How much does the CCMA exam cost?
Asked by: Bettie Ferry | Last update: March 24, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (43 votes)
The NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam typically costs around $155-$165 for the initial test, though some sources list it at $160 or slightly higher, with costs varying slightly depending on the provider and if you're a member. Retake fees are similar, and recertification usually costs more, around $169-$185 for renewal every two years.
How much does it cost to get CCMA certification?
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 hard is it to pass the CCMA exam?
The CCMA exam is challenging due to the vast amount of material but manageable with dedicated study; it's considered a difficult but fair test, with success depending heavily on preparation, practice questions, and understanding core concepts, not just memorization, as seen by its ~77% pass rate, where many test-takers find it requires focus and endurance, even using the full 3 hours.
Is a CCMA certification worth it?
Yes, a CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) certification is generally considered very worth it, boosting job prospects, increasing earning potential (around 63% of employers pay more for certified MAs), and providing crucial skills validation that employers value, with about 88% encouraging or requiring certification for better job readiness and security. While some argue pay isn't always high or certification isn't mandatory everywhere, it's a strong career stepping stone, making you a more competitive and versatile candidate for faster entry into healthcare.
What is the pass rate for the CCMA exam?
NHA's CCMA Exam
The exam takes 3 hours and covers topics ranging from clinical patient care to administrative assisting. There are 180 multiple-choice questions and you must score at least 390 out of 500 to pass. The nationwide passing rate is 77%.
CCMA - Certified Clinical Medical Assistant | All You Need To Know
What is the hardest nursing certification to get?
The Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification is widely considered one of the hardest nursing certifications due to its deep focus on complex critical care knowledge, advanced life support, and multiple organ systems, often requiring extensive critical care experience (1,750-2,000 hours) and having lower pass rates. Other highly challenging credentials include the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) for its fast-paced nature and the Certified Flight Registered Nurse (CFRN) for its specialized critical transport demands.
What jobs can I get with NHA ccma?
Let's take a closer look at ten of the most common jobs you can get with a CCMA certification:
- Clinical Medical Assistant. ...
- Medical Office Assistant. ...
- Phlebotomy Technician. ...
- Medical Claims Examiner. ...
- EKG Technician. ...
- Nursing Assistant. ...
- Home Health Aide. ...
- Surgical Technician.
Who gets paid more, CNA or CCMA?
Generally, a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA/CCMA) makes more than a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) because CMAs have broader clinical and administrative duties, requiring more training, though actual pay varies by location, experience, and facility. CMAs often earn $5,000 to $10,000 more annually on average than CNAs, reflecting their higher skill set and longer education, with national median salaries often showing CMAs earning around $42,000-$47,000 compared to CNAs' $38,000-$41,000.
Are CCMAs in high demand?
Are CCMAs In High Demand? Certified Clinical Medical Assistants are in very high demand by employers across the healthcare industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates a 15% increase in Medical Assistant positions by 2033, which is faster than most other careers.
What pays more, CCMA or CMA?
While both CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) and CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) offer similar earning potential, with CMAs sometimes having a slight edge due to broader recognition, there isn't a huge salary gap, as both lead to comparable pay increases over non-certified roles, averaging around $40k-$49k annually, but location, experience, and facility significantly impact actual earnings. The difference often comes down to the issuing body (NHA for CCMA, AAMA for CMA) and regional demand, with CMAs often preferred in larger practices, but CCMAs also highly valued.
Can you take the CCMA exam without going to school?
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
To take the CCMA exam without going to school, you must have worked full-time as a medical assistant for at least 1 year.
What is the most common mistake on the CNA skills test?
The most common mistake on the CNA skills test is forgetting or improperly performing hand hygiene (handwashing), often missing the 20-second duration, not washing before/after touching the patient with gloves, or failing to remove jewelry first, leading to critical failures in infection control. Other frequent errors include missing safety steps (locking wheels, call light), failing to provide privacy, rushing due to nerves, skipping or mixing up skill steps, and not communicating with the patient.
Can I pass CMA in first attempt?
