Clinical Medical Assistants prepare patients, record vital signs and medical histories, perform phlebotomy and EKGs, administer medications and injections, and assist with exams and minor procedures — ensuring accurate diagnostics and compassionate support. Follow this NPS guide to earn your Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) 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 Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is to enroll in a training course. Baltimore, Maryland is house to many state endorsed medical assisting training programs that will prepare students for a Medical Assistant career. A medical assisting training program is generally about 40-80 in class hours and 20-40 clinical hours that will take place of the class, usually at a laboratory or medical institute joined with the program. In Baltimore, the typical class will have 10-30 students.
When selecting a medical assisting training course, it’s important to be thorough and knowledgeable. There are thousands of programs across the country, but not all of them provide the essential training and hands-on components needed to enter the workforce. In fact, some programs fail to provide clinical hours, which are fundamental for gaining hands-on experience drawing blood in a clinical lab setting. Without clinical hours, you will not meet the eligibility requirements for national certification — even if you graduate from the course.
One of the most essential factors to consider when researching a program is its approval status and adherence to quality benchmarks. 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 recognized training program ensures that you receive appropriate education and clinical experience 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 a certified medical assistant. It simply confirms that you’ve finished 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 mandatory requirement for renewal if the a certification holder does not wish to take an additional exam. This ensures that Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) remain current with the latest professional practices, procedures, and guidelines. Most certifying agencies provide clear guidelines on the amount 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 assistant training program, you will have a Certificate of Completion. Your Certificate of Completion does not make you a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)’. This is a unquestionably common misunderstanding. A Certificate of Completion is used as proof of your completion of a medical assistant training class and is required to register for the national certification exam for individuals who’ve acquired no experience in the field.
NPS is not a school or training program. NPS is an examination provider and national certification agency.
Receive education, training, or experience in the field.
Meet the NPS eligibility requirements listed in the Candidate Handbook.
Take the secure proctored NPS certification exam.
Receive your NPS national certification, with online verification available within one hour of passing the exam.
NPS Certification Comparison
See how NPS compares with other certification agencies on exam fees, optional preparation resources, and included exam attempts.
| NPS | NHA | AMT | NCCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credential | CCMA | CCMA | RMA | NCMA |
| Exam Fee | $225 | $169 | $150 | $163 *with proctor fee |
| Study Materials | Included | $94 prep package | $230 | $70 |
| Practice Exams | Unlimited Attempts | 6 Attempts Included | 2 Attempts Included | 3 Attempts $25 |
| Exam Attempts | 3 Attempts | 1 Attempt | 1 Attempt | 1 Attempt |
| Total With Prep | $225 | $263 | $380 | $258 |
One Price
No Surprise
Add-On Costs
Optional Prep
Included at
No Extra Cost
Verifiable
National
Credential
Three Exam
Attempts
Included
24/7
On-Demand
Testing
Prices shown are based on publicly available information as of 2026 and may change.
NPS study materials and practice exams are included as optional preparation resources only.
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 get certified, a medical assistant must have their competency put to the test by a third-party certification agency, like NPS. Once certified, a medical assistant must maintain their certification each 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 include 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 assistants enhance and advance their skills.
There are several certification agencies that medical assistants can choose to become certified with, but selecting the most recognized one can significantly impact your career.
Earning medical assisting certification not only demonstrates your expertise and commitment to quality care, but also supports ongoing professional development. By regularly engaging in continuing education and professional growth opportunities, medical assistants can sharpen their expertise, grow their professional network, and prepare themselves for advancement within the healthcare field.
Many healthcare employers require certified candidates, making certification an important step toward becoming a strong applicant in the field.
The cost to become NPS Certified is $225.00 and includes a full study guide, repeated 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 ease of home. Be sure to explore whether your certifying agency provides complimentary materials or if there are additional costs for premium materials.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).
Once you have registered for the competency exam, take advantage of a broad selection of prep tools to maximize your readiness. Many certifying agencies offer resources such as comprehensive 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 consistent study sessions, targeted practice in weaker areas, and regular use of complete practice exams to replicate the real test environment. This approach will help increase your confidence and ensure you’re fully prepared for exam day.
