If you’re considering a career as a Medical Administrative Assistant, you should get certified – there is no two ways about it.
While some might suggest you can get a job without it, the reality is that, in the healthcare employers prefer certified professionals.
So, in this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Medical Administrative Assistant certification.
We’ll start by explaining what certification actually means and how it differs from a certificate. Then, we’ll answer the common question, Is certification required, and discuss why it’s highly recommended.
We’ll also explore the best certification option for this career, covering the details such as exam requirements, fees, topics, and recertification.
Moreover, we’ll also try to explain the entire process so you could become certified and launch your career faster.
Finally, we’ll introduce a training program designed to help you get job-ready without student loan debt or any hassles of a traditional college program.
So, let’s get started.
What is a Certification?
A certification is an official credential awarded by a recognized organization that validates a person’s skills and knowledge in a specific field. In the healthcare field, certifications demonstrate that professionals meet established standards and are qualified to perform their roles effectively.
We’ll discuss the benefits of a certification in the next section.
Certificate vs. Certification – What’s the Difference?
Many people confuse certificates with certifications, but they are not the same. A certificate is typically awarded after completing a training program, course, or academic program. It simply confirms that you have completed the required coursework.
On the other hand, a certification is granted only after passing an exam administered by a recognized certifying body, such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) for Medical Administrative Assistants.
For example, if you complete a Medical Administrative Assistant training program, you might receive a certificate of completion from the institution. However, to become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant, you must pass the CMAA exam conducted by the NHA.
Which Certification Should You Get as a Medical Administrative Assistant?
If you’re looking to build a successful career as a Medical Administrative Assistant, the CMAA certification is the one you need. Offered by the NHA, it is widely recognized by employers and demonstrates your expertise in medical office procedures, patient management, and healthcare regulations.
CMAA Certification Requirements
To be eligible for the CMAA certification, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Must be at least 18 years old
- A high school diploma or an equivalent credential is required
- Completion of a Medical Administrative Assistant training program
- Alternatively, candidates with one year of supervised work experience in a medical administrative role may qualify without formal schooling
CMAA Certification Exam
The CMAA exam assesses your knowledge and competency in handling key administrative tasks within a healthcare setting.
- Total Questions: 110 questions (including 25 unscored)
- Time Limit: 2 hours and 15 minutes
- Passing Score: 390 out of 500
- Testing Options: You can take the exam at an authorized testing center or online with a live proctor
Topics Covered in the CMAA Exam
The exam covers a wide range of essential medical administrative skills, including:
- Office procedures & best practices
- Communication & professionalism
- Appointment scheduling & patient information management
- Medical billing & coding fundamentals
- Medical records management, HIPAA compliance, & healthcare laws
- Insurance processing & claims management
- Financial practices in medical offices
- Basic medical terminology & healthcare regulations
CMAA Exam Fee
The CMAA exam costs approximately $129, which is separate from any training program fees you may need to pay.
CMAA Recertification
To maintain your CMAA certification, you must renew it every two years. This ensures you stay up to date with industry changes and maintain your professional credibility.
Recertification requirements:
- Completion of at least 10 continuing education credits within each two-year period
- A renewal fee of $185
- If you fail to renew within one year of expiration, you may be required to retake the exam.
Is Certification Required for Medical Administrative Assistants?
Many people wonder whether certification is necessary to become a Medical Administrative Assistant. Some influencers claim that a certification might not be required.
But in reality, having a certification is absolutely essential if you want to stand out in the job market and secure better opportunities. While some employers may hire uncertified assistants, the demand for certified professionals is significantly higher.
Here are the benefits of CMAA certification:
#1 Employers Prefer Certified Candidates
Certification proves that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform the job efficiently. According to the NHA, 75% of employers actively look for certification when hiring Medical Administrative Assistants.
Why? Because it reassures them that you meet industry standards and can handle administrative and patient-related tasks effectively.
#2 Higher Salary Potential
Certified Medical Administrative Assistants often earn more than their non-certified counterparts. Employers are willing to pay a premium for professionals who have demonstrated their expertise by passing a recognized certification exam, such as the CMAA exam offered by the NHA.
#3 Increased Job Opportunities
Many healthcare facilities, including hospitals, private practices, and insurance companies, prefer or even require certification for hiring. Without certification, you might be limited to lower-paying jobs or struggle to compete against certified candidates in a competitive job market.
#4 Career Growth and Stability
A certification isn’t just about landing your first job—it also opens the door for future promotions and career advancement. Certified professionals are more likely to be considered for senior roles, managerial positions, and specialized administrative jobs within the healthcare industry.
#5 Many States and Employers Require It
While certification may not be legally mandated in every state, many employers and healthcare organizations have made it a requirement. Having a certification ensures that you meet their hiring criteria and can start working without additional training.
So, if you’re serious about becoming a Medical Administrative Assistant, getting certified is the smartest move. It not only improves your job prospects and earning potential but also gives you the credibility and confidence to excel in your career.
How To Get Medical Administrative Assistant Certification Faster?
If you’re eager to start your career as a Medical Administrative Assistant, you might be wondering how to get certified as quickly as possible.
Fortunately, there’s a structured path you can follow that allows you to complete your training, gain experience, and pass the certification exam in just a few months.
However, speed alone isn’t enough—you also need to ensure that you’re properly trained and well-prepared so you can enter the workforce with confidence.
Let’s go through the steps you need to take to become CMAA certified faster.
Step 1 -> Enroll in a Formal Training Program
The first step is to enroll in a formal training program. While some might assume they can enter the field without training, this can be a major disadvantage when applying for jobs.
However, according to a report published in the NHA, 59% of employers prefer candidates with formal training.
