What do you need to know?

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is a California Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA)?

A. A CCMA is one who has met the qualifications established by the California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants and has passed a comprehensive objective examination administered by the Certifying Board.

Q. Is the examination conducted by the State of California?

A. No. The exam is sponsored by the California Medical Assistants Association and conducted by the Certifying Board. Both are private non-profit corporations. The CCBMA exam is one of three examinations recognized by the Medical Board of California.

Q. Must one be a member of CMAA to take the examination?

A. No, any person who meets the qualifications may take the exam.

Q. What are the qualifications?

A. The applicant must

1. Be currently employed in the capacity of a medical assistant by a licensed physician or podiatrist in the United States or
2. Have been so employed for at least two of the previous five years, or
3. Have graduated from a medical assisting program in an accredited institution in the United States within one year preceding the examination, or
4. Be currently employed as a medical assisting instructor in an accredited institution in the United States or United States Military training or United States schooling equivalent to that provided by accredited medical assisting programs.

A. There are three components of the exam:

1. Basic
2. Administrative
3. Clinical

In order to receive a certificate, the applicant must pass the Basic examination plus one specialty, either Administrative (front office) or Clinical (back office). A second specialty is optional.

Q. How can I prepare for the examination?

A. A Study Outline with a list of suggested texts is available from the Certifying Board. Review Classes are conducted by some CMAA regions and schools. There is also a Review Guide that is available from the CCBMA office for $25. It contains 25 quizzes to help you prepare for the exam. As you complete the quizzes, you will be able to identify areas where you may need to concentrate your study.

Q. Where is the exam given?

A. At various locations throughout the State of California.

Q. How often is the examination given?

A. We offer two methods of testing: Paper and Pencil and Computer Based Testing.

• Paper and Pencil Testing is offered twice a year in January and July. This method will only be offered in specific locations. There are filing deadlines that must be met. The deadline for the January exam is November 15^th and it is May 15^th for the July exam.

• Computer Based Testing is offered year round at specific locations. 

Q. Is there a fee for taking the examination?

A. Yes. The fee to take Basic and one specialty is $115. If you would like to take Basic and both specialties, it is $155.

Q. Where can I get an application?

A. You can call the office to request an application or you can download a copy from our website at www.ccbma.org .

Q. I want to certify as a CCMA-C (Clinical). What do I need to send with the application?

A. You must provide proof of training in venipuncture and/or injections. Upon graduation from a medical assisting program, you are provided with a card or certificate. You will need to send this documentation with the application. If you do not have it, the instructor should sign on page 3 of the application. You may also have your physician-employer write a letter stating that you are proficient in venipuncture and/or injections. THE DOCUMENTATION MUST BE CURRENT (WITHIN THE LAST YEAR)

Q. What if I want to take the Pencil and Paper Examination, but I am graduating shortly after the application deadline?

A. You will be allowed to sit for the exam if your instructor verifies that you will be complete with the state and school requirements by the exam date. There is a section on page two of the application that the instructor will need to complete. You must send in the completed application and fee by the deadline.

Q. What if I pass one part of the exam and fail another?

A. You will receive credit for the examination that you passed, and you may repeat the failed examination twice. If you fail to pass within this time frame, the entire examination must be repeated. You will receive a certificate and pin only after you have passed the Basic and one specialty.

Q. If I fail an examination, will I be automatically notified to retake the examination I fail?

A. No. You will receive notification of your test results, with an application for re-applying for the failed test, but it will be your responsibility to file the application for the next exam.

Q. When will I be notified of the results of my examination?

A. For the Paper and Pencil Testing: Every effort is made to mail the test results within 8 weeks of the examination. The last few exams have had the results sent out before 4 weeks. Computer Based examination results will be known the same day you test.

Q. Must I pay the full fee again when I repeat a part of the examination?

A. No. You pay only for the examination(s) you are retaking.

Q. After I am certified, how will I keep my certification?

A. Recertification is required every five years to maintain a current certification status. This may be accomplished by either retesting or by the continuing medical education (CME) method. You need 60 credits in the five-year period. If you are certified CCMA-AC, you will need 30 credits in the Basic category, 15 in each of your specialties - Administrative and Clinical. If you are certified CCMA-A or CCMA-C, you will need 30 credits in Basic, 15 in your specialty and the other 15 can be Basic, Administrative or Clinical credit.

Q. How do I get the credits that I will need to recertify?

A. There are many ways to obtain credits. When you certify you will be sent an application that explains the many ways to get CEU credit, and also how to determine the correct category. CMAA membership is a very reasonable way to accumulate continuing education credits. Educational programs at local regional meetings provide credits, as well as self-test articles in the CMAA publication, The California Medical Assistant. The CCBMA also offers continuing education articles for sale. To obtain a current list, contact the Certifying Board office. There are Internet sources and local programs such as CPR, first aid, computer courses, etc. that will also count. Remember to keep the proof in a safe place. You may be asked to provide proof of these credits when applying for recertification. If your credits are from college courses or from an Internet source, you will need to provide proof with the application.