In addition, sample tests are invaluable for simulating the real test environment and pinpointing 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 certification exam, your credentials are hurriedly inputted in the national registry and a digital copy of your certification is made available in your account. Your digital copy, side by side 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 Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), you’re ready to begin your medical career in Baltimore, Maryland. Training in medical assisting is a solid gateway into the medical workforce, commonly pursued by aspiring nurses, nurse aides, medical assistants, and medical laboratory technicians. Certified medical assistants are in great demand across the healthcare industry due to expanded healthcare services, a rise in senior patients, and more frequent diagnostic tests. This rising demand helps ensure a strong job outlook, making medical assisting a stable and appealing career choice.
Medical Assistants typically work a standard 40-hour week and earn an average annual salary of approximately $44,200, though wages can differ depending on location and experience. With expanding job openings and a fast-track training period, medical assisting is a great way to begin a fulfilling healthcare career.
NPS works with multiple staffing agencies to help our members find a career in the medical assisting field.
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant will be required to renew their CCMA Certification every two years. A medical assistant should start the process at least 30 days prior to the day their certification expires. This will permit the medical assistant plenty time to attend their continuing education hours and take their renewal assessment. You will not have to go register 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 is $225.00. Renewing ensures your employer that you are dedicated to updating your knowledge in the medical assisting field.
If your certification lapses, many certifying agencies offer ways to restore your certification. The process typically involves fulfilling any outstanding continuing education requirements, submitting a renewal application, and paying a reinstatement fee. It’s important to confirm with your certifying body for specific guidelines and cutoff dates to restore your active status.
Click to learn more about Renewing You CCMA Certification.
A Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) is a highly skilled medical assistant with greater than 5 years of experience in the field. Medical Assistant Instructors can teach 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 Baltimore, Maryland should tell their students details about the instructors background and credentials.
If a medical assistant meets the requirements and wishes to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI) they can complete the entire process online. If you would like to request to speak with someone regarding the process, contact us today.
Click to learn more about becoming a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Instructor (CCMAI).
National Performance Specialists is a proud organizational member of the Institute for Credentialing Excellence (I.C.E.), a leading professional organization dedicated to advancing quality, fairness, and best practices in certification. This membership connects NPS with the national credentialing community and provides access to professional standards, research, and resources that support our commitment to rigorous, credible certifications and the confidence employers, educational institutions, and healthcare professionals place in the credentials we issue.
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The Texas Education Agency’s 2025–2030 Industry-Based Certification List for public school accountability identifies the NPS Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) as a Tier 2 certification, recognizing its value within Texas career and technical education programs that prepare students for allied health careers. Texas public schools may also qualify for state reimbursement of eligible NPS CPT certification examination costs, allowing schools to invest in industry-recognized credentials for their students while recovering qualifying examination expenses through the Texas Education Agency.
View the TEA Certification List
All six NPS certification programs are listed in CareerOneStop’s Certification Finder. CareerOneStop is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and is a proud partner of the American Job Center network. This listing allows employers, workforce development boards, educators, and job seekers to independently review National Performance Specialists as a credential issuer, along with key information about each certification, making it easier for organizations to evaluate and accept NPS-certified candidates.
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O*NET OnLine, the leading occupational information resource sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, maintains separate credential entries identifying National Performance Specialists as the certifying organization for its Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certifications. These entries give employers, workforce professionals, and educators an independent, publicly accessible reference for reviewing NPS credentials and confirming how they align with real-world occupations when evaluating candidate qualifications and hiring decisions.
National Performance Specialists partners with the American Red Cross to provide job placement assistance to NPS-certified members and to help the American Red Cross recruit qualified allied health candidates across the United States. Through this partnership, NPS-certified professionals gain access to meaningful career opportunities, while the American Red Cross connects with credentialed candidates prepared to support its mission of serving communities, patients, and blood donors nationwide with skill, care, and professionalism.
Apply with the American Red Cross
National Performance Specialists is a member of the Health Professions Network (HPN), a national community connecting allied health professional associations, educators, and credentialing organizations. This membership supports NPS’s engagement with the broader allied health community and its commitment to advancing workforce development, professional certification, and career opportunities. Through HPN, NPS collaborates with peers across the allied health field to share knowledge, strengthen workforce quality, and support the professionals who serve patients every day.
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