AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants)

CMA (AAMA)

Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA)

The AAMA's nationally recognized medical assistant credential, earned by graduates of accredited programs and required by many employers and physician practices. Validates both clinical and administrative competency.

$125Four 40-minute segments (about 3 hours total)

What's on the exam

CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam Content Outline (current, for exams before July 2027); a revised outline based on the 2025 Occupational Analysis takes effect July 2027 (Clinical 65%, General 20%, Administrative 15%)

Clinical Workflow: Patient Intake and Discharge

part of Clinical (59%)

Patient intake · Vital signs and measurements · Documentation · Discharge instructions · Rooming and triage support

Safety and Infection Control

part of Clinical (59%)

Standard precautions · Asepsis and sterilization · Hazard and exposure control · Emergency preparedness · Medical asepsis

Procedures and Examinations

part of Clinical (59%)

Assisting with examinations · Specimen collection · Point-of-care testing · EKG · Wound and minor surgery assistance

Pharmacology

part of Clinical (59%)

Medication administration · Dosage calculation · Drug classifications · Routes of administration · Vaccine handling

Legal and Ethical Issues

part of General (21%)

Scope of practice · HIPAA and confidentiality · Informed consent · Medical records law · Risk management

Communication

part of General (21%)

Therapeutic communication · Patient education · Professionalism · Cultural competence · Telephone techniques

Billing, Coding, and Insurance

part of Administrative (20%)

CPT and ICD-10-CM basics · Claims processing · Insurance types · Reimbursement · Compliance

Scheduling and Health Information Management

part of Administrative (20%)

Appointment scheduling · Health record management · Electronic health records · Correspondence · Office operations

Frequently asked questions

How much does the CMA (AAMA) cost?

The CMA (AAMA) costs $125. Fee for completing students/recent graduates and AAMA members; $250 for non-members.

How long is the CMA (AAMA) and how many questions does it have?

200 items (180 scored, 20 pretest) — Four 40-minute segments (about 3 hours total).

What do you need to pass the CMA (AAMA)?

Scaled score of 405.

Can you retake the CMA (AAMA)?

Up to six attempts in any 12-month period, with no required wait between attempts; new application and fee required for each attempt.

What is the best way to study for the CMA (AAMA)?

Start from the official outline and your primary study materials: the exam is weighted by domain (Clinical Workflow: Patient Intake and Discharge part of Clinical (59%), Safety and Infection Control part of Clinical (59%), Procedures and Examinations part of Clinical (59%), Pharmacology part of Clinical (59%), Legal and Ethical Issues part of General (21%), Communication part of General (21%), Billing, Coding, and Insurance part of Administrative (20%), Scheduling and Health Information Management part of Administrative (20%)). Once you've learned the material, spaced-repetition flashcards organized by those domains are an efficient way to retain it and refresh it before test day.

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