This means, many employers prioritize candidates who have completed structured education because it ensures they have a solid foundation in medical office procedures, patient scheduling, billing, and HIPAA compliance.
Step 2 -> Complete the Coursework
Once you’ve enrolled in a program, the next step is to complete the coursework. This may sound obvious, but it’s one of the biggest hurdles for many aspiring medical administrative assistants.
In traditional college programs, students often drop out due to high costs, long durations, or difficulty balancing studies with other commitments. Even in online programs, a large number of students start but never finish.
But, comparatively, it’s easier to complete the coursework if you enroll in an online medical administrative assistant program.
However, completing your coursework is absolutely necessary if you want to move forward. The training you receive will not only prepare you for the CMAA exam but will also equip you with the skills required for real-world job responsibilities.
Step 3 -> Gain Experience Through an Externship
While coursework gives you the theoretical knowledge, hands-on experience is equally important. Employers value candidates who have practical exposure to the job, and the best way to gain this experience is through an externship.
This allows you to work in a real medical office or clinic under the supervision of professionals, giving you first-hand insight into the daily responsibilities of a medical administrative assistant.
Many students find that this real-world experience makes their transition into full-time employment much smoother.
Step 4 -> Prepare for the CMAA Certification Exam
After completing your training and gaining some practical experience, the next step is to prepare for the CMAA certification exam. The exam is designed to test your knowledge.
To ensure you pass, you’ll need to review your coursework thoroughly, take practice tests, and focus on any areas where you feel less confident. A strong study plan and online resources will help you feel prepared and increase your chances of passing on the first attempt.
Step 5 -> Apply for the CMAA Exam Online
Once you feel confident in your knowledge, it’s time to apply for the CMAA exam. The application process is straightforward and can be completed online through the NHA website.
After submitting your application and paying the exam fee, you can choose a convenient date to take the test. The exam can be taken either at an authorized testing center or online with a live proctor.
Step 6 -> Take the Exam & Get Certified
When exam day arrives, you’ll need to demonstrate your knowledge and skills within the given time frame. The CMAA exam consists of 110 multiple-choice questions, and you’ll have 2 hours and 15 minutes to complete it.
To pass, you must score at least 390 out of 500. While the test is challenging, thorough preparation will give you a strong chance of success.
Step 7 -> If you fail? Relax, Prepare, and Take a Retest Again
If you pass the exam, you’ll officially earn your CMAA certification, making you eligible for a variety of job opportunities in hospitals, clinics, private practices, and other healthcare facilities. With certification in hand, you can confidently start applying for jobs and take the next step in your career.
However, if you don’t pass on the first attempt, there’s no need to worry. Many candidates don’t succeed initially, but that doesn’t mean they won’t get certified.
The best approach is to identify the areas where you struggled, review the material again, and retake the test after additional preparation.
You can schedule a retest after a 30-day waiting period, and with focused study, you’ll have a much better chance of passing on your next attempt.
Now, you could be wondering if there is a training program that meets industry standards, is self-paced so you can complete the coursework, offers an externship, and could make you CMAA-ready?
Well, there is ONE!
Introducing Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Administrative Assistant Training Program
Preppy’s self-paced Medical Administrative Assistant training program is designed for busy adults who have jobs, families, or other commitments but still want to start their careers quickly, without spending years in school or accumulating student loan debt.
Here’s what you can expect from Preppy’s training program:
100% Online and Self-Paced
With Preppy, there’s no need to attend in-person classes or follow a rigid schedule. You have complete flexibility to study at your own pace whenever it fits into your routine—whether that’s during your lunch break, late at night, or on weekends. You control your learning pace.
Affordable Tuition
Traditional college programs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $40,000, and even certificate courses range from $4,000 to $15,000. Preppy offers a high-quality training program for just $1,599, making career training more accessible and debt-free.
Faster Completion
Instead of spending years in school, you could complete your training in as little as 4 months. This means you could enter the workforce and start your career much sooner.
University Certificate
Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate from Auburn University, a well-respected, accredited, non-profit institution. This adds credibility to your resume and helps you stand out in the job market.
Externship for Hands-On Experience
Preppy goes beyond online learning by offering an externship near you, allowing you to gain real-world experience in a healthcare setting. This hands-on training boosts your confidence and enhances your job readiness.
You Could Become Certification Ready
The curriculum aligns with industry standards, so you could prepare for the CMAA exam from the NHA. Earning this certification can improve your job prospects.
24/7 Support
You’re never alone in your journey. Whether you have questions about coursework, need technical assistance, or seek career guidance, Preppy provides round-the-clock support.
Exclusive Bonus
When you pay your tuition in full, you’ll receive a free laptop to assist with your studies—and it’s yours to keep, even after completing the program.
So, if you want to get job-ready without student loan debt or spending years in college, Preppy’s Self-Paced Medical Administrative Assistant Training Program could be the perfect choice!
In Conclusion
Earning your Medical Administrative Assistant certification is one of the smartest steps you can take to secure a stable and rewarding career in healthcare.
The CMAA certification is the best choice for aspiring Medical Administrative Assistants, ensuring you meet industry standards and stand out in a competitive job market.
The process of getting certified may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, you can achieve it much faster than you think.
And if you’re looking for a faster approach to start your career without student loan debt or years of schooling, you could check out Preppy’s self-paced Medical Administrative Assistant training program.
Also read: What Does A Medical Administrative Assistant Do?
About:
Preppy was founded by higher education expert, Grant Aldrich, whose work on college affordability and accessibility has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Business Insider, American Express, AOL, MSN, Thrive Global, Reader’s Digest, Inside Higher Ed, Evolllution, EducationDive, and nearly 100 radio shows and podcasts.
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