How much does it cost to take the CCMA test?

The cost for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam is typically around $160-$165, payable when you register through the NHA website or Mometrix, with some programs including it in their overall tuition. Costs can vary slightly, so checking the NHA's official store is best, but expect fees for the exam itself, plus potential charges for study materials or program bundles.

How much does the NHA CCMA exam cost?

If you do not pass the exam during your first two tries, you will have to wait at least 30 days until you can retake it. If you do not pass your third attempt, you will have to wait 1 year between each following attempt. The NHA CCMA exam fee is $160 for every attempt.

How much does the CCMA cost?

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

How hard is it to pass the CCMA exam?

You shouldn't expect to pass it without studying. In 2021, NHA administered 44,588 CCMA exams. The pass rate was 77.08%.

Can you take the CCMA exam without going to school?

The NHA allows that if you have worked one year as an MA with proof. If not you have to attend a program to sit for the exam.

10 TIPS TO HELP YOU ACE YOUR NHA EXAM (CCMA + CMA) 2022 - I PASSED ON THE FIRST TRY SO CAN YOU

Can I take the 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.

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. 

How long is CCMA certification valid?

The CCMA is valid for two years. Certification holders must earn ten continuing education credits and pay a fee in order to renew.

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.
 

What is the most common mistake on the CNA skills test?

The most common mistake on the CNA skills test is failing infection control, especially skipping or rushing handwashing, which is a critical step often missed due to nervousness, leading to automatic failure of a skill or the whole exam. Other frequent errors include not following the precise order of steps, forgetting privacy measures, misusing gloves, and overlooking patient safety elements like unlocking bed/wheelchair wheels or placing the call light within reach, all of which demonstrate poor infection control or safety protocols. 

Can I study CMA for free?

You can pursue the CMA at no cost with the CMA Scholarship. Each college or university can nominate up to 10 students per academic year.

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 a medical assistant become a nurse?

If you are already a medical assistant or are planning to become one, you may be wondering how to transition from medical assisting to nursing. Medical assistants can't just take the NCLEX to become an RN. They must first complete an accredited nursing program, which take 2 to 4 years, before taking the exam.

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 many questions can you miss on the NHA CCMA exam and still pass?

The passing standard is 390 on a scale of 200 to 500 (you must answer 78% of the questions correctly).

How many times can you fail the CMA exam?

While you can retake the exam as many times as you'd like, the CMA program has a strict 3-year timeline you'll need to keep in mind. The countdown begins from the date you pay the CMA entrance fee. From that day, you have three years to pass both Part 1 and Part 2 of the exam.

What pays more, CCMA or CMA?

Salaries for CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) and CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) are very similar, with both generally earning more than uncertified MAs, though specific figures vary by source, with averages often falling in the low $20s per hour or around $40k-$45k annually, influenced more by experience, location, and workplace than the specific CMA vs. CCMA credential. Some reports suggest CMAs might earn slightly more, while others find little difference, but both offer a significant pay advantage over non-certified roles. 

Is the CCMA exam hard?

The CCMA exam (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) is considered challenging due to its broad material and time pressure, but it's manageable with dedicated study, as reflected by its roughly 77% pass rate. Success hinges on thorough preparation, understanding concepts rather than just memorizing, and using effective study materials like practice tests and review courses, with endurance being key for the 3-hour, 180-question format (150 scored). 

Can a CCMA work as a CNA?

Medical assistants and CNAs perform different duties in different settings. Most states require CNA certification before you can legally work as a CNA. Some facilities may hire medical assistants for CNA-like roles under different titles.

Is a CMA higher than a CNA?

Yes, a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) generally has more responsibility, broader skills (clinical & administrative), and typically earns a higher salary than a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), though CNAs provide essential hands-on care and are vital for quick entry into healthcare, with CMAs often taking longer to train but offering more diverse work settings and career growth.
 

Can I take the CMA exam without going to school?

Yes, you can take some medical assistant certification exams, like the CCMA (NHA) and RMA (AMT), without formal schooling by using relevant work experience (usually 1-3 years) in lieu of program completion, but the popular CMA (AAMA) exam requires graduation from an accredited program. Eligibility depends on the certifying body, with the CMA needing accredited education, while CCMA and RMA offer experience-based pathways. 

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 position is higher than a CNA?

Above a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the nursing hierarchy are the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (or Licensed Vocational Nurse/LVN in some states) and the Registered Nurse (RN), with RNs overseeing LPNs and CNAs, and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) at the top. CNAs provide basic patient care, LPNs offer more advanced care under RN supervision, and RNs assess patients, develop care plans, and coordinate care, supervising the other roles.
 

Is it quicker to become a CNA or medical assistant?

It's much faster to become a CNA, with programs often taking 4-12 weeks, while Medical Assistant (MA) training usually lasts 9-12 months or longer, making CNA the quicker path to start working in healthcare. Choose CNA for a fast entry focused on direct patient care or MA for broader clinical and administrative skills with potentially higher pay and more diverse settings like clinics, but with a longer time commitment. 

What type of CNA makes the most money?

High-paying CNA jobs often involve specialization (ICU, surgical), working for agencies/traveling, or taking PRN shifts in high-demand areas like hospitals, especially for nights/weekends, with roles like Travel CNA, ICU CNA, or Nurse Aide Evaluator offering top potential, leveraging bonuses and shift differentials for increased income beyond base pay.