CCMA Certification: Overview and FAQ
If you’re a medical assistant looking for a way to advance your career, pursuing CCMA certification might be a great next step. Offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), this credential demonstrates that you’re trained, knowledgeable, and ready to take on clinical responsibilities in the healthcare setting.
This credential is one of several tracks to become a certified medical assistant. Clinicians with this certification may have any of the following duties, depending on the area in which they work.
Clinical responsibilities:
- Taking vital signs
- Preparing patients for exams or procedures
- Collecting specimens for lab testing
- Performing EKGs and other basic diagnostic tests
- Administering medications and vaccines under supervision
- Assisting with minor procedures
- Charting medical histories and updating electronic health records (EHRs)
Administrative responsibilities:
- Scheduling appointments
- Managing patient intake and registration
- Handling insurance forms and billing
- Communicating test results as directed
- Maintaining inventory of medical supplies
- Coordinating referrals and prior authorizations
Whether you’re just starting your medical assistant (MA) career or looking to grow in your current role, this guide will walk you through what the CCMA credential is, why you might want to pursue it, and how to do so.
What Is CCMA Certification?
CCMA stands for Certified Clinical Medical Assistant. It’s a national professional credential that shows an MA has the knowledge and skills to carry out essential clinical tasks in outpatient and ambulatory settings. To become a CCMA, candidates must complete an approved training program or have relevant work experience, and then pass the NHA’s certification exam.
This credential can allow you to work in the following areas:
- Ambulatory care
- Primary care
- Urgent care
- Community health
- Occupational health
- Student health
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Why pursue CCMA? The benefits of this credential include:
- Opportunities: 88% of employers encourage or require certification because it shows that you’re ready for the job and may provide the employer more protection against malpractice suits.
- Income: 63% of employers offer higher pay for certified professionals, so earning certification could help you increase your income while staying in your current role.
- Validation: Becoming certified shows that you’re a trained professional in your field, and can help you become more confident at work.
CCMA Certification: Salary Averages
The average medical assistant salary in the U.S. is $44,720 per year. Your income may be higher or lower than this average, depending on your experience, credentials, work setting, and location.
If you’re curious about where medical assistants earn the most, check out roles in areas with some of the highest average incomes for MAs:
How to Become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant: 4 Steps
We’ve broken the process down into four steps below, including maintaining your credentials after you’ve earned them.
Step 1: Meet Eligibility Requirements
To qualify, you’ll need to meet the NHA’s eligibility requirements found in the candidate handbook:
- High school diploma or GED
- Complete one of the following within the past 5 years:
- Accredited training program
- Apprenticeship program
- Military medical services training program
- Employer training program
- Pre-externship program
- At least 1 year of supervised work experience in the past 3 years or 2 years of supervised work experience in the past 5 years
Not sure if you qualify for CCMA? Take the NHA’s eligibility quiz.
Step 2: Apply for Certification
Once you meet the requirements, make an NHA candidate profile and apply. When creating your profile, you’ll need to select an Organization Type, which pertains to your authorized NHA testing site. This might be your school, employer, or another institution. If you’re not affiliated with an institution, select Registering Individually. Remember to use your personal email address, not a school email account.
Now it’s time to register for the exam. If you’ve selected an Organization Type, you’ll be able to choose an exam date at your testing site. If you’re registering individually, you’ll take the exam at a PSI testing center or via live remote proctoring from home. During the application process, you’ll need to attest that you meet the eligibility requirements and understand the NHA’s confidentiality policies.
When you register for the exam, expect to pay a fee for CCMA certification. Cost updates can be found on the application page.
Step 3: Pass the CCMA Certification Exam
The CCMA certification test includes 150 multiple-choice questions, 30 of which are pretest items that won’t count toward your score. You’ll have three hours to complete the exam, which covers content in the following areas:
- Foundational knowledge and basic science
- Anatomy and physiology
- Clinical patient care
- Administrative assisting
- Communication and customer service
- Medical law and ethics
How should you prepare for the exam? Start with these resources:
Exams are scored digitally, and if you pass, you’ll get an email notification. Navigate to the My Achievements tab in your NHA account to print your results. Once certified, employers will be able to view your credentials on the NHA verification site. If you fail, you’ll be issued a score report, which will include areas to review before retesting.
Step 4: Maintain Your Credential
CCMA is valid for two years from your passing exam date, after which you’ll need to renew to retain your active status. Here’s the process for renewals:
- Complete 10 continuing education credits through your NHA account.
- Renew your certification through the portal.
- Pay the renewal fee.
CCMA FAQ
CCMA vs. CMA certification: What’s the difference?
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), and it covers broader administrative training. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), as suggested by the title, focuses more on clinical skills and knowledge, preparing candidates for assisting in procedures, drawing blood, and administering medications.
Can you earn CCMA certification online?
Yes, you can apply and take the exam online through live remote proctoring.
Should I earn CCMA through NHA or NPS?
NPS, which stands for National Performance Specialists, also offers a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant credential. They are less well-known but are an accredited certification provider. They even allow candidates who complete the NHA certification to renew through their program. If you’re not sure which medical assistant certification you should pursue, ask your manager or instructor.
Is a CCMA higher than a CMA?
No. The CMA title can be used in two ways:
- As a general job title for certified medical assistants. Someone who works as a CMA may be certified through CCMA, NCMA (through the National Center for Competency Testing), or another MA title.
- To refer to the specific CMA certification offered by the AAMA.
Related Certifications
- National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)
- American Medical Technologists (AMT)
- Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD)
- Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS)
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
Let MA Opportunities Come to You
Looking to grow your career as a medical assistant? Whether or not you’re pursuing CCMA certification, we can help you find your next job. Learn more about how we can send you personalized job notifications tailored to your location, schedule preferences, and background.