Top 11 Medical Office Assistant Certifications

Certifications for medical office assistants are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise that employers look for when hiring. A medical office assistant certification can provide evidence that an individual has the skills and experience needed to be successful in the role. It also shows employers that the individual is committed to continuing their education and staying up-to-date on best practices in the field. Additionally, certifications can help medical office assistants stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs, as employers may prefer individuals with certifications over those without them.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Medical Office Assistants and explain how they can help advance a Medical Office Assistant's career.

What are Medical Office Assistant Certifications?

Medical office assistant certification is a postsecondary educational program that prepares students to work in medical offices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The program typically includes instruction in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, computer applications related to the field, and clinical procedures. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared to take the Certified Medical Office Assistant (CMOA) exam from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Having a medical office assistant certification can help individuals stand out when applying for jobs in the field. It demonstrates that the individual has an understanding of medical terminology and coding as well as a familiarity with relevant computer applications. Employers may also view certified medical office assistants as better qualified to handle patient records and other administrative tasks. Certification also provides an opportunity for individuals to advance their career by increasing their knowledge base and possibly advancing into higher-level positions such as billing manager or practice administrator.

Pro Tip: When pursuing medical office assistant certification, make sure to research the requirements of the program you are interested in and be prepared to take additional courses that may be required by your state. Additionally, be sure to understand what type of licensing or certification you will need in order to work as a medical office assistant in your particular state.

Related: What does a Medical Office Assistant do?

Top 11 Medical Office Assistant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Medical Office Assistants today.

1. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)

Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the administrative side of medical office management. It is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

It typically takes about 4-6 months to complete the program and obtain the certification. To get it, you must first complete a training program or course that meets NHA requirements. You can find these programs online or through your local community college. Once you have completed the program, you must pass a certification exam administered by NHA to earn your CMAA credential.

The cost of obtaining the CMAA varies depending on where you take your training and how long it takes you to complete it. Generally, it costs between $200-$500 for tuition and fees associated with taking a course or training program, plus an additional fee of $125 for taking the certification exam.

2. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)

Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) is a certification program designed for medical office managers and other healthcare professionals who manage the daily operations of a medical practice. The CMOM program provides an in-depth understanding of the principles and practices of effective medical office management. It covers topics such as patient care, financial management, personnel management, risk management, compliance, and technology.

The CMOM certification is offered through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that consists of 150 multiple choice questions. The exam typically takes two to three hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CMOM certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in a medical office setting or related field. They also need to have completed at least 30 hours of continuing education in medical office management within the past three years.

The cost for the CMOM certification exam varies depending on whether you are an AAPC member or not. For non-members, it costs $299 USD; for members it costs $199 USD.

3. Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) is a certification for medical coding professionals. It is the most widely recognized and respected medical coding certification in the healthcare industry. The CPC credential is awarded by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

The CPC exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding. The exam also includes an additional 10 questions that are not scored but used to test new questions for future exams. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70%.

The process of getting your CPC certification typically takes between three to six months. This time frame includes studying for the exam, taking practice tests, and scheduling your actual exam date.

To become certified as a CPC you must:

1. Join AAPC and pay their membership fee ($99-$199 depending on your membership type).

2. Pass an online proctored version of the CPC Exam ($399).

3. Meet any additional requirements set by your state or employer (if applicable).

4. Maintain your certification with continuing education credits (CEUs) every two years ($50-$100 per year).

In total, it can cost anywhere from $548 - $698 to become a Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

4. Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS)

A Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) is a professional who is trained and certified to manage and maintain electronic health records (EHRs). The CEHRS certification is offered by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in the use of EHR technology.

To become a CEHRS, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as: understanding EHR systems, using EHR software, data entry and retrieval, security protocols, legal requirements, clinical documentation, coding and billing processes. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

To get the CEHRS certification, individuals must first register for the exam on the NHA website. After registering for the exam, individuals will be sent a study guide with practice questions that can help them prepare for the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certification from NHA.

The cost of taking the CEHRS exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it typically costs around $300 USD.

5. Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE)

Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE) is a professional certification awarded by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE). It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the management of medical practices. The CMPE designation is highly sought after by medical practice executives, administrators, and managers.

