How long does the NHA CCMA certification last?

The NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification is valid for two years, requiring renewal by completing 10 continuing education (CE) credits and paying a fee to stay current. Failure to renew within one year of expiration means you must retake the exam to regain certification, making consistent renewal important.

Does a CCMA certification expire?

If you're a Medical Assistant certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), your certification must be renewed every two years. ACI Medical & Dental School recommends completing your renewal before your CCMA certification expires to avoid any disruptions in your credentials or access to NHA benefits.

How long is NHA certification good for?

Your certification must be renewed every two years. To stay current, you must complete 10 continuing education credits and pay a recertification fee every two years.

How long is a CCMA good for?

The NHA's Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification is valid for 2 years. Renewal requires continuing education credits and a renewal fee. The AAMA's Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires continuing education or retesting, plus a renewal fee.

How difficult 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. 

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

Does a CMA certification expire?

To better ensure continuing competency and knowledge and thus better protect patients, CMAs (AAMA) are required to recertify every 60 months. Current status is required to use the CMA (AAMA) credential.

Is a CCMA higher than a CMA?

Neither a CCMA nor a CMA is inherently "higher"; they are different certifications from different organizations, with the CMA (American Association of Medical Assistants - AAMA) often covering broader admin/clinical skills and the CCMA (National Healthcareer Association - NHA) focusing more heavily on clinical tasks, though both certify qualified medical assistants, with the choice depending on your program and career goals, and employers often view them similarly for core duties. 

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. 

How much does the CCMA exam cost?

You do not need to submit an application, but you do need to schedule your exam and pay the $160 examination fee. You can take the exam three times, with a 30-day waiting period between each attempt.

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?

A Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) generally earns slightly more than a non-certified Medical Assistant (MA), often around $2-$4 more per hour, with CMAs averaging over $20/hour (e.g., $22.42/hr for AAMA CMAs) compared to uncertified MAs at around $17.59/hr, though specific figures vary by source, state, and experience, with the main difference being the added credentials and potential for better pay and broader roles. 

Do hospitals accept NHA certification?

Yes, hospitals widely accept NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certifications, like for Medical Assistants or Pharmacy Technicians, as they are nationally recognized, NCCA-accredited credentials that demonstrate competence, giving candidates a significant advantage and meeting employer needs for skilled allied health professionals across the U.S. While generally accepted, it's always best to check specific hospital job descriptions for their exact requirements, as some roles or locations might have state-specific preferences.
 

Are NHA certifications worth it?

Yes, NHA certifications (National Healthcareer Association) are generally considered good and valuable credentials, offering wide employer recognition, better job prospects, increased earning potential, and faster career advancement in various allied health fields, backed by NCCA accreditation. While excellent for most U.S. roles, be aware some specific facilities or states might prefer other certifications (like RMA) or state-specific licenses. 

Is a CCMA certification worth it?

Yes, CCMA certification is generally worth it as it significantly boosts job opportunities, often leads to higher pay (60%+ of employers offer more), provides faster entry into the field with less on-the-job training, and demonstrates competence to employers, validating your skills for a competitive healthcare market. While some experience can get you hired without it, certification offers better long-term security and career growth, though initial pay can vary.
 

How long is a CMA valid for?

The CMA certification is valid for five years. Certification holders may renew by exam or by completing 60 units of continuing education. Additional information about recertification can be found on the CMA Recertification Policies page.

What is the CCMA exam pass rate?

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. The nationwide passing rate is 77%.

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 job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?

Yes, jobs paying over $400,000 without a college degree exist, with Walmart Store Managers being a prominent example due to increased bonuses and stock, while other high earners include roles in enterprise tech sales, commercial real estate, high-level trades (like nuclear operators, air traffic controllers), and self-made entrepreneurs/influencers, all relying on high skill, performance, and market demand, not just degrees, according to sources from Tallo and The Wall Street Journal. 

Who gets paid more, MA or RN?

Nurses, particularly Registered Nurses (RNs), make significantly more money than Medical Assistants (MAs) due to higher education requirements and broader responsibilities, with RNs often earning double or more the salary of an MA. While MAs handle administrative and basic clinical tasks with median pay around $44,000-$45,000, RNs, requiring degrees and licensure, have median salaries near $94,000-$98,000, with much higher potential for specialization and advancement.
 

Can a CCMA become a nurse?

Yes, medical assistants can become registered nurses! Additional schooling and certifications are required, which take approximately two to four years to complete. While MAs might know the basics of nursing care, they do not have the advanced pathophysiology or pharmacology knowledge that nurses possess.

Who makes more money, CCMA or CNA?

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) generally earns more than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because CCMAs have broader clinical and administrative duties, requiring longer training, with median salaries often in the $44,000-$47,000 range compared to CNAs' $39,000-$41,000, though exact figures vary by location, experience, and employer.
 

Can a CCMA get a CMA job?

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Earning your CCMA credential prepares you for jobs with titles including medical assistant, certified medical assistant, and clinical medical assistant.

Can you put CMA after your name?

If you see the CMA designation after your name, your CMA certificate number has been issued.

Is CMA harder than CNA?

While it takes more training and time to become a CMA, if you decide to pursue this career option, you'll probably make more than you would as a CNA.

How often should I renew my CCMA?

To maintain your CCMA certification, you'll need to renew it every two years. This will ensure employers you are continuing your education in the field. When you need to renew, you should prepare to do it at least 14-30 days prior to your expiration date.