CMA vs RMA is a comparison every aspiring medical assistant runs into — and the differences are smaller than the marketing of each certifying body suggests. Both are nationally recognized, both are widely accepted by employers, both pay similarly, and both certify the same role. The real differences are in the issuing body, eligibility paths, exam structure, and regional preference.
The short version: CMA = American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), requires CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. RMA = American Medical Technologists (AMT), accepts a broader range of accredited programs plus an experience pathway.
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For students researching cma vs rma options, the practical reality is that the right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and target employer. Many candidates start their cma vs rma research with general questions and narrow down as they understand which credentials each setting accepts. Treat cma vs rma reviews as a comparison exercise, not a single decision.
CMA vs RMA: Side-by-Side
| CMA | RMA | |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | AAMA | AMT |
| Eligibility | CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program required | Accredited program OR 5 years experience OR military training |
| Exam length | 200 questions, 3 hours | 200-210 questions, 3 hours |
| Passing score | 405 scaled (range 200-700) | 70%+ |
| Pass rate | ~62% | ~70% |
| Cost | $125 (member) / $250 (non-member) | $135 |
| Recertification | Every 5 years (60 CE credits) or re-exam | Every 3 years (30 CE credits) |
| Geographic recognition | Strong nationwide; preferred by some academic medical centers | Stronger in southern + midwestern markets |
Key Differences
Eligibility
The biggest practical difference: CMA requires CAAHEP- or ABHES-accreditation. RMA accepts a broader range of accredited programs plus an experience pathway (5+ years of MA work).
If you completed a shorter online program without CAAHEP/ABHES accreditation, you can sit for RMA but not CMA. CCMA (NHA) — covered in our CCMA vs CMA guide — is similar to RMA on this dimension.
Pass Rate
CMA pass rate (~62%) is lower than RMA (~70%). The gap reflects the CMA exam’s heavier emphasis on theoretical content from CAAHEP-accredited programs, which include more depth than typical RMA candidates have completed.
Recertification Cycle
CMA: every 5 years (60 CE credits) or re-take the exam. RMA: every 3 years (30 CE credits).
CMA’s longer cycle means lower ongoing maintenance for candidates who don’t naturally accumulate CE credits.
Geographic Recognition
CMA is the historical gold standard nationally. RMA is more common in southern and midwestern markets, especially in private practice settings. Most employers accept either.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose CMA if:
- Your training program is CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited
- You’re targeting academic medical centers or university clinic systems
- You want the longer recertification cycle
- You’re in a region (Northeast, West Coast) where CMA is the dominant credential
Choose RMA if:
- Your training program is accredited but not CAAHEP/ABHES
- You’re using the experience pathway (5+ years MA work)
- You’re in a region (South, Midwest) where RMA is more common
- You completed military medical training
Or consider CCMA
CCMA (NHA) has the most flexible eligibility paths and is widely accepted nationally. Many candidates choose CCMA over CMA or RMA for the broader eligibility paths.
Pay Comparison
CMA, RMA, and CCMA all pay similarly nationally — about $42,000/year median ($20.20/hour). Most employers don’t differentiate between them. State, setting, and stacked certifications drive more pay variation than which credential you hold.
For more on pay, see our CMA salary guide.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between CMA and RMA?
CMA is from AAMA and requires CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program. RMA is from AMT and accepts a broader range of accredited programs plus 5+ years of MA work experience.
Which is harder — CMA or RMA?
CMA pass rate (~62%) is lower than RMA (~70%). The CMA exam tests theoretical content more heavily.
Do CMAs and RMAs make the same?
Yes — pay is similar nationally. State, setting, and stacked certifications drive more variation than which credential you hold.
Can I have both CMA and RMA?
Yes — many medical assistants hold multiple credentials. Some employers value the dual certification, though most consider either sufficient.
Which is better — CMA or RMA?
Neither is universally better. CMA has stronger recognition at academic medical centers; RMA has broader eligibility. Most employers accept both.
Which is more recognized — CMA or RMA?
CMA is historically the gold standard nationally. RMA is more common in southern and midwestern markets. Most major employers accept both interchangeably.
How long is RMA recertification vs CMA?
CMA: every 5 years (60 CE credits) or re-exam. RMA: every 3 years (30 CE credits).
Can I take both exams in the same year?
Yes — there are no rules preventing dual certification, though most candidates choose one based on their training program’s accreditation pathway.
Start Your CCMA Journey with HealthCerts
Reading about cma vs rma is one thing — actually getting credentialed and into a clinical role is another. HealthCerts’ Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program is the fastest, most-supported path: Earn your NHA CCMA in 8 weeks online with NHA exam fee, externship at a named partner clinic, and a venipuncture practice kit included. 5 ACE college credits.
See CCMA tuition, schedule, and what’s included →
Source: National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
For people researching cma vs rma, the practical decision points usually come down to three things: cost, time, and credential acceptance. Use the cma vs rma framing in the sections above to make each decision in the right order, and remember that cma vs rma outcomes scale with the quality of the program you pick.
