CMA vs. RMA: Which Medical Assistant Certification Should You Choose?

When you begin researching online classes for a medical assistant, you will quickly encounter two major sets of initials: CMA and RMA. At first glance, they seem nearly identical. Both represent a professional credential, both require passing an exam, and both prove to employers that you have the skills to work in a fast-paced medical environment.

However, choosing the wrong one for your specific situation could result in extra costs or even the need to retake classes. Whether you are a student looking for your first job or a seasoned professional seeking a promotion, understanding the nuance between these two "gold standard" certifications is essential for your career growth.

Understanding the Basics: CMA and RMA

Before diving into the differences, it is important to know who is behind these credentials.

CMA (Certified Medical Assistant): This credential is awarded by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). It has been around since 1963 and is often viewed by many high-level hospital systems as the "original" and most rigorous certification.
RMA (Registered Medical Assistant): This is awarded by American Medical Technologists (AMT). Established in 1972, the RMA is a highly respected, nationally recognized credential that is increasingly popular due to its flexible entry pathways.

Key Differences at a Glance

While the day-to-day job duties for both are the same—taking vitals, assisting in minor surgeries, and managing patient records—the paths to get there differ.

Feature	CMA (AAMA)	RMA (AMT)
Issuing Body	American Association of Medical Assistants	American Medical Technologists
Eligibility	Must graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited program	Multiple paths: Education, Military, or Work Experience
Exam Format	200 questions (4 segments)	210 questions (2 hours)
Renewal Cycle	Every 5 years	Every 3 years
Best For	New students in accredited programs	Experienced MAs or Military Veterans

1. Eligibility: The Biggest Deciding Factor

The most significant difference lies in how you qualify to sit for the exam.

For the CMA (AAMA): The eligibility is strict. You must be a graduate of a medical assisting program accredited specifically by CAAHEP or ABHES. If your school is only regionally accredited or doesn't have these specific programmatic stamps of approval, you generally cannot sit for the CMA exam. This makes it the standard choice for students currently enrolled in top-tier online classes for a medical assistant.

For the RMA (AMT): The RMA offers a much "wider door." You can qualify through:

Education: Graduating from an accredited program (broader range of accreditation accepted).
Work Experience: Having worked as a full-time medical assistant for at least five of the last seven years.
Military: Having completed medical service training in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Teaching: Having five years of experience teaching medical assisting.

2. Recertification and Maintenance

Healthcare is constantly evolving, so you must keep your skills sharp.

CMA Renewal: Your certification is valid for five years. To renew, you must either retake the exam or earn 60 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
RMA Renewal: Your registration is valid for three years. You must comply with the AMT's Certification Continuation Program (CCP) by earning 30 points every three years and paying an annual fee.

3. Salary and Employer Preference

Does one lead to a bigger paycheck? Generally, no. In the United States, the average salary for a medical assistant is roughly $42,000 to $45,000 regardless of whether you are a CMA or an RMA.

However, employer preference can be regional. In highly competitive urban hospital systems or specialized surgical centers, you may see job postings that specifically ask for a "CMA (AAMA)." Conversely, private practices and outpatient clinics often treat the two credentials as completely interchangeable.

Which One Should You Choose?

The decision usually comes down to where you are in your journey:

Choose the CMA if: You are a student in a highly specialized, CAAHEP-accredited program and you want a credential that is recognized by every major hospital in the country without question.
Choose the RMA if: You have years of experience but no formal degree, you are a military veteran transitioning to civilian life, or your program’s accreditation is not recognized by the AAMA.

Regardless of which path you take, being credentialed puts you in the top tier of the workforce. It shows you are committed to patient safety and professional excellence.

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