AAMA e-Update


CMA (AAMA) Policy Changes to Take Effect Policy changes established by the Certifying Board of the AAMA will give the CMA (AAMA) credential extra muscle. These policies will go into effect January 1, 2010. Find out how they will impact you and help spread the word: Window of exam eligibility. Initial candidates for the CMA (AAMA) Exam who graduate on or after January 1, 2010 will have 60 months from the date of graduation to sit for and pass the exam. If the candidate does not pass within this time frame, the candidate is not eligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential. (This policy does not affect candidates graduating before January 1, 2010.) Three attempts for initial certification. A candidate for initial certification is allowed three exam attempts to obtain CMA (AAMA) certification. If the candidate does not pass on the third attempt, the candidate is not eligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential. Recertify by certification/recertification month. All newly certified and recertifying CMAs (AAMA) will be current through the end of the calendar month of initial certification or most recent recertification for 60 months after initial certification or most recent recertification. Reactivation fee. Any CMA (AAMA) not recertifying on or before the expiration date of their credential will be considered as having an expired credential and will be required to pay a $50 reactivation fee in addition to the recertification fee in order to recertify. This applies to recertification by continuing education or examination. Reactivation by exam. If it has been longer than 60 months since a CMA (AAMA) has recertified, the credential has expired and cannot be reactivated by continuing education. However, recertification can be achieved by passing the CMA (AAMA) Exam. Payment of a $50 reactivation fee plus the recertification by examination fee will be required. From the first CMA (AAMA) Certification Examinations given in 1963 to the eligibility pathway change in 1998, the CMA (AAMA) credential has become the recognized gold standard for the profession. Many employers prefer or even require that their medical assistants be CMAs (AAMA). The Certifying Board's new policies will reinforce the provision of high quality patient care and, thereby, improve public safety. Those who obtain the credential must continue to earn the right to represent this gold standard to their employers and the public. Remember, CMAs (AAMA) must remain current in order to use the credential. Questions? Call 800/228-2262 or e-mail Certification@aama-ntl.org or ContinuingEducation@aama-ntl.org.

CMA (AAMA) Policy Changes to Take Effect

Policy changes established by the Certifying Board of the AAMA will give the CMA (AAMA) credential extra muscle. These policies will go into effect January 1, 2010. Find out how they will impact you and help spread the word:

Window of exam eligibility. Initial candidates for the CMA (AAMA) Exam who graduate on or after January 1, 2010 will have 60 months from the date of graduation to sit for and pass the exam. If the candidate does not pass within this time frame, the candidate is not eligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential. (This policy does not affect candidates graduating before January 1, 2010.)

Three attempts for initial certification. A candidate for initial certification is allowed three exam attempts to obtain CMA (AAMA) certification. If the candidate does not pass on the third attempt, the candidate is not eligible for the CMA (AAMA) credential.

Recertify by certification/recertification month. All newly certified and recertifying CMAs (AAMA) will be current through the end of the calendar month of initial certification or most recent recertification for 60 months after initial certification or most recent recertification.

Reactivation fee. Any CMA (AAMA) not recertifying on or before the expiration date of their credential will be considered as having an expired credential and will be required to pay a $50 reactivation fee in addition to the recertification fee in order to recertify. This applies to recertification by continuing education or examination.

Reactivation by exam. If it has been longer than 60 months since a CMA (AAMA) has recertified, the credential has expired and cannot be reactivated by continuing education. However, recertification can be achieved by passing the CMA (AAMA) Exam. Payment of a $50 reactivation fee plus the recertification by examination fee will be required.

From the first CMA (AAMA) Certification Examinations given in 1963 to the eligibility pathway change in 1998, the CMA (AAMA) credential has become the recognized gold standard for the profession. Many employers prefer or even require that their medical assistants be CMAs (AAMA).

The Certifying Board's new policies will reinforce the provision of high quality patient care and, thereby, improve public safety. Those who obtain the credential must continue to earn the right to represent this gold standard to their employers and the public. Remember, CMAs (AAMA) must remain current in order to use the credential.

Questions?

Call 800/228-2262 or e-mail Certification@aama-ntl.org or
ContinuingEducation@aama-ntl.org.