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.

Step 2. Gather Your Documentation

Gather the appropriate documentation for your eligibility category.

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

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 CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application, 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 CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application.)

Online Application Timelines

 Mailed Paper Application Timelines

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 to your approved email list. Check your spam or junk email folder for "CMAExam@aama-ntl.org" emails.

Step 6. Apply for the Exam

Apply Online Now

Or, download the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application 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 other pages of the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application 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 CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Application.)

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 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.

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

Step 12. Watch for Your Certificate or Digital Badge

If you pass before June 1, 2021, 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.

If you pass on or after June 1, 2021, you will receive a digital badge instead of a paper certificate. 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. 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.)

Application Timelines

The AAMA will be transitioning from Prometric testing centers to PSI testing centers on July 13, 2022.

Candidates enrolling on or after May 15, 2022, will be automatically assigned to test with PSI with a start date of July 13, 2022, or later if indicated as such in their application. Beginning July 12, 2022, candidates will be able to schedule their testing date as soon as their application and payment has been completed.

More detailed information on scheduling with PSI will be available on the AAMA website closer to the transition date.