Medical Administrative Assistants oversee front-office operations — scheduling appointments, managing medical records, processing billing and insurance claims, and facilitating patient communications—to ensure efficient, accurate, and compassionate care. Follow this NPS guide to earn your Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) credential.
Training is one way to qualify for certification, but it is not the only option. Depending on your background and the certification you are pursuing, you may also qualify through an employer-based program, military medical training, or relevant work experience. Some certifications may require additional hands-on experience or documentation.
Not sure which pathway applies to you? An NPS Advisor can help you understand your options and next steps.
Eligibility requirements vary by certification. State, employer, and facility requirements may also apply. NPS provides certification testing and credential issuance. NPS does not provide or supervise the independent training programs listed on this page. Certification does not guarantee employment, licensure, or employer acceptance. Read the NPS Candidate Handbook
The first step to your career as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is to attend a training course. Little Rock, Arkansas is house to many state attributed medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Administrative Assistant career. A Medical Administrative Assistant training program comprises 40–80 in-class hours delivered entirely in the classroom. In Little Rock, the typical class size ranges from ten to thirty students.
When evaluating a Medical Administrative Assistant training course, it’s crucial to be methodical and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs nationwide, but not 100% deliver the essential administrative skills and office-management training specifically for your role. In fact, many Medical Administrative Assistant programs exclude crucial hours, emphasizing competencies like patient scheduling, medical billing, and electronic health record management instead. Without this specialized administrative focus, you may not meet the eligibility standards for national certification — even if you complete the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when comparing a program is its accreditation and adherence to industry guidelines. Accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of education, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an recognized training program ensures that you receive appropriate education that is aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After completing a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often confused. This document does not make you “certified”. It simply proves that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To officially become certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps define national standards, develops the certification exams, and maintains a registry of certified professionals.
Certification must be maintained every two years, and completing continuing education is a key requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) remain up to date with the latest regulations, advancements, and regulations. Most certifying agencies provide well-defined guidelines on the number and type of continuing education hours required, making it straightforward for professionals to maintain their credentials.
If you are planning to attend a medical assisting training program and would like an NPS advisor to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon successful completion of a medical administrative assistant training class, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)’. This is a very common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your successful completion of a medical administrative assistant training class and is required to register for the national certification test for individuals who have no experience in the field.
NPS is not a school or training program. NPS is an examination provider and national certification agency.
Receive your NPS national certification, with online verification available within one hour of passing the exam.
Meet the baseline requirements, then follow an eligibility pathway that applies to you.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Under 18? An age waiver may be required.
EDUCATION / PROGRAM
A qualifying education, employer, apprenticeship, or military training pathway may meet eligibility requirements.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Qualifying supervised work experience in the field may meet the experience pathway.
1 Yr In Last 3 Yrs
2 Yrs In Last 5 Yrs
FUTURE EXPERIENCE
Where permitted by the applicable NPS pathway, required hands-on experience may be completed within the allowed 180-day window.
180-Day Window
To officially get certified, a medical administrative assistant must have their knowledge put to the test by a third-party authorizing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical administrative assistant must maintain their certification every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can come in multiple formats, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often include the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in medical assisting. Many professional credentialing bodies and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical administrative assistants expand and develop their skills.
There are many certification agencies that medical administrative assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can positively influence your career.
Earning medical assisting certification not only demonstrates your skills and commitment to high standards, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly completing continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical administrative assistants can strengthen their knowledge, build their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a competitive applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $225.00 and includes a full study guide, endless practice exams, three final certification exam attempts, a professional resume revision, and job placement assistance. The entire process can be completed 100% online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare with flexibility and from the comfort of home. Be sure to check whether your certifying agency provides included study tools or if there are additional costs for upgraded content.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Once you have registered to sit for the competency exam, make use of a variety of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as detailed study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When choosing prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider creating a study schedule that incorporates consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of full-length practice exams to simulate the real test environment. This approach will help build your confidence and ensure you’re well prepared for exam day.
In addition, practice exams are invaluable for mirroring the real test environment and spotting areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others require payment for practice attempts.
After you have passed the final exam, your credentials are quickly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your official certification is made available in your account. Your digital copy, paired with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
*NPS study materials and practice exams are included as optional preparation resources. Candidates are not required to access or complete them before taking the certification examination. After completing identity verification and receiving application approval, eligible candidates may proceed directly to the exam. Use of preparation resources does not guarantee a passing score or certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Little Rock, Arkansas. Medical assisting is a solid entry point into the medical workforce, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical administrative assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified medical administrative assistants are in strong demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand contributes to a positive employment outlook, making medical assisting a stable and appealing career choice.
Medical Administrative Assistants typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $43,380, though wages can vary depending on geography and experience. With expanding job openings and a brief training period, medical assisting is a efficient way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the medical administrative assisting field.
Certified Medical Administrative Assistant will be required to renew their CMAA Certification after two years. A medical administrative assistant should begin the process at least 30 days prior to the day their credentials expires. This will allow the medical administrative assistant plenty time to complete their continuing education hours and attempt their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to a medical administrative assisting course or attend a class to renew your certification.
The renewal process can be completed entirely online in the NPS learning management system. The cost to renew your credentials for the next two year period is $225.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the medical assisting field.
If your certification expires, many certifying agencies offer reinstatement options. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and covering a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific procedures and timeframes to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CMAA Certification.
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI) is a highly capable medical administrative assistant with more than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Administrative Assistant Instructors can work for or own their own school. They’re responsible for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the instruction provided by their curriculum. Every class in Little Rock, Arkansas should provide students details about the instructors background and credentials.
If a medical administrative assistant meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI) they can undergo the entire process online. If you would prefer to talk with someone about the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Instructor (CMAAI).
National Performance Specialists is also partnered with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS Members and to assist the American Red Cross in recruiting quality candidates across the United States.
All NPS certification programs are proudly listed within the Certification Finder by CareerOneStop. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the AmericanJobCenter network.
