The CMA (AAMA) has always set the bar for excellence. Now, to better ensure current competence and knowledge, and thus better protect patients, the Certifying Board of the AAMA has made the following change in policy regarding the time limit for recertifying the CMA (AAMA) credential by continuing education:
Recertification by Continuing Education Time Limit. Effective January 1, 2020, an individual whose credential has been expired for more than three months forfeits the right to reactivate the credential by continuing education and must sit for the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination. 
Candidates are allowed three attempts to sit for and pass the exam. If the candidate does not pass on the third attempt, the candidate is no longer eligible for the exam or to recertify the CMA (AAMA) credential. Payment of a $50 reactivation fee plus the current exam fee is required.

Visit the AAMA website to view the Recertification Policies and obtain more information on CMA (AAMA) recertification.
Protecting Your CMA (AAMA) Credential
Your CMA (AAMA) credential is a valued professional asset. The CMA (AAMA) Certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies. In addition, the Certifying Board of the AAMA is the only medical assisting certification body that has been accredited under ISO 17024 International Standard through the International Accreditation Service (IAS). 

Both agencies require appropriate use of professional credentials and logos. In fact, the ISO 17024 standards specifically prohibits the following:

  • Use of certification in such a manner as to bring the certification body into disrepute
  • Any statements regarding the certification which the certification body considers misleading or unauthorized

Further, in terms of the credential and the logo, the Certifying Board must document the conditions for use and shall appropriately manage the rights for usage and representation.

Thus, the Certifying Board must remain ever vigilant of abuses and cautious in the uses of the CMA (AAMA) credential and logo to ensure that the highest professional standards are maintained. These two policies were established so that your valuable certification is never compromised:

  • State and chapter affiliates may not use the CMA (AAMA) logo for any purpose. State society and local chapter affiliates may not use the CMA (AAMA) name, initialism, and/or logo on display and/or on fundraising items. 
  • Only medical assistants who pass the CMA (AAMA) Certification/Recertification Examination and remain current may use the CMA (AAMA) name and initialism and wear the CMA (AAMA) pin. 

Your cooperation in reporting violations of these policies will help the AAMA Certifying Board maintain NCCA and IAS accreditation and ensure that CMA (AAMA) certification continues to set the bar for excellence in medical assisting.