The certification process involves completing an application, passing an exam, and meeting certain criteria related to education and experience. The application must be completed online through the ACMPE website. Once approved, applicants are required to take the CMPE Exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as financial management, personnel management, operations management, information technology, legal/regulatory issues, and marketing/strategic planning.

In order to qualify for the CMPE designation, applicants must meet certain educational requirements such as having a bachelor’s degree or higher in business administration or healthcare administration from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also have at least three years of full-time experience in a medical practice setting within the past five years prior to applying for certification.

The cost for taking the CMPE Exam is $395 USD for members of ACMPE and $495 USD for non-members. The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center located throughout the United States and Canada. It typically takes about 4 hours to complete the exam.

Once you pass the exam you will receive your official CMPE certificate from ACMPE within 8 weeks of passing the exam.

6. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is a professional who has completed a specialized education and certification program to provide clinical support services in a medical office. The CCMA is responsible for assisting physicians with patient care, performing administrative duties, and providing direct patient care.

The CCMA certification program typically takes six months to complete. It consists of classroom instruction, hands-on clinical experience, and an online final exam. The curriculum covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical law and ethics, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, medical coding and billing, patient assessment techniques, and communication skills.

To become a CCMA you must first complete an accredited program from an approved institution or organization. You may also need to pass the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certification Exam in order to be certified.

The cost of the certification program varies depending on the institution or organization offering it. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 for tuition alone. Additional costs may include textbooks and supplies as well as fees for the NHA Certification Exam.

7. Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)

A Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) is a healthcare professional who has been certified by the American Medical Technologists (AMT). They are responsible for providing patient care, administrative duties, and clinical support in a variety of medical settings. RMA's must be knowledgeable in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and clinical procedures.

In order to become an RMA, individuals must pass the AMT certification exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, and clinical procedures. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

To prepare for the exam, individuals should obtain study materials from the AMT website or from other sources such as books or online courses. Additionally, many schools offer programs specifically designed to help students prepare for the RMA certification exam.

The cost of taking the RMA certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member of AMT or not. For non-members it costs $125; for members it costs $95. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or enrolling in preparatory courses.

8. National Healthcareer Association’s Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (NCMA-CMA)

The National Healthcareer Association’s Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (NCMA-CMA) is a certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical assistants who provide direct patient care in a clinical setting. This certification is designed to validate a medical assistant’s knowledge and skills in the areas of patient care, medical office procedures, and medical terminology.

To obtain the NCMA-CMA certification, applicants must have completed an accredited medical assistant program or have at least one year of full-time clinical experience as a medical assistant within the last three years. Applicants must also pass a written exam administered by the National Healthcareer Association. The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, laboratory procedures, infection control, patient communication, legal and ethical considerations, and more.

The cost for taking the NCMA-CMA exam is $115 for members of the National Healthcareer Association or $135 for non-members. The exam can be taken at any Pearson VUE testing center located throughout the United States. It typically takes about two hours to complete the exam.

Once an applicant has passed the NCMA-CMA exam, they will receive their certification from the National Healthcareer Association within four weeks. The certification is valid for five years from the date it was issued. After five years, recertification is required in order to maintain active status as a certified Clinical Medical Assistant (NCMA-CMA).

9. American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam (AAMA-CMA)

The American Association of Medical Assistants Certification Exam (AAMA-CMA) is a comprehensive exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of medical assistants. The AAMA-CMA is administered by the Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures, medical law and ethics, administrative procedures, and communication.

The AAMA-CMA can be taken in two parts: the written portion and the practical portion. The written portion is administered online or at a designated testing center. It consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours. The practical portion must be taken in person at an approved testing center and consists of 50 multiple choice questions that must be completed within one hour.

To take the AAMA-CMA exam, you must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include being a graduate from an accredited medical assistant program or having five years of experience as a medical assistant. You will also need to submit proof of your education or work experience along with your application for certification.

The cost for taking the AAMA-CMA exam varies depending on whether you are taking it for initial certification or recertification. For initial certification, the fee is $150 plus additional fees for any retakes if necessary. For recertification, the fee is $125 plus additional fees for any retakes if necessary.

