The National Certified Medical Assistant credential, written NCMA (NCCT), is awarded by the National Center for Competency Testing, which has tested allied health workers since 1989. The NCMA covers both clinical and administrative skills. Its eligibility works through NCCT-authorized schools, work experience, military training, or teaching, and it is the only major medical assistant credential that renews every year.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Credential | NCMA (NCCT), National Certified Medical Assistant |
| Issuing body | National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) |
| Eligibility | High school diploma or GED, plus an NCCT-authorized program, work experience, military training, or teaching |
| Accredited program required? | No; the school must be NCCT-authorized for the student and graduate routes |
| Exam | 150 multiple-choice questions (125 scored) in 3 hours |
| Exam fee | About $119; testing sites may add a fee |
| Renewal | Every year: 12 hours of continuing education and an $89 fee |
Eligibility Routes
Every route requires a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent, plus one of the following:
| Route | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Current student | Enrolled in a medical assistant program at an NCCT-authorized school |
| Graduate | Graduated from an NCCT-authorized medical assistant program within the past 5 years |
| High school program | Current student or recent graduate of an NCCT-authorized high school medical assistant program |
| Experience | Verifiable full-time medical assistant experience within the past 5 years |
| Military | Medical assistant training or its equivalent during U.S. military service, generally within the past 5 years |
| Instructor | Current medical assistant instructor with qualifying teaching and practice experience |
Be aware that:
- “NCCT-authorized” is not the same as accredited. It means the school has an agreement with NCCT to test its students. Ask any school whether it is authorized before counting on the student or graduate route.
- The experience requirement has changed over time. Current summaries cite at least 1 year (2,080 hours) of full-time work within 5 years; older NCCT documents listed 2 years. Check the current NCCT candidate handbook before applying.
The Exam
- Format: 150 questions, 125 scored and 25 unscored pretest items
- Time: 3 hours
- Delivery: computer-based, at NCCT-authorized schools and approved testing sites
- Content: clinical procedures make up more than half the scored items; the rest covers pharmacology, phlebotomy, EKG, office procedures, and medical law and ethics
NCCT does not post a current pass rate on its open pages, and third-party figures vary widely. Ask your program how its graduates perform.
Cost
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Exam fee | About $119, plus any testing-site fee |
| Annual recertification, one NCCT credential | $89 per year |
| Annual recertification, two or more NCCT credentials | $118 per year |
The annual fee includes access to NCCT’s online continuing education library, so most certificants can meet the hour requirement at no extra cost. Over 5 years, keeping the NCMA costs about $445 in recertification fees, more than the CMA (AAMA) over the same period because of the annual cycle.
Annual Renewal
- Every year: complete 12 contact hours of continuing education and pay the recertification fee
- How: through NCCT’s online recertification dashboard, using NCCT courses or approved outside continuing education
- Audits: NCCT audits a portion of recertification applications
- Lapses: a certification becomes invalid if no annual requirements are met for 5 consecutive years
How the NCMA Compares
| Feature | NCMA (NCCT) | CMA (AAMA) | RMA (AMT) | CCMA (NHA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program requirement | NCCT-authorized school, or other routes | CAAHEP or ABHES, or Alternative Pathway | Accredited program or institution, or other routes | Any training program |
| Experience route | Yes | No | Yes, 3 years in 7 | Yes, 1 year in 3 |
| Exam | 150 questions, 3 hours | 200 questions, 160 minutes | About 210 questions, 2 hours | 180 questions, 3 hours |
| Exam fee | About $119 | $125 to $250 | $150 | About $165 |
| Renewal cycle | Every year | Every 60 months | 3 years, with annual fee | Every 2 years |
The NCMA has the lowest exam fee of the four and covers the same broad clinical and administrative scope as the CMA and RMA. Its yearly renewal means more frequent fees and paperwork. It is most common among students whose school is NCCT-authorized and tests on site.
Finding a Program
Our state guides list each program’s accreditation and the exams it prepares students for. Ask any school you are considering whether it is NCCT-authorized if the NCMA is your goal.
- Medical Assistant Programs in Alabama
- Medical Assistant Programs in Illinois
- All profiled programs by school and state
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NCMA a recognized credential?
Yes. It is a national credential, and many employers accept it alongside the CMA, RMA, and CCMA. Some employers name specific credentials in job postings, so check before you choose.
Why does the NCMA renew every year?
NCCT uses an annual cycle for all its credentials: 12 hours of continuing education and a fee each year, rather than a larger requirement every few years.
Can I take the NCMA based on work experience?
Yes, with verifiable full-time medical assistant experience within the past 5 years and a high school diploma or GED. Confirm the current minimum in NCCT’s candidate handbook.
Sources: National Center for Competency Testing (recertification guide, recertification order form, and continuing education pages) and published summaries of NCCT’s candidate handbook. Fees and routes change; confirm on ncctinc.com before applying.