National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) Certification

The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) certification is a professional designation that recognizes the knowledge and skills of medical assistants who have completed an accredited educational program and passed a certification exam. The certification is offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), which is a non-profit organization that specializes in certifying medical support personnel.

To become an NCMA, an individual must meet the eligibility requirements, which include completing an accredited medical assisting program or having equivalent work experience, and passing the NCMA certification exam. The exam is a multiple-choice test that covers a wide range of topics, including medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, patient care procedures, administrative tasks, and medical laws and ethics.

The NCMA certification exam is designed to assess the competencies required for entry-level medical assisting positions and is recognized by employers across the United States. The NCMA designation is widely respected in the healthcare industry and can be a valuable asset for those seeking employment or advancement in their careers as medical assistants.

In addition to the benefits of having the NCMA designation, NCMAs also have access to a range of resources and benefits through the NCCT. These include continuing education opportunities, access to professional development resources, and the ability to use the NCMA designation on resumes and other professional materials.

The NCMA certification is valid for 24 months, after which the individual must renew their certification by completing continuing education and paying a renewal fee. Renewal of the NCMA certification demonstrates the individual’s commitment to professional development and helps to maintain the high standards of the profession.

In conclusion, the NCMA certification is a valuable recognition for medical assistants who are dedicated to their profession and want to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. By obtaining the NCMA designation, individuals can increase their competitiveness in the job market, advance their careers, and enhance their professional reputation in the healthcare industry. The NCMA certification provides medical assistants with the recognition they deserve for their dedication and hard work, and it helps to ensure that they are well-prepared to provide quality care to patients.

Am I Eligible to Take the National Certified Medical Assistant Exam?

To be eligible for the NCMA certification, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

Completion of a medical assisting program from a college or technical school that is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) or the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)

Military medical assistant training with equivalent competencies

A minimum of two years of full-time employment as a medical assistant

About the NCMA Exam

Once a candidate meets the eligibility criteria, they must pass the NCMA Certification Exam.. The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) test offered by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) reflects the critical MA job competencies identified by a national job analysis study. The National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA) Certification Exam is intended to certify that a candidate has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of a Medical Assistant.

Like the CCMA, the NCMA focuses more on assisting physicians with patients than overall office administration. It includes 150 scored questions and 15 unscored pretest questions. Candidates are allowed three hours to complete the exam.

The exam is computer-based and consists of multiple-choice questions, which are divided into the following categories:

Medical Terminology and Anatomy (17% of the exam)

Administrative Knowledge and Procedures (25% of the exam)

Clinical Knowledge and Procedures (58% of the exam)

How Much Does it Cost to Take the National Certified Medical Assistant Certification Exam?

The cost to take the exam is $90 for NCCT members and $135 for non-members.