Getting certified as a medical assistant shows employers that you are trained and ready to do the job well on day one. It can help you stand out from other job applicants and may even help you get a better starting salary.
Several national organizations offer certifications for medical assistants. To get their credential, you will have to meet the requirements, apply, and pay an exam fee. Once you pass, you can call yourself a certified medical assistant.
But how long do medical assistant certifications last? Do they expire?
Medical assistant certifications do expire, but you can renew them before that happens to keep your credential active. Here’s a quick look at the major certifications and their renewal timelines, requirements, and costs:
- The NHA’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification is valid for 2 years. Renewal requires continuing education credits and a renewal fee.
- The AAMA’s Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification is valid for 5 years. Renewal requires continuing education or retesting, plus a renewal fee.
- The AMT’s Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification is valid for 3 years. Renewal requires continuing education and an annual fee.
- The NCCT’s National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification is valid for 1 year. Renewal requires continuing education and a renewal fee.
Keeping your medical assistant certification current is an important part of staying competitive in the field. Understanding renewal timelines, education requirements, and costs can help you avoid lapses that could affect your job opportunities.
This guide goes over everything you need to know about how long medical assistant certifications last, what you have to do to renew them, and how much renewal costs.
How Long the CCMA Certification Lasts & Renewal Requirements
The CCMA is one of the most widely recognized certifications for medical assistants who want to work in clinical settings. It is offered by the National Healthcareer Association.
Students who complete our Online Medical Assistant Program here at Stepful test for this exam to become CCMAs.
Initial Certification
The CCMA certification is valid for 2 years from the date you pass the exam. During that time, you can work as a certified medical assistant without taking any additional action.
Renewal Requirements
To stay certified, you must complete 10 continuing education credits during those 2 years. Continuing education courses are provided online by NHA at no additional cost.
When you’ve done the required hours, you will submit a renewal application through the NHA portal.
Cost of Renewal
The renewal fee is $185 every 2 years.
How Long the CMA Certification Lasts & Renewal Requirements
The CMA credential is offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants. Employers recognize this credential because it covers a wide range of general, clinical, and administrative responsibilities.
Initial Certification
The CMA certification is valid for 5 years after you pass the exam. This is one of the longest certification cycles available for medical assistants.
Renewal Requirements
You can renew by completing 60 continuing education units during the 5-year period, with specific credits required in clinical, administrative, and general topics.
If you do not meet the continuing education requirements, you can retake the CMA exam instead.
Cost of Renewal
The renewal fee is $80 for members and $160 for non-members. If your certification has expired, there is an additional $50 fee.
How Long the RMA Certification Lasts & Renewal Requirements
The RMA credential is administered by American Medical Technologists and is designed for medical assistants working in a wide range of healthcare settings.
Initial Certification
The RMA certification is valid for 3 years. However, you must pay an annual fee to keep your credential active.
Renewal Requirements
After 3 years, you will apply for renewal. You need to have completed 30 certification continuation program points over the 3 years.
These points can come from continuing education, employer-based training, or professional activities like giving presentations and serving on professional committees.
Cost of Renewal
You must pay an annual fee of $75 to keep your credential active, which includes membership benefits.
>> Learn More: CCMA vs. CMA vs. RMA – Which is Right for You?
How Long the NCMA Certification Lasts & Renewal Requirements
The NCMA credential is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing. It is commonly chosen by medical assistants who want to show employers that they have a good balance of clinical and administrative skills.
Initial Certification
The NCMA certification is valid for 5 years from the certification date, but is in “active status” for only 1 year. Recertification is required every year to remain in active status.
Renewal Requirements
To recertify, you must complete 12 continuing education hours each year, apply, and pay the fee.
You can do your hours using their complementary library of online courses or submit your hours from an outside source for their approval.
Cost of Renewal
The annual recertification fee is $89.