Overall, it takes approximately six weeks to receive your results after taking the AAMA-CMA exam. If you pass both portions of the exam, you will receive your certification within two weeks after passing both portions.

10. American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant Certification Exam(AMT-RMA)

The American Medical Technologists Registered Medical Assistant Certification Exam (AMT-RMA) is a nationally recognized certification exam for medical assistants. It is designed to assess the knowledge and skills of medical assistants in areas such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care techniques, laboratory procedures, and pharmacology. The AMT-RMA exam is offered by the American Medical Technologists (AMT), an organization that offers certifications for a variety of healthcare professionals.

The AMT-RMA certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours. To pass the exam, applicants must answer at least 90 out of the 150 questions correctly. The exam covers topics such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care techniques, laboratory procedures, pharmacology, clinical procedures and office management.

To become certified as an AMT-RMA, applicants must have completed a minimum of 600 hours of formal training or education in medical assisting from an accredited institution or program. Applicants must also have worked in a clinical setting for at least one year prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the AMT-RMA certification exam is $125 for members of AMT and $175 for nonmembers. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their registration card within four to six weeks. Once certified as an AMT-RMA, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years by completing 30 continuing education credits during that time period.

11. National Center for Competency Testing Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam(NCCT-CCMA).

The National Center for Competency Testing Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam (NCCT-CCMA) is a national certification exam designed to assess the knowledge and skills of clinical medical assistants. It is administered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), an independent, third-party organization that provides certifications in various healthcare fields.

The NCCT-CCMA exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as patient care, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and pharmacology. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to take the NCCT-CCMA exam, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include completing an accredited medical assisting program or having at least one year of full-time experience working in a clinical setting within the past five years. Once these requirements are met, applicants can register for the exam online through the NCCT website.

The cost of taking the NCCT-CCMA exam is $105 USD. This fee covers all necessary materials and services related to taking the test including registration fees and access to practice tests.

Do You Really Need a Medical Office Assistant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. For some people, having a Medical Office Assistant Certificate is beneficial, while for others it may not be necessary.

For those who are looking to enter the medical field as an administrative assistant or secretary, having a Medical Office Assistant Certificate can be very helpful. This type of certificate is often required by employers and can provide individuals with additional knowledge and skills related to the medical office setting. Having this certification can also make one more competitive in the job market and can lead to higher salaries and better opportunities.

On the other hand, if someone is already employed in a medical office setting or has extensive experience in this field, they may not need a Medical Office Assistant Certificate. Employers may value their experience over educational credentials, and they may still be able to perform their duties without possessing any certifications.

In conclusion, whether or not someone needs a Medical Office Assistant Certificate depends on their individual circumstances and goals. Those who are just starting out in the medical field may benefit from obtaining such a certification, while those with significant experience may be able to find success without it.

Related: Medical Office Assistant Resume Examples

FAQs About Medical Office Assistant Certifications

Q1: What is a Medical Office Assistant Certification?

A1: A Medical Office Assistant Certification is a professional certification that certifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in administrative medical office procedures. It ensures that the certified individual has the necessary knowledge to work effectively in medical offices, including scheduling appointments, coding medical records, and billing insurance companies.

Q2: What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Medical Office Assistant Certification?

A2: The specific prerequisites for obtaining a Medical Office Assistant Certification vary depending on the certifying organization. Generally speaking, most certifications require applicants to have at least one year of experience working in a medical office environment and possess basic computer skills. Additionally, applicants may need to complete an approved training program or pass an exam.

Q3: How long does it take to obtain a Medical Office Assistant Certification?

A3: The amount of time it takes to obtain a Medical Office Assistant Certification depends on the certifying organization and the requirements for each certification. Generally speaking, most certifications can be obtained within six months to one year.

Q4: Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Medical Office Assistant Certification?

A4: No, there is no age requirement for obtaining a Medical Office Assistant Certification. Most certifying organizations do not have any age restrictions when it comes to earning their certification.

Q5: Is there ongoing education required after obtaining a Medical Office Assistant Certification?

A5: Yes, many certifying organizations require continuing education in order to maintain their certification status. This often includes attending seminars or workshops as well as taking exams or completing online courses related to medical office procedures and technologies.