Certification

Certification adds credentials and titles to a person's name. This can lead to increased appreciation and pave the way to promotions.   The matrix below identifies certification agencies in California and answers many of your questions on qualifications, frequency, and costs of the exam.

	American Association of Medical Assistants - AAMA Website Call (312) 424-3100	California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants Website Call (866) 622-2262	American Medical Technologists - AMT Website Call (800) 275-1268
Who qualifies to sit for exam?	Must be a graduate of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited Community College or Private College.  Cabrillo and ROP qualifies	Employed by licensed MD or employed at least two years within last five years or graduated from accredited medical assistant program within one year.  Cabrillo and ROP  qualifies.	Graduate of medical assistant program accredited by ABHES or Regional Accrediting Commission or formal training program US Armed Forces, or employed as MA for five years.  Cabrillo and ROP qualifies
Exam Frequency	Last Saturday-June Last Friday-October Last Friday -January	January July	Varies
Type of Exam	1 exam: General Administrative Clinical	Basic + Administrative and/or Clinical	All Combined
Length of Exam	4 hours	3 to 4 hours	3 hours
Number of Questions	300	200	200
Cost of Exam	Member $95 Others $170	$115 (basic + 1) $45 for second specialty	$90