Can anyone take the NHA CCMA exam?

No, not just anyone can take the NHA CCMA exam; you need a high school diploma (or GED) and must meet specific training or work experience criteria, typically completing a medical assistant program within the last five years or having at least one year of supervised work experience in the field within the last three years, though you can sometimes use experience to qualify without formal schooling.

How do you qualify for the NHA CCMA exam?

You can become eligible for the NHA CCMA exam by completing a medical assistant training program or by working for at least one year as a medical assistant. The CCMA exam has 180 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 390 out of 500 to pass.

Can you take the CCMA exam without doing a program?

Here's a quick breakdown of the medical assistant certification exams you can take without going to school: Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). To take the CCMA exam without going to school, you must have worked full-time as a medical assistant for at least 1 year.

Can anyone take the NHA exam?

Each exam tests your knowledge and practical abilities in your chosen healthcare field. Exam format: Multiple-choice questions. Duration: Around 2 hours (varies by certification). Eligibility: High school diploma or equivalent, plus training or work experience in the field.

Can I take the CMA exam without experience?

You must demonstrate 2 years of full-time professional experience in management accounting or financial accounting. You can meet this requirement prior to or within 7 years of passing the CMA exam.

PASS YOUR NHA CCMA EXAM IN 2025 | STUDY TIPS + WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW! Part 1

Can an unlicensed person prepare a CMA?

Unlicensed assistants can prepare comparative market analyses under the supervision and approval of a licensed agent. These analyses provide insights into the value of a property by comparing it to similar properties that have recently sold, helping clients make informed decisions.

Who is eligible to take the CMA exam?

To meet the CMA requirements, you need to complete the following: Be a member of the IMA and enroll in their CMA program. Have a bachelor's degree or an IMA-approved credential. Complete two years of full-time, relevant experience in financial or management accounting.

Can I take the NHA CCMA exam at home?

You'll take the exam either at your school, a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.

Do employers recognize NHA certification?

Benefits of NHA certifications for our students include: Wide Recognition – Many employers require their employees to be certified from an accredited certifying body such as NHA, especially those with multiple credentials.

How hard is the NHA CCMA exam?

The NHA CCMA exam is challenging due to its breadth and scenario-based questions, but manageable with dedicated study, focusing on clinical workflow, procedures, and pharmacology; many test-takers find it difficult but pass with good preparation, using process of elimination, and understanding the material, not just memorizing practice questions. The key is thorough preparation, utilizing practice tests to identify weak areas, and understanding the concepts deeply, as the actual exam is often harder than the practice versions. 

How much does a CCMA exam cost?

How much does the CCMA certification cost? The cost for your initial two-year CCMA certification period is $200.00 including the fee for remote proctoring. Your competency-based study guide and unlimited access to practice exams are provided to all NPS members free, as well as your medically-driven resume revision.

Who gets paid more, MA or CNA?

Yes, Medical Assistants (MAs) generally earn more than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because MAs often have broader responsibilities, combining administrative and clinical tasks in settings like doctor's offices, while CNAs focus more on direct patient care in hospitals or nursing homes, with MAs typically earning around $44,200 median annual wage compared to CNAs' median of about $39,500, though salaries vary by location and experience for both roles. 

What is the fastest way to become a CMA?

The fastest way to become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) involves enrolling in an accelerated, accredited diploma or certificate program, focusing full-time, and immediately taking the certification exam after completing the program and required externship, potentially getting you job-ready in 3-4 months, though 6-9 months is common for structured programs. Key steps include choosing a program that offers online/hybrid options with condensed schedules, passing your certification exam (like CCMA or NCMA) quickly, and maximizing your clinical experience. 

Can you take the CCMA exam without going to school?

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

To qualify for their exam, applicants have two eligibility pathways: Option 1: Possess a high school diploma or equivalent (or is scheduled to earn one in the next 12 months) AND complete a medical assistant training or education program within the last five years.

How much does the CCMA cost?

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA): $155. Certified Medical Assistant (CMA): $125. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA): $120.

What is the highest paid medical assistant?

The highest-paid medical assistants work in specialized fields like cardiology, dermatology, or oncology, in hospitals or research settings, and in high-cost-of-living areas (like NYC, SF) or leadership roles, potentially earning $65,000 to over $80,000 annually, with specialized skills, certifications, and union benefits boosting pay for complex duties like assisting with EKGs, minor surgeries, or managing clinical operations. 

Which is better, RMA or CCMA?

Clinical vs. Administrative Work: If you prefer a clinical setting with patient-focused duties, the CCMA might align best with your goals. However, if you seek a role that balances both clinical and administrative tasks, consider the CMA or RMA certification.

What is the easiest healthcare degree to get?

The "easiest" healthcare degree depends on your definition, but Phlebotomy Technician and Medical Assisting are often cited as the quickest, taking months to a year for certifications or short programs, focusing on practical skills like drawing blood or clinical/admin support. Other fast options include Pharmacy Technician, EMT, and Medical Billing & Coding, while roles like Ultrasound Tech offer good pay with ~1-year programs, but still require specific skills. 

What is a good salary with NHA certification?

A good salary with NHA certification varies by role, but generally, expect certified medical assistants to earn around $18-$22/hour, while phlebotomists might see $19-$20/hour, with higher figures for more experienced staff or in high-demand areas, potentially reaching $25+/hour or $40k-$50k+ annually, significantly more than uncertified peers. The specific NHA certification (like CMA, Phlebotomy Tech) and location heavily influence earnings, with higher averages in major cities. 

What do I need to take the CCMA exam?

To be eligible for the CCMA exam, you must either complete a medical assistant training program or have one year of medical assisting experience. The CCMA exam costs $155. You can attempt the test three times per year and must wait 30 days between each attempt.

Can I take the CNA test without going to class?

Yes, in California, nursing students are eligible to take the CNA state exam without completing a separate CNA training program. If you've already completed certain nursing coursework, such as fundamentals of nursing or basic patient care, you may qualify to challenge the exam directly.

Do hospitals accept NHA certification?

Yes, most hospitals and healthcare employers across the U.S. accept NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certifications, as they are nationally recognized and accredited by the NCCA, but acceptance can vary by specific hospital system, state, and the role (e.g., some roles might prefer AAMA for Medical Assistants). NHA credentials like CCMA, CPT, and CPhT demonstrate competence, giving you a competitive edge, though you should always check job listings for preferred certifications, as some larger facilities might favor other bodies like AAMA, or require state-specific licensure, notes Reddit users and another Reddit thread. 

Is CMA higher than a CNA?

Yes, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) generally holds a "higher" position than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because CMAs have broader training, can perform more advanced clinical tasks (like giving injections/meds) and administrative duties, work more independently, and typically earn a higher salary, though both roles are crucial and require less education than a Registered Nurse (RN). The key difference is scope: CNAs focus on basic patient care (bathing, vitals), while CMAs blend clinical support for doctors with office tasks, making them more versatile.
 

What is the minimum qualification for CMA?

Must have a 10+2 certificate from a recognized board. Commerce Examination from Qualified National Diploma by AICTE or State Board of Technical Education. Diploma in Rural Service Examination under National Council for Higher Education. As per the ICMAI, there is no upper age limit to apply for the CMA course.