Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)
Offered by American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA)
The CMA (AAMA) is the Certified Medical Assistant credential from the American Association of Medical Assistants. It is a different exam from NHA's CCMA and from IMA's Certified Management Accountant (the accounting CMA at /certifications/cma).
EXAM AT A GLANCE
Format
200 multiple-choice questions (180 scored + 20 unscored pretest) in four segments
Testing time
160
minutes
Sections
3
Delivery
PSI test centers
Passing score
405
Cost
$125
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What the exam covers
Clinical competency
General (legal, communication, professional)
Administrative (scheduling, records, billing/coding)
About the Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) certification
The exam is 200 multiple-choice questions (180 scored + 20 pretest) in four 40-minute segments (160 minutes of testing). The minimum passing score is 405 on a 200–800 scale. Eligibility is typically graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program. Delivery is through PSI.
Who it’s for
Graduates of CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting programs seeking the CMA (AAMA) credential.
- Testing time
- 160 minutes of testing plus optional tutorial and up to 20 minutes of optional breaks between segments (3-hour appointment)
- Passing score
- 405 on a 200–800 scaled scale
- Cost
- $125 USD for AAMA members / recent accredited-program categories; $250 non-member in other categories — confirm current AAMA fee table
- Validity
- 60 months (5 years); recertify with CEUs or by exam
- Prerequisites
- Graduation from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited medical assisting program (see current AAMA eligibility categories)
Official exam page· Details verified September 2026
Exam details can change. Always confirm current requirements, fees, and exam policies with the certification provider before registering.
How to prepare
01
Use the official CMA (AAMA) content outline — clinical, general, and administrative all count; you cannot skip admin.
02
Drill clinical skills and infection control first, then billing/coding and law.
03
Practice in 40-minute segments to match exam-day pacing.
04
Sit a full 200-item timed exam targeting a scaled 405.
05
Do not confuse AAMA prep with NHA CCMA banks — blueprints and eligibility differ.
FAQ
Is CMA (AAMA) the same as CCMA?
No. CMA (AAMA) requires an accredited program pathway and is administered by AAMA/PSI. CCMA is NHA's exam with different routes. Employers may list one or both.
Is this the accounting CMA?
No. Certified Management Accountant (IMA) is a separate credential at /certifications/cma. This page is only the Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA).
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