Standing at this career crossroads can feel overwhelming. You’ve invested time and money into your medical assistant education, and now you face a critical decision: CMA vs RMA certification? This choice will impact your job prospects, professional mobility, and even your earning potential. The medical assisting field is growing rapidly, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 16% growth through 2031—much faster than average. Making the right certification choice now will position you to capitalize on this expansion.
Let’s break down everything you need to know to make an informed decision about your professional future.
Direct Comparison: CMA vs. RMA at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here’s a quick overview to see how these certifications stack up against each other:
| Feature | CMA (AAMA) | RMA (AMT) | Winner/Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certifying Body | American Association of Medical Assistants | American Medical Technologists | Both are nationally recognized |
| Eligibility Requirements | Must complete CAAHEP/ABHES accredited program | Multiple pathways including military experience, work experience, or accredited program | RMA for flexibility |
| Exam Cost | $125-$250 (varies by membership/timing) | $135 | Similar costs |
| Exam Format | 200 multiple-choice questions, 4 blocks | 200 multiple-choice questions | Both comprehensive |
| Renewal Requirements | 60 CEUs every 5 years | 30 CEUs every 3 years | RMA for lower CEU requirements |
| State Recognition | Widely recognized, sometimes required | Widely recognized, sometimes required | Location-dependent |
| Employer Preference | Strong preference in healthcare systems | Strong preference in clinics/specialty practices | Depends on workplace |
Clinical Pearl: While both certifications are nationally recognized, some hospitals and large healthcare systems specifically require the CMA credential. Always research employers in your target area before committing.
Breaking Down Eligibility Requirements
The path to certification looks different for each credential. Let’s examine what you’ll need to qualify.
CMA Eligibility Pathways
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) maintains stricter eligibility requirements. To sit for the CMA exam, you must:
- Graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited medical assisting program
- Complete your medical assisting training within the last 12 months (or be a recent graduate)
- Apply for the exam within 12 months of graduation or complete a recertification pathway if more time has passed
Think of it like this: The CMA path is a straight, well-defined highway. If you’ve completed an accredited program, the path forward is clear and direct.
RMA Eligibility Pathways
The American Medical Technologists (AMT) offers more flexibility through multiple eligibility routes:
- Education Route: Graduate from an accredited medical assisting program
- Work Experience Route: 3+ years of documented medical assisting experience
- Military Training Route: Completion of medical services training program in the U.S. Armed Forces
- Instructor Route: Work as a medical assisting instructor for 5+ years
- Reciprocity Route: Already certified as a medical assistant through another approved organization
Here’s where the RMA really shines for experienced professionals.
Pro Tip: If you’ve been working as a medical assistant without completing an accredited program, the RMA’s work experience pathway allows you to formalize your expertise with certification that might otherwise be out of reach.
The Exams: Content, Difficulty, and Cost
Both exams test your clinical and administrative knowledge, but they approach it differently.
CMA Exam Breakdown
The CMA(AAMA) certification exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions across four content domains:
- Clinical Competency (40% procedures, patient care, pharmacology)
- Administrative Competency (15% reception, scheduling, bookkeeping)
- General Competency (15% medical law, ethics, communication)
- Psychomotor Competency (30% practical skills – though currently assessed via knowledge-based questions)
The exam costs $125 for AAMA members and recent graduates, $250 for non-members, with online proctoring available.
RMA Exam Breakdown
The RMA(AMT) exam also features 200 multiple-choice questions covering:
- General Medical Knowledge (anatomy, physiology, pathology)
- Administrative Knowledge (medical office management, bookkeeping)
- Clinical Knowledge (patient care, pharmacology, laboratory procedures)
- Clinical Procedures (assisting with exams, sterile techniques, specimen collection)
The exam fee is $135, with similar content domains but slightly different organization and emphasis.
| Exam Factor | CMA (AAMA) | RMA (AMT) | Winner/Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam Length | 200 questions | 200 questions | Tie |
| Time Allowed | 160 minutes (4 sections) | 120 minutes | CMA for less time pressure |
| Cost | $125-$250 | $135 | CMA for members |
| Passing Score | Scale score of 425 | Scale score of 70% | Similar difficulty |
| Study Resources | Comprehensive AAMA review | Varied AMT resources | Both have good support |
Pro Tip: Even though both cover similar content areas, the emphasis differs. If you excel at administrative tasks, study extra for the CMA exam. If clinical procedures are your strength, the RMA exam might play to your abilities better.
State Recognition & Employer Preference
This is where your location really matters in the CMA vs RMA decision.
State-by-State Variations
Let’s be honest: certification requirements aren’t standardized across states. While most states don’t mandate medical assistant certification, some have specific preferences or requirements.
For example:
- Washington requires medical assistants to complete an approved program and pass an exam, but recognizes multiple credentials including CMA and RMA
- New Jersey allows delegation of medical procedures only to CMAs
- California has specific standards for medical assistants but doesn’t require certification statewide
Imagine this scenario: You’re an experienced medical assistant in California with years of on-the-job training but no formal degree. The RMA’s work experience pathway opens doors to certification that would otherwise be closed, potentially qualifying you for positions requiring certification even if you don’t have an accredited educational background.
Real Job Posting Examples
Looking at actual job postings reveals what employers want:
A Boston-area hospital posting: “Qualified candidates must hold current CMA(AAMA) certification and have at least 2 years of experience in ambulatory care.”
An Arizona family practice listing: “Seeking MA with current CMA or RMA certification. New graduates welcome. Bilingual Spanish strongly preferred.”
A Florida specialty clinic advertisement: “Medical Assistant with RMA(AMT) or CMA(AAMA) credential required. X-ray technician certification a plus.”
