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CMA vs RMA: what is the difference?
Both are medical assistant credentials from different organizations. The CMA (AAMA) comes from the American Association of Medical Assistants and is recertified every 60 months. The RMA comes from American Medical Technologists and is kept active with an annual fee and continuing education points over 3-year cycles. BLS says most states do not require certification, though employers may prefer it.
Facts only, from 4 cited sources, checked October 23, 2026. This page does not recommend either option.
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CMA vs RMA side by side
| Certified Medical Assistant, CMA (AAMA) | Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Awarded by | American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) | American Medical Technologists (AMT) | AAMA: CMA (AAMA) exam eligibility |
| Main education route | Student or graduate of a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited program | Graduate (within 4 years) of an accredited MA program with 720 hours, 160 in an externship | American Medical Technologists: Medical Assistant (RMA) |
| Other routes | Prior CMA (AAMA), educator with 1,000 hours, Alternative Pathway | Work experience (3 of the past 7 years), military, instructor, hybrid program | American Medical Technologists: Medical Assistant (RMA) |
| Keeping it | Recertify every 60 months by 60 CEUs or by exam | Annual fee ($75) and 30 points per 3-year cycle | AAMA: CMA (AAMA) recertification |
| Required by states | Most states do not require certification | Most states do not require certification | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants |
| Medical assistant median pay, 2025 | $45,690 a year (BLS does not split by credential) | $45,690 a year (BLS does not split by credential) | BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Medical Assistants |
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What is the difference between CMA and RMA?
Both are medical assistant credentials from different organizations. The CMA (AAMA) comes from the American Association of Medical Assistants and is recertified every 60 months. The RMA comes from American Medical Technologists and is kept active with an annual fee and continuing education points over 3-year cycles. BLS says most states do not require certification, though employers may prefer it.
Is a CMA better than an RMA?
This page does not rank them. Both are national medical assistant credentials; BLS notes employers may prefer or require certification, and the employer decides which it accepts.