Preparing to Take the Certification Exam - THE NATIONAL EXAMS - American Association of Medical Assistants(AAMA)Certification Exam

Sep 27, 2026

Preparing to take a medical assisting certification exam focuses on choosing between nationally recognized credentials such as the AAMA CMA(AAMA) and the AMT RMA(AMT). The content explains why certification matters to employers and patients, how certification supports mobility and professional standing, and how continuing education or reexamination maintains eligibility. It details eligibility categories for the AAMA exam, required documentation and timing after graduation, the exam’s question format, and administration structure, plus how the AMT credential must be maintained.

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Preparing to Take the Certification Exam

THE NATIONAL EXAMS

American Association of Medical Assistants(AAMA)Certification Exam

American Medical Technologists(AMT)Certification Exam

# Preparing to Take theCertification Exam SECTION Assistants(AAMA)Certified Medical Assisting(CMA)Exam or the American Medical Technologists(AMT)Registered Medical Assisting(RMA)Exam.If you are a recent graduate of a medical assistingprogram,taking the exam as soon after graduation as possible is important.If you are a practicing CMAwho is taking the exam,the likelihood is that you are taking the exam again because you did not keepup on your continuing education units.Why take the exam at all?There are several reasons: ·Passing a national certification exam demonstrates to patients,employers,and others that youhave learned a standardized body of knowledge.Many physicians will only hire individualswho have passed one of the two exams. ·If you move,you do not have to apply for a separate certification—both the CMA and the RMAare recognized by employers throughout the United States. ·Larger medical group practices may be affiliated with local hospitals and may be required tomeet Joint Commission standards.The credentials of all staff are inspected.Although the JointCommission does not currently require that all medical assistants be certified,having certifiedstaff is looked upon favorably. ·Because passing the certification exam(s)requires that you study and are up-to-date on currentstandards,you can take pride in your certification. # THE NATIONAL EXAMS As mentioned earlier,two organizations offer nationally recognized medical assisting examinations.Both are highly respected professional organizations.The exam format is similar,using only multiplechoice questions,and the content covered on the exams is similar.The difference is the eligibility cri-teria for each exam.Whether you take from the AAMA or the AMT depends on whether you meetthe admission criteria.It also may be that one credential is better recognized in your area. # American Association of Medical Assistants(AAMA)Certification Exam The American Association of Medical Assistants(AAMA)is the professional organization representingmedical assistants throughout the country.Individuals who pass the AAMA exam earn a CMA(AAMA).This credential is recognized throughout the United States.Once they have earned the cre-dential,individuals must be recertified every five years by continuing education or reexamination.Thisrecertification is to demonstrate competency and knowledge in the field.All CMA(AAMA)'s must ◎Jones and Bartlett Publishers,LLC.NOT FOR SALE OR DISTRIBUTION # Preparing to Take the Certification Exam either take the exam again after five years or provide proof of 60 continuing education units to theAAMA.The specific information about recertifying by continuing education is available on the AAMAwebsite(http://www.aama-ntl.org). To be eligible to take the AAMA exam,candidates must meet one of the following conditions: ·Category 1:This is for the graduating student or recent graduate of a medical assisting programaccredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs(CAAHEP)or by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools(ABHES).Students must be within30 days of completing their education and externship to take the exam. ·Category 2:This category is for the individual who is not a recent graduate of a CAAHEP orABHES accredited program.If you graduated more than 12 months prior to the exam date,youare considered a nonrecent graduate.The fee for the examination may be higher if you are nota member of the AAMA.You must submit a transcript with proof of graduation. ·Category 3:The last category is for individuals who are already CMA(AAMA)s and are apply-ing to recertify the credential.You must submit a copy of a current provider-level CPR and acopy of your current CMA(AAMA)certificate. The AAMA certification exam is offered in a variety of locations throughout the year.It is veryimportant that you review the current Candidate Application and Handbook in detail.This handbookprovides the latest information o

FAQs

What is the purpose of taking a national medical assisting certification exam?

Passing a national certification exam demonstrates standardized knowledge to patients and employers, and many physicians hire only individuals who have passed one of the two recognized exams.

How does recertification work for the AAMA CMA(AAMA) credential?

CMA(AAMA) credentials must be recertified every five years either by taking the exam again or by providing proof of 60 continuing education units to the AAMA.

What are the eligibility categories for taking the AAMA certification exam?

Eligibility includes graduating or recent students within a time window, nonrecent graduates with transcript proof, and individuals who already hold CMA(AAMA) and are applying to recertify with required CPR and certificate documentation.

Sep 27, 2026

Uploaded by Maya Linwood