^{Originally published January 28, 2023
Updated May 20, 2026}

CPR certification is not required for CMA (AAMA)^® recertification. However, as a recertification applicant, you can use CPR certification for AAMA recertification points.

Past

Provider-level CPR certification was first required for recertification of the CMA (AAMA) credential in January 2005. At that time, few employers were requiring their employees to be CPR certified. The Certifying Board of the AAMA considered this to be a safety issue and was forward thinking in requiring that CMAs (AAMA) maintain current, provider-level CPR certification.

Many, if not most, employers now require current CPR certification. Thus, the Certifying Board believes these safety concerns are being adequately addressed and current, provider-level CPR certification is no longer a necessary component for CMA (AAMA) recertification.

However, current CPR certification continues to hold value for recertification.

Present

Two-year CPR cards issued within your recertification period can be counted as four clinical AAMA recertifica­tion points. Up to three two-year CPR cards may be submitted for a total of 12 CEUs.

Online submission is the preferred method of submitting documentation for CPR cards. Simply log on to your AAMA website account, and while within the “My Account” section, select the  Upload CPR and Smiles for Life CEUs tab from the left-side menu. On that webpage, select the appropriate course from the drop-down menu, upload a file (that includes the front and back of each CPR card), and submit.

The status of submitted documentation is displayed on that same webpage. Allow 2–3 business days for processing.

If you choose to mail in documentation, make sure to submit a copy of the front and back of the card. Do not send originals.

Future

Start planning for your CMA (AAMA) recertification today! Brush up on recertification policies in the  CMA (AAMA) Recertification by Continuing Education Application or log on to the  AAMA website to add or track your CEUs. Make sure you’ve uploaded any CPR cards earned during your current recertification period so you apply your existing knowledge to keeping your CMA (AAMA) credential current!