Who Is CMA Certification For?
✓ This certification is a good fit if you…
- Want to work in healthcare without 2–4 years of nursing school
- Enjoy both patient interaction and administrative work
- Are looking for stable employment (healthcare is recession-resistant)
- Want a relatively fast path to a career (programs are 9–24 months)
- Like variety—medical assistants do many different tasks
- Are interested in eventually advancing to other healthcare roles
✗ You might consider alternatives if you…
- Want higher earning potential—nursing or specialized roles pay more
- Only want to do administrative work—medical secretary roles don't require clinical training
- Want to work independently—MAs work under supervision of physicians
- Are squeamish about blood draws, injections, or minor procedures
- Prefer highly specialized work—MAs are generalists by design
Prerequisites and Pathway
To take the CMA (AAMA) exam, you must:
- Graduate from a medical assistant program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES
That's it—but that education requirement is mandatory. You cannot simply take the exam through self-study.
Program Options
- Certificate/Diploma programs: 9–12 months, focused on MA skills only
- Associate degree programs: 18–24 months, includes general education
Program costs:
- Community college: $3,000–$10,000
- Vocational/technical schools: $10,000–$20,000
- For-profit schools: $15,000–$30,000+ (be cautious of predatory programs)
Important: Ensure your program is CAAHEP or ABHES accredited. Without proper accreditation, you won't be eligible for the CMA exam.
Exam Format & Scoring
Question format: 200 multiple choice questions (180 scored, 20 pretest).
Content breakdown:
- General (terminology, anatomy, physiology): 36%
- Administrative: 28%
- Clinical: 36%
Time limit: 160 minutes.
Passing score: 430 out of 500 on a scaled score.
Testing: Computer-based at Prometric testing centers.
Cost: $250 for AAMA members, $300 for non-members.
Career Outlook
Employment growth: 14% projected growth through 2032—much faster than average.
Salary expectations:
- Median salary: ~$38,000–$42,000 per year
- Entry-level: ~$30,000–$35,000
- Experienced in high-cost areas: $45,000–$55,000
Work settings: Physician offices, hospitals, outpatient care centers, specialty clinics, urgent care.
Prep Resources
AAMA Exam Study Resources
Official content outline, sample questions, and exam preparation tips from AAMA.
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View ResourcesFind Accredited Programs
CAAHEP program finder to locate accredited medical assistant programs near you.
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Search ProgramsFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a CMA?
Certificate programs take 9–12 months; associate degree programs take 18–24 months. Most people complete the entire process in 1–2 years.
Can I become a medical assistant without going to school?
For CMA (AAMA) specifically, no—you must graduate from an accredited program. Some other credentials accept work experience, but CMA requires the education pathway.
What's the difference between a medical assistant and a nurse?
Nurses have more extensive training, broader scope of practice, more independence, and higher pay. Medical assistants work under physician supervision with a more limited scope. MA programs are faster and less expensive.
How do I maintain my CMA certification?
Recertify every 60 months (5 years) through 60 CEUs or by retaking the exam.