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.
The first step to your career as a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) is to complete a training school. Plainfield, New Jersey is house to many state credited medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Administrative Assistant career. A Medical Administrative Assistant training program comprises forty to eighty in-class hours with no separate clinical rotations. In Plainfield, the typical class size ranges from ten to thirty students.
One of the most important factors to consider when comparing a program is its accreditation and adherence to professional standards. Accreditation is an official endorsement granted to schools or programs that meet established national standards of curriculum, hands-on training, and educational rigor. In medical assisting, attending an accredited training program ensures that you receive proper education that is aligned with healthcare quality expectations.
After finishing a medical assisting training program, you will receive a certificate of completion, which is often misinterpreted. This document does not make you nationally certified. It simply confirms that you’ve completed training and allows you to take the national certification exam — especially important for those with limited experience.
To get certified, students must pass an exam from a recognized agency such as National Performance Specialists (NPS). NPS helps set 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 compliance measures. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the total 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 adviser to double check that the program is legit, contact us today.
Upon your completion of a medical administrative assistant training school, you will get a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)’. This is a totally common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a medical administrative assistant training class and is required to register for the national certification exam for individuals possessing no experience in the field.
To get certified, a medical administrative assistant must have their skills put to the test by a third-party credentialing agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical administrative assistant must update their certification every two years by completing Continuing Education. Continuing education can take many forms, such as on-the-job workshops, online courses, webinars, or specialized training modules. These programs often cover the latest best practices, safety protocols, and technological advancements in medical assisting. Many professional associations and certification agencies provide regularly updated continuing education resources to help medical administrative assistants enhance and develop their skills.
There are many certification agencies that medical administrative assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the best one can positively influence your career.
Earning medical assisting certification not only demonstrates your skills and commitment to professional excellence, but also creates opportunities for ongoing professional development. By regularly participating in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical administrative assistants can enhance their capabilities, expand their professional network, and position themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers prefer certified candidates, making certification an essential step toward becoming a standout applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $200.00 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 fully online through the NPS learning management system, and is mobile friendly, allowing you to prepare on your schedule and from the comfort of home. Be sure to verify whether your certifying agency provides free resources or if there are additional costs for advanced resources.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA).
Once you have registered to take the competency exam, take advantage of a broad selection of study resources to enhance your readiness. Many credentialing agencies offer resources such as thorough study guides, digital flashcards, practice questions, and interactive review platforms. When evaluating prep tools, look for materials that match the exam’s content outline and focus on both academic material and practical skills.
Consider developing a study schedule that incorporates daily review, targeted practice in challenging topics, and regular use of complete practice exams to mirror the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re thoroughly prepared for exam day.
In addition, mock exams are extremely useful for replicating the real test environment and identifying areas where you need further review. Some agencies, like NPS, offer repeated practice exams, while others charge extra 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 national certification is stored in your account. Your digital copy, along with your NPS transcripts, should be downloaded and printed for use as proof of certification.
Now that you’re a Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA), you’re ready to start your medical career in Plainfield, New Jersey. Training in medical assisting is a solid gateway into the medical field, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical administrative assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified medical administrative assistants are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, an aging population, and increased diagnostic testing. This rising demand supports a positive employment outlook, making medical assisting a secure and appealing career choice.
Medical Administrative Assistants typically are scheduled for a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $43,380, though wages can differ depending on region and experience. With growing opportunities 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 start the process at least 30 days prior to the week their certification expires. This will allow the medical administrative assistant satisfactory time to review their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not need to go back to a training program 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 following two year time period is $200.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the medical assisting field.
If your certification becomes inactive, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves completing any outstanding continuing education requirements, filing a renewal application, and processing a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific steps and deadlines to restore your active status.
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A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant Instructor (CMAAI) is a highly talented medical administrative assistant with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Administrative Assistant Instructors can instruct for or own their own school. They’re needed for ensuring that students in their class are retaining the information provided by their curriculum. Every class in Plainfield, New Jersey should tell their students with 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 complete the entire process online. If you would prefer to talk with someone regarding 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.
