspects of their formal education except the practicum. For details, see "Temporary Waiver of Completing Student Policy" below.
|
No documentation required. Your program completion—including a practicum—must be verified by your program director in order for you to receive your official scores and 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 |
Certification Exam Eligibility Pilot Program
Graduate of a qualified postsecondary medical assisting program
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
|
Temporary Waiver of Completing Student Policy
The Certifying Board of the AAMA recognizes the many challenges caused by COVID-19, one being the ability for medical assisting students to fully complete their programs. As such, the Certifying Board is allowing a temporary waiver of the policy that states that completing students may take the CMA (AAMA)® Certification Exam no earlier than 30 days prior to completing their formal education and practicum.
Please note that this waiver is only intended for students who have completed all aspects of their formal education except the practicum. This policy waiver does not apply to those who have not yet completed the formal education of their program.
The waiver will extend through December 31, 2020.
Students who have completed all aspects of their programs except the practicum should be directed to the steps below when applying for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam online:
- The candidate will apply and enter in the expected program completion date.
- The program director will receive the verification roster and indicate that the reason the candidate is unable to complete the practicum portion of the program is due to COVID-19.
- The candidates’ official exam scores will then be withheld until they have fully completed their medical assisting programs.
Contact CMAExam@aama-ntl.org with questions.
Step 2. Gather Your Documentation
Gather the appropriate documentation for your eligibility category.
(See “Required documentation” in the Handbook.)
Step 3. 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 Handbook, so it is important to read them thoroughly.
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. Detailed timelines for online and paper applications can be found below.
(See “Ninety-day testing period” and “Application timelines” in the Handbook.)
Online Application Timelines
Apply on or Between
|
Earliest Available Testing
Period Start Date
|
1st to 14th of any month
|
1st of next month
|
15th to end of any month
|
15th of next month
|
Mailed Paper Application Timelines
Application is Received
on or Between
|
Earliest Available Testing
Period Start Date
|
1st to 14th of any month
|
15th of next month
|
15th to end of any month
|
1st of month after next
|
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
- Disabled persons 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 to your approved email list. Check your spam or junk email folder for CMA Exam emails.
Step 6. Apply for the Exam
Apply Online Now
Or, download the Handbook and complete the application form at the back. 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 Handbook with it.
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 Handbook.)
Step 8. Schedule Your Exam
Schedule your exam appointment as soon as possible after printing your Scheduling Permit.
(See “Appointment Scheduling Permit” and “Exam date scheduling” in the Handbook.)
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.
Complete the AAMA Computer-Based Testing Tutorial to learn what to expect from the software interface when taking the exam at the testing site. All candidates are encouraged to use this online tutorial to practice prior to their examination appointment.
Step 10. Complete the Exam
After you have completed your exam, you will receive a pass/fail notification at the test center. You can view your exam status and scores at My Certification Information. Your official scores will display within eight weeks after your exam date.
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-examination information and policies” in the Handbook.)
Step 12. Watch for Your Certificate
If you pass and are allowed to receive an official score report, your certificate and wallet card should arrive approximately three weeks after you receive your official scores. 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 Handbook.)
Application Timelines
Apply Online on
or Between
|
Mailed Application is
Received on or Between
|
Earliest Available 90-Day
Testing Period Start Date
|
January 1-14
|
December 15-31
|
February 1
|
January 15-31
|
January 1-14 |
February 15
|
February 1-14
|
January 15-31 |
March 1
|
February 15-28/29
|
February 1-14 |
March 15 |
March 1-14 |
February 15-28/29 |
April 1 |
March 15-31
|
March 1-14 |
April 15 |
April 1-14 |
March 15-31 |
May 1
|
April 15-30 |
April 1-14 |
May 15
|
May 1-14 |
April 15-30 |
June 1 |
May 15-31 |
May 1-14 |
June 15 |
June 1-14
|
May 15-31 |
July 1 |
June 15-30
|
June 1-14 |
July 15 |
July 1-14 |
June 15-30 |
August 1 |
July 15-31 |
July 1-14 |
August 15 |
August 1-14
|
July 15-31 |
September 1 |
August 15-31
|
August 1-14 |
September 15 |
September 1-14
|
August 15-31 |
October 1 |
September 15-30
|
September 1-14 |
October 15 |
October 1-14
|
September 15-30 |
November 1
|
October 15-31
|
October 1-14 |
November 15 |
November 1-14 |
October 15-31 |
December 1
|
November 15-30
|
November 1-14 |
December 15 |
December 1-14 |
November 15-30 |
January 1 |
December 15-31
|
December 1-14 |
January 15 |