Question

Part 2: Look up the four exams that you can take in order to work in Washington state as an MA-C. The exams are: CMA (AAMA) exam, NCCA Accreditation, NBME, and Medical Assistant Registered.

Give a brief description of each exam, does it require continuing education? How often must you re-certify? What is the cost of each exam?

Answer 1

1. CMA (AAMA) exam:

• Brief description: The Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam is conducted and credentialed by the certifying board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) and is a qualifying exam for medical assistants. The candidate should be a completing student or recent graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES- accredited medical assisting program.
• Require continuing education or not: Yes, continuing education is required for the purpose of re-certification.
• How often to re-certify: Every 60 months.
• Cost of exam: For a member of the AAMA or a CAAHEP or ABHES completing student or recent graduate, the fee is $125. All others pay $250. If the credential has expired, an additional $50 reactivation fee should be paid.

2. NCCA Accreditation:

• Brief description: This exam is conducted by the NHA and credentialed by NCCA.
• Require continuing education or not: Not applicable
• How often to re-certify: Not applicable
• Cost of exam: $155

3. NBME:

• Brief description: This medical assistant exam is conducted by the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME).
• Require continuing education or not: Not required.
• How often to re-certify: Not required, the certification does not expire.
• Cost of exam: $125

4. Medical Assistant Registered:

• Brief description: Registered Medical Assistant exam is conducted and credentialed by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). Candidates should be CAAHEP or ABHES qualified.
• Require continuing education or not: Not required.
• How often to re-certify: No requirements.
• Cost of exam: The application cost is $90.