How to Get a Medical Assistant Certificate

A medical assisting certificate is considered a symbol of dedication and knowledge.

Medical assisting is a popular career path and a great way to gain entrance into the medical industry. The job outlook for medical assistants, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is a positive one and expected to grow. Because of that, many employers prefer medical assistants who have received certification to ensure that they have the qualifications that are the basis for a productive and reliable employee. Receiving your certification from the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) raises your prospects of employment and sets you ahead of other non-certified assistants when seeking employment.

Instructions

1. Determine if you are eligible. Go to the AAMA website and search for the CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Eligibility. Read the guidelines that are listed there to determine if you fall within one of the categories for eligibility. The categories are: Completing or recent graduate of an accredited program; non-recent graduate of an accredited program or a current CMA in need of re-certification.

2. Attend a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) accredited medical assisting program. To find a program in your area go to the CAAHEP and the ABHES websites and type in or search for "Medical Assisting" in their drop-down list or "Programs Offered" box. You will need to complete the program and finish a required unpaid internship in a health care setting before applying for the exam.

3. Download the application from the AAMA website. Click on the "Candidate Application and Handbook" link to access the application and follow the instructions on how to properly complete it. Depending on your category of eligibility you will need to supply certain documentation, such as proof of the completion of your course of study, when applying for the CMA exam. Mail these documents, your application to take the exam and required enrollment fee payment to:
   AAMA Certification
   7999 Eagle Way
   Chicago, IL 60678

4. Make an appointment to take the exam when you receive your testing permit. If you are approved, a permit to schedule an appointment will arrive in the mail. It will provide you with a list of Prometric testing facilities and directions on when and how to schedule your test. Follow the instructions and schedule as soon as possible to get your desired location and time.

5. Prepare to take the exam. Check with the school or college where you took your medical assisting program with and ask if there is a CMA Exam review course available in your area. Go to the AAMA website and read the Content Outline for the exam. Take advantage of the practice exams that are also available on the AAMA website.

6. Take and pass the examination. On the day of the exam bring your scheduling permit and a government-issued photo identification, such as a driver's license. The name on the photo identification must exactly match the name that appeared on your application. You must arrive at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam, sign a test log and submit to having your photograph taken. Once the exam begins it cannot be canceled or rescheduled. Your unofficial score will be given immediately upon completion of the exam and your official results will be sent 10 weeks after the exam date.

Tips & Warnings

• Confirm your test location one week before your appointment.

• If you did not attend an accredited program or were ever found guilty of a felony, you will not be eligible for certification. You may, under certain circumstances, request a waiver that will allow you to apply for certification despite the felony on your record.

• Unscheduled candidates are not allowed into the certification exam.

References

• American Association of Medical Assitants: How to Become a CMA
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Assisting

Resources

• Prometric