Where can I take the CMA certification exam?

You can take the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exam in-person at a global network of Prometric Testing Centers or, depending on the specific exam part, potentially remotely via Prometric's ProProctor service, though some sources suggest it's primarily in-person at Prometric centers. You must register through the IMA website and then schedule your exam on the Prometric site, which shows available locations and times.

Where can I take the CMA exam?

The CMA exam can be taken in-person at a Prometric testing center or remotely using Prometric's ProProctor service. If needed, you can easily reschedule your exam through the Prometric website.

Can I take my CMA test online?

CMA candidates can register to take their exams either in-person at a Prometric Test Center or remotely using Prometric's ProProctor™ service. The exam fee is the same for in-person and remote testing. There are important technology and space requirements to be aware of before choosing remote testing for the CMA Exam.

Can I just take the CMA exam?

While you can't take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam without completing an accredited program, you can take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), and National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) exams without going to school.

Can you take the CMA exam remotely?

You can have your CMA exam administered remotely or at a Prometric testing center. For remote exams, log in 15 minutes before the start of the exam. For in-person exams, arrive at the testing center 30 minutes early. Don't forget to have your non-programmable calculator ready for exam day.

CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant | All You Need To Know

What's the fastest you can become a CMA?

You can become a CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) as fast as 3-4 months by enrolling in an accelerated, full-time program that combines coursework with a short clinical externship, allowing you to immediately schedule the certification exam after completion. While some intensive programs boast even faster timelines (like 2 months), 3-4 months is the realistic fast track for completing the necessary training and passing the certification exam, though 6-9 months is more common for standard diploma programs. 

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.
 

Is the CMA exam really hard?

Yes, the CMA exam is generally considered tough due to its depth, requiring conceptual understanding over memorization, with low pass rates around 45-50% for each part, demanding significant study time and strategic preparation, especially for the essay sections and managing time effectively, but it's achievable with dedication and a solid study plan. 

What's the fastest you can become a medical assistant?

The fastest way to get a Medical Assistant (MA) certificate is through an accelerated online or hybrid program, with some finishing in 4-8 months, or even as quickly as 6-12 weeks, by focusing on self-paced learning, immediate enrollment, and prompt exam preparation, ensuring the program includes required externships and hands-on labs for certification eligibility (like NHA's CCMA). 

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 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. 

Where can I take the Nha exam?

You can schedule your exam to be remotely proctored or you can schedule at a Prometric test center.

Can I take the CMA test 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. 

What is the passing score for CMA exam?

The CMA score range is 0-500, and the minimum passing score is 360 for both parts of the exam.

How to register for a CMA exam?

How do I Register for the CMA Exam?

1. Step 1: Make sure that you meet the CMA exam requirements. ...
2. Step 2: Become an IMA Member. ...
3. Step 3: Pay the CMA Entrance Fee and Exam Registration Fee. ...
4. Receive your Authorization Number. ...
5. Schedule your Exam. ...
6. Review the Instructions to Candidates.

Can I pass CMA in first attempt?

The good news is—yes, you can. The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam is challenging but not unbeatable. Thousands of candidates worldwide pass it on their first try by following a structured plan, using reliable resources, and staying consistent.

Which pays more, CPA or CMA?

Both CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant) offer high earning potential, but CPAs often edge out CMAs in overall average salary, especially in public accounting and senior controller roles, while CMAs excel in corporate finance, FP&A, and strategic finance, with high demand in management roles, and dual certification bringing significant boosts to both. CPAs typically see salaries ranging from $75k-$125k+ with experience, while CMAs often earn $80k-$160k+, with both leading to six figures and potentially $100k+ for CFO/Director roles, notes Charlotte Observer and Controller Academy. 

How many hours to pass CMA?

Average CMA study time for most candidates

On average, Part 1 requires 170 study hours, which you can cover in 10-13 weeks, and Part 2 takes 130 hours and 8-11 weeks. We recommend that candidates study a minimum of 12 hours each week.

Can a CMA call themselves a nurse?

Medical assistants and other unlicensed, non-nurse personnel should never call themselves “nurses,” even generically. State laws prohibit anyone without a valid nursing license from using “nurse” or other variations of this title. Violators can face criminal prosecution and regulatory action.

Can I be a CMA without being a CNA?

Yes, in most states, you do need to be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and often work as one for a period (like 6 months) before you can become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), as CMAs build upon CNA skills, but rules vary by state, with some allowing direct pathways or different requirements. Becoming a CMA means you're a CNA with extra training to administer medications, but you must first be a qualified CNA to start, ensuring foundational patient care knowledge.
 

How long does it take to become a CMA?

Becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) typically takes 9 months to 2 years, depending on the program, with certificate/diploma programs being faster (9-12 months) and associate degrees offering more depth (18-24 months). Shorter, accelerated programs can be as fast as 4 months, while some might take a year. The key is completing an accredited program and passing a certification exam, like the AAMA's CMA exam or NHA's CCMA, after training. 

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.

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?

CMAs (Certified Medical Assistants) generally earn slightly more than general MAs (Medical Assistants) because certification signals advanced skills, with CMAs often seeing a 10% pay bump, though both roles' salaries vary significantly by experience, location, and workplace, with national averages around $40k-$45k annually for certified roles. While a CMA (AAMA) earns around $22.42/hr, an uncertified MA might earn $17.59/hr, showing the value of certification, but other certifications (RMA, CCMA) are close, and experience is a huge factor.
 

How to become CMA certified online?

The national exam, administered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), can be taken online through remote proctoring from the comfort of your own home. The Advanced eClinical Training team will assist you with both exam registration and preparation, ensuring you are fully ready for your certification exam.