Clinical Pearl: Large healthcare systems and academic medical centers often prefer the CMA credential, while smaller private practices and clinics may accept either certification. When researching local job prospects, pay attention to the specific requirements in your target workplace.
Salary and Career Outlook: Does One Pay More?
This is often the million-dollar question. Does certification type actually impact your earning potential?
According to the 2022 Medical Assisting Salary Survey by the American Association of Medical Assistants:
- CMAs reported a median annual salary of $37,189
- RMAs reported a median annual salary of $36,131
The difference? Just over $1,000 annually. That’s less than 3% variation—statistically minimal when you consider factors like location, experience level, and specialty practice.
Here’s what truly impacts your earning potential:
- Geographic location: MAs in metropolitan areas earn 20-30% more than those in rural regions
- Years of experience: A 10-year veteran earns significantly more regardless of credential
- Specialty practice: Dermatology or gastroenterology practices typically pay more than family medicine
- Additional skills: Phlebotomy, EKG, or x-ray certifications add value
- Employer type: Hospitals and surgical centers often pay more than small clinics
Key Takeaway: Certification type has minimal impact on salary compared with experience, location, and additional skills. Both credentials lead to similar earning potential over a career span.
Common Mistakes When Choosing a Certification
We’ve all seen students make certification decisions based on misconceptions. Let’s clear up the most common pitfalls.
Mistake #1: Assuming One Certification is “Better” Universally
The truth is context matters. A CMA might be optimal for a hospital-based career in Washington state, while an RMA could be perfect for a clinic position in Texas where the employer values flexibility in certification pathways.
Imagine this: You complete an accredited MA program and immediately earn your CMA, planning to work in pediatric clinics. After five years, you decide to pivot to surgical assistance in a hospital system that specifically requires the CMA—your credential opens doors that the RMA might not have. Six months later, you relocate to a state where neither certification has regulatory preference, and both are equally valued by employers. Your CMA still serves you well, but either credential would have worked in this new location.
Mistake #2: Choosing Based Solely on Initial Cost
The RMA exam costs slightly less than the CMA exam for non-members. However, the CMA’s recertification requires 60 CEUs every 5 years (12 per year), while the RMA requires 30 CEUs every 3 years (10 per year). These differences in continuing education requirements over time can impact your total investment.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Local Employer Preferences
“This can feel frustrating,” acknowledges Dr. Maria Rodriguez, medical assistant program director at a community college in Texas. “Students sometimes complete a program thinking one certification is superior, only to discover all the local job postings specifically require the other. Research your local job market before committing.”
Common Mistake: Many students choose a certification without researching employer preferences in their target geographic area. Before investing time and money, spend an hour browsing actual job postings in your intended location to see what local employers require.
Your Final Decision: A Personalized Checklist
Ready to make your choice? Use this personalized checklist to determine which certification best fits your situation.
Education Pathway Questions
- [ ] Did I complete a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited MA program?
- [ ] If yes, have I graduated within the last 12 months?
- [ ] If not, do I have relevant work experience (3+ years)?
If you checked “yes” to the first question, the CMA path is straightforward and accessible to you. If you checked no but have significant work experience, the RMA’s work experience pathway might be your best option.
Location and Career Goals
- [ ] Do I plan to work in a hospital or large healthcare system?
- [ ] Do I prefer working in outpatient clinics or specialty practices?
- [ ] Am I willing to relocate in the next 5 years?
Hospitals often prefer the CMA credential, while clinics tend to accept either certification. If relocation is in your future, researching multiple markets makes sense.
Learning Style and Exam Preferences
- [ ] Do I prefer more time per question on certification exams?
- [ ] Do my strengths lie in administrative tasks or clinical procedures?
- [ ] Am I better at retaining information for longer periods?
If you prefer less time pressure during exams, the CMA format provides more time per question. If clinical procedures are your strength, the RMA exam content might play to your abilities.
Long-Term Career Considerations
- [ ] Do I want to advance into healthcare management?
- [ ] Will I pursue additional certifications later?
- [ ] Am I interested in teaching future medical assistants someday?
Both credentials support career advancement, but the CMA has slightly longer-standing recognition in the field, which may provide marginal advantages in some leadership positions.
Pro Tip: If you’re still undecided after completing this checklist, contact potential employers directly. Many healthcare recruiters are happy to answer questions about certification preferences during informational interviews.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Path for Your Career
The CMA vs RMA decision ultimately comes down to your personal circumstances, career goals, and geographic location rather than one being universally superior. Both credentials open doors to rewarding careers in medical assisting with similar earning potential and professional recognition. Research local employer preferences, honestly assess your eligibility, and choose the path that aligns with your long-term career vision. Your certification is a foundation—how you build on it through experience, continuing education, and professional development will determine your success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I hold both CMA and RMA certifications simultaneously? Yes, many medical assistants hold both certifications. This can be advantageous if you plan to relocate between regions with different preferences or want to demonstrate comprehensive qualifications.
Q: Which certification is more widely recognized internationally? The CMA(AAMA) holds slightly broader international recognition, but both credentials are primarily valued within the United States healthcare system.
Q: If I fail the certification exam, how soon can I retake it? For the CMA exam, you must wait 90 days between attempts. For the RMA exam, you can reapply immediately but must pay the full examination fee each time.
Q: Do employers ever prefer one certification so strongly that they won’t consider the other? While rare, some large hospital systems do specifically require the CMA credential. Research potential employers in your target area to understand their specific requirements.
Q: How long do most employers give new hires to obtain certification after starting? Many employers provide a 90-day window for new medical assistants to obtain certification, though this varies by organization and state regulations.
Looking to Connect With Other CMAs?
Are you a CMA or RMA? What advice would you give someone deciding between these certifications? Share your experience and insights in the comments below—your perspective could help another medical assistant make this important career decision with confidence!
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