CCMA exam eligibility and registration
To sit for the CCMA exam you need a high school diploma or equivalent and either a training program (Pathway 1) or supervised work experience (Pathway 2).
Eligibility
- Step 1: High school diploma or equivalent (GED or a state-recognized equivalency), or expect to earn one within the next 18 months (leads to a Provisional Certification).
- Pathway 1 (training), completed within the past 5 years: a training program in the field at an accredited or state-recognized institution or provider; or a U.S. Department of Labor registered apprenticeship; or U.S. military formal medical services training.
- Pathway 1, Employer Training Program Route: didactic portion completed, employer has an agreement with NHA; on-the-job training must be completed and reported within 180 days of the exam date or the score is voided. No certificate is issued until then.
- Pathway 1, Pre-Externship Route: didactic portion completed, institution has an agreement with NHA; externship must be completed and reported within 90 days of the exam date or the score is voided.
- Training completed 5 or more years before registration does not qualify for Pathway 1; use Pathway 2.
- Pathway 2 (work experience): at least 1 year of supervised work experience in the last 3 years, or 2 years in the last 5 years, in the field covered by the exam.
- California residents using Pathway 2 for the CCMA need at least 2 years of medical assistant work experience within the 5 years immediately before the exam date.
- There is no clinical procedure count requirement for the CCMA (counts apply to the CPT and CET exams).
- Provisional certification: from October 1, 2026 CCMA provisional certifications last 18 months (previously 12). They cannot be renewed; convert to a standard 2-year certification with proof of graduation, or retake the exam if it lapses.
- Exception requests go to the Disciplinary & Appeals Committee on the Exceptions Request/Appeals form.
How to register
- Create your own NHA account and complete your own application; a third party may not do this for you.
- Pay within 2 hours of applying or the application is voided.
- Schedule the date and location (online or in person); the exam fee is paid during this step.
Exam fees are set by NHA and shown when you schedule; check the current fee on NHA’s website.
Rescheduling and refunds
- Free reschedule to any date within 6 months of the original exam date.
- PSI or LRP exams must be rescheduled or cancelled at least 24 hours before the appointment, or the fee is forfeited.
- Exams at your school or employer must be rescheduled before the exam starts; approval is at the site's discretion.
- Refunds only if NHA, PSI or the LRP provider cancels and you do not reschedule. PSI phone: 1.833.537.1330.
Testing accommodations
- Request ADA accommodations with the NHA Request for Accommodations Form and allow 30 days for review.
- Documentation: a letter from an objective (non-relative) qualified professional, or an active IEP for high school students (an acceptable 504 plan may be considered), stating the diagnosis, how it limits testing, onset date and expected duration if not permanent, and the specific accommodations requested.
- Standard extra-time accommodation is 150% (1.5 times) of the normal time.
- PSI Accommodations Department: 833.537.1330 ext. 6750.
Facts checked against NHA’s test plan and Candidate Handbook on October 21, 2026. Rules can change: confirm with NHA before your exam. CCMA Prep is an independent app, not made by or connected to NHA.
Sources
- NHA Candidate Handbook (Updated 10/05/2026) · National Healthcareer Association
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification page · National Healthcareer Association
- Product & Cert Portal Updates · NHA Help Center