Below you can find a comparison table of four major certification agencies. There are more of them and new organizations are coming up all the time but we zeroed in on the most renowned ones to help you get going.
| AAMA | AMT | NHA | NCCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Link | www.aama-ntl.org | www.amt1.com | www.nhanow.com | www.ncctinc.com |
| Active Since | 1956 | 1939 | 1989 | 1989 |
| Credential | CMA | RMA/CMAS | CCMA/CMAA | NCMA |
| Currently Certified Members | over 85,000 | over 75,000 | n/a | n/a |
| Issuer of other credentials | ||||
| Not-for-profit | ||||
| Nationwide Recognition | ||||
| Eligibility criteria | ||||
| CAAHEP / ABHES accredited program | ||||
| If Work Experience Only | 5 years | 1 year | 2 years | |
| If guilty of felony [8] | Certification | |||
| Exam lifetime attempts [2] | 3 | 4 | 4 | |
| Application fee | $125/$250 [1] | $90 | $155 | $90 ~ $155 |
| Computer based | ||||
| Paper based | ||||
| Multiple Choice | ||||
| Test Duration | 160 min | 120 min | 180 min | 180 min |
| Number of Questions | 200 | 200 | 150 | 150 |
| Maintain Certification | ||||
| By examination [3] | ||||
| By continuing education | ||||
| Certification Validity Period | 5 years | 3 years | 2 years | 5 years |
| Required CE points / hours per year | 12 | 10 | 5 | 14 |
| Internal CE points [4] | ||||
| External CE points | ||||
| Recertification payment | $125/$250 | $90 | $169 | $77 |
| Online recertification | ||||
| CPR certification requirement | ||||
| Membership | ||||
| Obligatory Membership | [7] | |||
| Renewal fee | $25-$107 [5] | $60 | ||
| Benefits [6] | ||||
| Career assistance | ||||
- For AAMA-members and recent graduates (within the last 12 months) of an accredited MA program $125, for non-members $250.
- If not passed within the allowed amount of attempts the examinee is no more eligible for the credential.
- Certification holders have the option to keep their certification current by retaking the exam.
- Option to earn CE points either through internal continuing education programs offered by the corresponding certification body or from other/external sources.
- The level of membership fees is based on place of residence and status.
- Members get preferred treatment such as reduced recertification fees or legal counsel. Contact your certification agency to get more information.
- You have to distinguish between membership and certification. A membership is not required for certification or recertification.
- Generally, individuals who have been found guilty of a felony or pleaded guilty to a felony are not eligible for certification exam. However, the certification agency may grant a waiver based upon mitigating circumstances.