The good news is—yes, you can. The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) exam is challenging but not unbeatable. Thousands of candidates worldwide pass it on their first try by following a structured plan, using reliable resources, and staying consistent.
Can I take the CCMA exam at home?
You'll take the exam either at your school, a PSI testing center near you, or through live remote proctoring at the location of your choice.
What is the highest paid medical assistant?
The highest-paid medical assistants work in specialized fields like Cardiology, Dermatology, or in hospitals/surgical centers, often holding leadership roles (Lead/Senior MA), possessing multiple certifications, and residing in high-cost-of-living areas like Alaska, California, or Washington D.C., potentially earning $65,000-$80,000+ with experience and advanced skills. Factors like working in research, junior colleges, or with specialized technology (EKGs, laser treatments) also boost earnings significantly.
How long is a CCMA good for?
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.
What job pays $400,000 a year without a degree?
Yes, jobs paying $400,000 without a degree exist, notably Walmart Supercenter Managers, who can earn that much with bonuses and stock, but other paths include high-stakes sales, software development, commercial real estate, skilled trades (like power plant operators), and successful entrepreneurship/influencing, all requiring expertise and performance over formal education.
Can you make $200,000 as a physician assistant?
Yes, a Physician Assistant (PA) absolutely can make over $200k, especially in high-demand specialties like surgery (cardiothoracic), dermatology, emergency medicine, and psychiatry, with factors like experience, location (high-cost areas or underserved regions), bonuses, and taking on locum tenens (travel) roles significantly boosting earning potential. While the national average might be lower, many PAs reach or exceed $200k through productivity bonuses, shift differentials, and leadership roles, making it an attainable goal.
Why do people quit CNA?
CNAs leave jobs due to burnout from high patient loads, low pay, poor staffing, and toxic environments, including disrespect from management or nurses, leading to stress, physical injury, limited career growth, and a search for better work-life balance or higher compensation, often finding better opportunities elsewhere, sometimes even outside direct patient care.
What position is higher than a CNA?
Above a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in the nursing hierarchy are the Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), and then the Registered Nurse (RN), who has broader responsibilities, administers medications, and helps develop care plans, with even more advanced roles like Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) above them. Progression from CNA to LPN/LVN, and then to RN, involves further education, training, and passing specific licensing exams (NCLEX-PN for LPN/LVN, NCLEX-RN for RN).
What is the highest paid nursing assistant?
The highest salaries for nursing assistants (CNAs) are found in specialized roles like Nurse Aide Evaluator (up to $106k), working in high-demand states like Alaska, Hawaii, DC, or in hospitals, especially in specialized surgical or critical care settings, with top earners exceeding $60k-$100k annually, far above the average of $40k-$45k. Location (high cost of living areas), employer type (hospitals vs. long-term care), experience, and specialization (e.g., surgical) are key factors.
Can a CCMA work as a CNA?
Medical assistants and CNAs perform different duties in different settings. Most states require CNA certification before you can legally work as a CNA. Some facilities may hire medical assistants for CNA-like roles under different titles.
What medical jobs pay $40 an hour?
Medical jobs paying around $40/hour often involve 2-3 years of training, including Dental Hygienists, Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (Ultrasound Techs), and Registered Nurses (ADN), offering quick entry into higher pay scales. Other roles like Paramedics, Radiologic Technologists, LPNs/LVNs, and specialized roles like Medical Lab Techs or Health Information Techs with certifications can also reach or exceed this rate, balancing skill with demand and often requiring less than a bachelor's degree for entry.
Can a CCMA do phlebotomy?
Typically, medical assistants can draw blood under the supervision of a licensed physician. However, some states require medical assistants to have a phlebotomy certificate to draw blood. These states include California, Louisiana, Nevada, and Washington.
What jobs pay $200,000 a year in California?
Jobs in California paying $200k+ are common in tech (Software Engineer, Product Manager, AI roles), healthcare (Physicians, Surgeons, Dentists, Vets), law (Corporate, Employment, Personal Injury Attorneys), and high-level sales (Pharmaceutical, Tech Sales, Roofing Sales), often requiring advanced degrees or significant experience, with some roles available remotely, notes Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and UniAthena.