Exam Guide
The CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is administered by the AAMA, and the CCMA (Clinical Certified Medical Assistant) is administered by the NHA. Both are nationally recognized credentials that validate competency across clinical procedures, patient care, administrative tasks, and medical knowledge for medical assistants.
200
Questions
160 Min
Time Limit
3
Knowledge Domains
$250
Exam Fee (AAMA Member)
150
Questions
3 Hrs
Time Limit
5
Knowledge Domains
$155
Exam Fee
Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, professionalism, communication, and medicolegal guidelines.
Scheduling, medical records management, insurance processing, coding (ICD/CPT), and financial management.
Infection control, specimen collection, vital signs, pharmacology, patient intake, nutrition, and diagnostic testing.
Patient preparation, clinical testing, specimen collection, wound care, and assisting with minor procedures.
Patient intake, vital signs, health history documentation, patient education, and communication.
Venipuncture, capillary puncture, order of draw, specimen handling, and safety precautions.
Lead placement, rhythm interpretation, artifact troubleshooting, and cardiac monitoring procedures.
Scheduling, medical records, insurance verification, billing, and front office operations.
Education: Must graduate from a medical assisting program accredited by CAAHEP or ABHES.
Timeline: You may take the exam while enrolled in or within 60 days of completing your program, or anytime after graduation.
Pathway 1: Completion of an NHA-accepted medical assistant training program.
Pathway 2: One year of supervised work experience as a medical assistant.
Military: Military training or experience as a medical assistant may also qualify.
CMA: 200 multiple-choice questions (180 scored, 20 unscored pretest items) with a 160-minute time limit. The exam is computer-based and administered at Prometric testing centers. The fee is $250 for AAMA members and $300 for non-members. The pass rate is approximately 65-72%.
CCMA: 150 multiple-choice questions with a 3-hour time limit. The exam is administered online through PSI or at PSI testing centers. The fee is $155. The pass rate is approximately 70-75%.
Most successful candidates study for 6-10 weeks using a combination of flashcards for medical terminology and pharmacology, timed practice exams for pacing, and focused review of clinical procedures. For the CMA, the General and Clinical domains each account for 36% of the exam, so they deserve the most study time. For the CCMA, clinical procedures and patient care questions make up the largest portion.
MedAssistPrep provides comprehensive flashcards, timed mini exams, and full-length practice simulations covering all CMA and CCMA domains with realistic question styles that mirror the actual exams.