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CCMA vs CMA (AAMA): which should you take?

Both are national medical assistant credentials. The CCMA (NHA) has 180 questions in 3 hours and costs $169. The CMA (AAMA) has 200 questions in 160 minutes and costs $125 to $250. The right one is usually decided by your training program and your state.

Updated October 2026

Seconds per question

CMA (AAMA): 200 in 160 min48 s
CCMA: 180 in 3 hrs60 s
Calculated from official question counts and time limits.

Side by side

CCMA (NHA)CMA (AAMA)
Questions180 (150 scored)200 (180 scored)
Time3 hours160 minutes (four 40 minute segments)
Passing score390 on 200–500405 on 200–800
Exam fee$169$125 members and students, $250 nonmembers
Published pass rate81.38% of exams, 202469% first time, July 2024 to April 2025
Retakes30 day wait, 3 attempts, then 1 yearUp to 6 attempts in 12 months, no wait
Where you testSchool, PSI center or live remotePSI center or PSI live remote
RenewalEvery 2 years, 10 CE creditsEvery 60 months

The pass rates aren't measured the same way: NHA counts all exams given, the AAMA counts first-time candidates.

Eligibility is usually the deciding factor

  • CMA (AAMA): built around students and graduates of CAAHEP or ABHES accredited programs, plus an alternative pathway for qualifying programs or apprenticeships.
  • CCMA: a training program within 5 years, or 1 to 2 years of supervised work experience.

If you're working as an MA without a formal program behind you, the CCMA's work experience route can be the faster door.

State recognition

  • Washington recognizes both for its Medical Assistant-Certified credential.
  • California's list of approved certifying organizations includes the AAMA but not NHA. It matters only for the "qualified medical assistant" role; California MAs can otherwise work without certification.

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MA exam FAQ

Is the CCMA or CMA harder?

They're built differently. The CMA (AAMA) moves faster, about 48 seconds per question versus 60 on the CCMA. Published pass rates use different methods, so compare them with care.

Which pays more, CCMA or CMA?

BLS doesn't publish pay by credential. It reports a $45,690 median for medical assistants overall in 2025.

Can I take both the CCMA and CMA?

Yes, if you meet each body's eligibility. They are separate credentials.

More MA exam guides

Sources
  1. NHA Candidate Handbook (updated 10/05/2026)
  2. NHA CCMA Test Plan
  3. NHA Store: CCMA exam application
  4. NHA annual pass rates 2024
  5. AAMA: CMA (AAMA) Certification Exam
  6. AAMA: CMA (AAMA) exam application (Rev 1-26)
  7. Washington DOH: Medical Assistant recognized exams
  8. Medical Board of California: Medical Assistants
  9. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants

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PassPulse is an independent exam preparation tool. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Exam, credential and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exams and materials described.

This page is for general information only. It is not official guidance from any certifying body, state agency or employer, and it is not legal, medical, career or financial advice. The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change. Practice questions, answers and explanations on PassPulse may also contain errors. Always confirm current requirements and facts directly with the certifying body, your state, your employer or the manufacturer's instructions before you register, apply or act on them. Pass rates and statistics describe past candidates and do not predict your result.
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