Where to take CMA test?

You take the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) exam at a Prometric testing center worldwide or remotely via Prometric's ProProctor system, after joining the IMA and registering for the exam on the IMA website and then scheduling with Prometric. The exam is offered in two-month windows (Jan/Feb, May/June, Sep/Oct) and requires you to schedule your specific date, time, and location through Prometric's portal.

Can I take the CMA exam 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.

How much does a CMA test cost?

CMA Exam Cost

The CMA exam costs $1,685 for professional members of IMA. This takes into account IMA membership fees, CMA Program fees, and exam registration fees. There are discounts available for students and added fees for rescheduling exams, so costs will vary.

When can I take my CMA exam?

The CMA exam is offered in three two-month testing periods each year: January-February, May-June, and September-October. The deadline to register for a given CMA exam window is on the 15th of the latter month in that window. You can then schedule your CMA exam date for any time within that window.

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.

CMA Study TIPS and TRICKS to PASS YOUR EXAM

Is 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.
 

Where can I take my CMA test?

CMA Exam Dates Quick Facts

CMA exam windows are January/February, May/June, and September/October. You schedule your CMA exam with IMA testing partner Prometric. The CMA exam can be taken in-person at a Prometric testing center or remotely using Prometric's ProProctor service.

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 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. 

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.

Is it hard to pass the CMA exam?

Yes, the CMA exam is considered tough due to its low pass rates (around 45-50% per part), requiring deep conceptual understanding, not just memorization, complex questions, extensive content, and demanding essay sections that test application and analysis, making time management crucial, though success is achievable with dedicated study and strategy. 

Does CMA expire?

Recertifying your CMA (AAMA) credential demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning, staying up-to-date with the latest medical assisting practices and effective patient care. CMAs (AAMA) must recertify every 60 months.

Can I become a CMA without being a CNA?

Yes, in most states, you must be a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) (or LNA/NAR) and often work for a set period (like 6 months) before you can enroll in training and become a Certified Medication Aide (CMA), as CMA is an advanced certification for nursing assistants who administer medications, requiring foundational CNA experience and sometimes specific work history, though requirements vary by state. 

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. 

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, accredited program with online/hybrid options, completing intensive coursework and externships quickly, and preparing for the exam concurrently, though 6-9 months is more typical for standard programs. The absolute fastest involves intense, self-paced online learning combined with an immediate externship after core classes, then sitting for the exam as soon as eligible.
 

How long is a CMA valid for?

The CMA certification is valid for five years. To maintain this credential, medical assistants must complete a minimum of 60 continuing education requirements or retake the certification exam.

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.

Which CMA exam part is the hardest?

CMA candidates generally agree that Part 2 is much more difficult than Part 1. This is because Part 1 tests your knowledge of the accounting concepts used by CMAs, whereas Part 2 pushes you to apply concepts, analyze, and deduce in real-life scenarios.

Which book is best for CMA USA?

Most successful candidates rely on the best CMA review course books that combine concept explanations, MCQ practice, essay scenarios, and mock exams – which is why providers like Wiley, Gleim, Hock, and Becker dominate CMA USA preparation.

When to register for CMA?

CMA Foundation Registration 2025 – Important Dates

The CMA exams are held twice a year, in June and December. For the June 2025 attempt, the last date to register for the CMA Foundation is 31st January 2025. Here are the key dates for CMA Foundation June 2025: Registration Deadline: 31st January 2025.

Can you take the CMA exam at home?

CMA Exam Day Quick Facts

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.

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.

Which pays more, CNA or medical assistant?

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. 

Is a CMA a nurse?

Medical assistants work closely with doctors, nurses, and patients—but they do not provide direct medical care independently the way nurses do. Instead, they support care delivery and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.