How much does it cost to get CCMA certified?
Asked by: Freddy Legros | Last update: July 14, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (45 votes)
Getting CCMA certified generally costs $ π π π to $ π π π for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) exam fee. However, the total cost often ranges from $ π π π to over $ π, π π π when including required training programs, study materials, and preparation courses.
What pays more, CCMA or CMA?
Medical Assistant Salary By Certification Type
For assistants with the NHA CCMA certification, the average medical assistant salary was $20.55/hour based on 109 responses. For assistants with the AAMA CMA certification, the average medical assistant salary was $22.42/hour based on 69 responses.
How long does it take to get a CCMA certification?
CCMA certification typically takes 2 to 12 months to complete, depending on whether you choose an accelerated online program or a more traditional, in-depth course. While some accelerated programs allow you to finish in as little as 4β8 weeks, most training programs combined with study time last around 4β7 months.
Is CCMA certification worth it?
Yes, the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification is generally worth it for those seeking a fast (approx. 6 months), cost-effective entry into healthcare, offering higher salary potential and better job opportunities. With a positive job outlook (approx. 18% growth) and 96% of employers encouraging certification, it is a key credential for roles in clinics, urgent care centers, and private practices.
How much does CCMA certification cost?
How much does the CCMA certification cost? The cost for your initial two-year CCMA certification period is $200.00 including the fee for remote proctoring. Your competency-based study guide and unlimited access to practice exams are provided to all NPS members free, as well as your medically-driven resume revision.
How To Get Certified as a Medical Assistant | Is it Worth Getting Certified?
How hard is it to pass the CCMA exam?
The NHA CCMA exam is generally considered moderately challenging but very achievable with proper preparation, boasting a high national pass rate of approximately 77%β81%. It is designed to test your clinical knowledge, but if you have completed a qualified program and dedicate time to studying, it is not considered overly difficult.
What pays more, EMT or MA?
Do medical assistants or EMTs make more? EMTs earn slightly more than Medical assistants, on averageβ$44,780 versus $42,000βbut their salaries are very similar. Job location and experience determine pay differences more than the two different roles.
What can a CCMA do that a CMA cannot?
A CCMA trains for clinical, not administrative, work. They take medical histories, set patients up for exams, measure and record vital signs, and even draw blood. Unlike their CMA counterparts, CCMAs steer clear of administrative duties like insurance claim processing or appointment scheduling.
Are CCMAs in high demand?
Medical assisting is a growing and rewarding field with a high demand for qualified candidates. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of certified Medical Assistant jobs to grow by 12% through 2034, significantly faster than the average across all industries.
How long does the CCMA process take?
A CCMA case in South Africa typically takes between 10 to 12 weeks to be finalized, assuming there are no postponements or significant interruptions. While conciliation usually happens within 21 days of filing, the entire processβfrom filing to the final arbitration awardβoften spans 2 to 3 months, though complex cases can take longer.
Can I take the CCMA exam online?
Yes, you can take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam online. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) offers an online option that uses live remote proctoring, allowing you to take the test securely from your home or a private, quiet location.
Is CMA harder than CNA?
Yes, becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) is generally considered harder and more intensive than becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). CMA training takes longer (months to two years) and requires learning both clinical and administrative skills, whereas CNA programs are shorter (4-12 weeks) and focus specifically on direct patient care.
What is the passing rate for CCMA?
The national pass rate for the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam is approximately 81%. To earn your certification, you must score at least a 390 out of 500 (78%) on the exam, which features 150 graded multiple-choice questions.
Is a CCMA a good entry-level job?
The CCMA certification, primarily through the NHA, is often the quickest route to an entry-level clinical job. The training is concentrated on the technical skills a busy clinic needs most, making it ideal for those who want hands-on patient interaction without the longer schooling commitment of a degree.
What is the highest paid medical assistant?
Highest-Paying Medical Assistant Specialties
- Family Medicine Medical Assistant: $42,444 per year. ...
- Cardiology Medical Assistant: $41,756 per year. ...
- Urgent Care Medical Assistant: $41,339 per year. ...
- Primary Care Medical Assistant: $40,755 per year. ...
- Pediatric Medical Assistant: $40,150 per year.
How much does CCMA make in MA?
$37.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers. The median wage is $41.7K / yr.
Is it hard to pass the CCMA exam?
The NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam is generally considered moderately challenging but highly manageable if you prepare. It has a high pass rate, with around 81% of test-takers passing.
What jobs will no longer exist in 2030?
9 Dying Jobs That Are Expected To Disappear Before 2030
- Cashiers. BLS projection: 313,600 jobs lost by 2034. ...
- General office clerks. ...
- Data entry keyers. ...
- Customer service representatives. ...
- Bank tellers. ...
- Payroll and timekeeping clerks. ...
- Retail sales workers. ...
- Claims adjusters, examiners, and investigators.
Can you get sued as a medical assistant?
The delegating provider, the practice or clinic, and the medical assistant can be sued for negligence if the medical assistant does not perform a duty up to the standard of care of a reasonably competent medical assistant.
Where do MA's get paid the most?
Washington State offers the highest average medical assistant salary, at $53,780. Other states with competitive salaries for medical assistants include Alaska, California, Washington, D.C., and Minnesota.
Can I go from CCMA to RN?
Can a Medical Assistant Become an RN? Yes! A medical assistant can become an RN. In fact, medical assisting is a great way to get some experience and earn money before you begin nursing school.
Why do people quit EMT?
The EMTs and paramedics reported stress as the most significant reason for leaving (27.9% and 38.8%, respectively), followed by COVID-19 (12.9% and 19.3%) and education (18.3% and 6.4%). Those dissatisfied had significantly higher odds of leaving (11.91 and 13.46, respectively).
Is 25 too late to become a paramedic?
Your never βtoo oldβ but it's not easy on your body! If you can meet the physical and mental demands, you can do it at any age. I started at 37. We have medics at my service that are in their mid 60s and still out work most of the 20 year olds.
Is MA harder than RN?
Since nursing requires much more schooling, it is more difficult to become a medical assistant than a nurse.