What You Need to Do to Reinstate Your CMA License
To reinstate a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) license, you must contact the certifying body that issued your credential — either the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) through their Certified Medical Assistant program, or the American Medical Technologists (AMT) through their Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) or Certified Medical Assistant program. The reinstatement path depends on how long your license has been inactive and which organization certified you.
The two main certifying bodies have different reinstatement rules. AAMA requires you to renew your CMA credential every 60 months (five years) and charges a renewal fee. AMT requires renewal every three years for RMA and every two years for CMA credentials. If your license has lapsed, you cannot legally work as a certified medical assistant until you complete the reinstatement steps for your specific credential.
Reinstatement is not the same as recertification. Reinstatement means restoring an expired credential to active status. You may be able to reinstate by paying fees and meeting continuing education requirements, or you may need to retake the certification exam if your license has been inactive for a long time.
Key Takeaways
- Contact AAMA or AMT directly — the organization that originally certified you — to learn your specific reinstatement requirements and fees.
- If your license expired fewer than five years ago, you may reinstate by paying the renewal fee and submitting proof of continuing education hours.
- If your license has been inactive for more than five to ten years (depending on the certifying body), you will likely need to retake the certification exam.
- Reinstatement fees and continuing education requirements vary by certifying organization and how long your credential has been expired.
- You cannot legally work as a certified medical assistant with an expired license, even if you are waiting for reinstatement approval.
AAMA CMA Reinstatement Requirements
The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) oversees the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credential. If your AAMA CMA license has expired, you have two reinstatement paths depending on how long it has been inactive.
If your CMA credential expired within the last five years, you can reinstate by submitting the renewal fee (currently $130 for AAMA members and $180 for non-members, though fees may change) and proof that you have completed 60 continuing education credits during your last certification period. You do not need to retake the exam. Contact AAMA's Certification Department directly through their website or by phone to request a reinstatement process.
If your CMA credential has been expired for more than five years, AAMA requires you to retake the Certified Medical Assistant exam. You will also need to pay the exam fee (separate from the reinstatement fee) and meet the exam prerequisites, which typically include current CPR certification and a high school diploma or equivalent. Some candidates may also need to complete a medical assisting program or document work experience, depending on AAMA's current rules.
AMT RMA and CMA Reinstatement Requirements
American Medical Technologists (AMT) certifies both Registered Medical Assistants (RMA) and Certified Medical Assistants (CMA). AMT credentials expire every two to three years, and reinstatement rules depend on how long your credential has been inactive.
If your AMT credential expired within the last two years, you can reinstate by paying the renewal fee and submitting proof of continuing education. AMT requires 30 continuing education credits per renewal period for RMA and CMA credentials. The renewal fee is typically $95 to $130, though you should confirm the current amount with AMT directly.
If your AMT credential has been expired for more than two years, you will need to retake the certification exam. AMT also allows reinstatement through a Reinstatement by Exam option if you have been out of the field for an extended period. You must pay the exam fee and meet current exam prerequisites. Contact AMT's Certification Department to determine whether you may have access to for reinstatement without exam or whether exam retake is required.
Continuing Education and Exam Requirements
Both AAMA and AMT require continuing education to maintain an active CMA or RMA license. The number of hours and the types of approved courses vary by organization. Continuing education must come from accredited providers — online courses, workshops, conferences, and some employer-sponsored training all count, but you must keep documentation of what you completed and when.
If you need to retake the certification exam, you must register with the certifying body and pay the exam fee. AAMA's CMA exam costs approximately $185 to $210 (non-member pricing), and AMT's RMA or CMA exam costs approximately $140 to $160. Exam registration typically opens 30 to 60 days before your test date. You will receive a testing authorization letter that you bring to the testing center on exam day.
Some states also require medical assistants to hold a state license or registration in addition to national certification. If you live in one of these states (such as California, which requires a state-issued Medical Assistant license), you must also complete that state's reinstatement process separately. Check your state's medical board website to confirm whether state licensure is required where you work.
Documents and Information You Will Need
Before you contact AAMA or AMT, gather the following information and documents:
- Your original CMA or RMA certification number (found on your expired certificate or credential card)
- Your Social Security number or Tax ID
- Proof of current CPR certification (usually American Heart Association or American Red Cross)
- Documentation of continuing education credits you have completed since your credential expired (course name, provider, date completed, number of credits)
- Your current mailing address and contact information
- Payment method for reinstatement and exam fees (credit card, check, or electronic transfer, depending on what the certifying body accepts)
If you do not have your original certification number, AAMA and AMT can search their records by name and date of birth. Have your government-issued ID ready when you contact them. If you are unsure which organization certified you, check any old pay stubs, employment records, or previous credential cards — they will show either the AAMA or AMT logo.
Timeline for Reinstatement
The time it takes to reinstate your CMA or RMA credential depends on whether you need to retake the exam. If you are reinstating by continuing education and fee payment alone, approval typically takes two to four weeks after AAMA or AMT receives your complete process. If you need to retake the exam, add four to eight weeks for exam registration, study time, and scheduling.
Exam dates are offered multiple times per month at testing centers nationwide. Once you register for the exam, you can usually schedule your test date within one to three weeks. After you pass the exam, the certifying body will issue your new credential within one to two weeks.
During the reinstatement process, you cannot legally use the CMA or RMA title or work in a position that requires certification. Some employers will allow you to work as an uncertified medical assistant while your reinstatement is pending, but this is at the employer's discretion and may result in lower pay. Confirm your employer's policy before you begin the reinstatement process.
Fees and Payment
| Item | AAMA CMA | AMT RMA/CMA |
|---|---|---|
| Reinstatement/Renewal Fee | $130 (members) / $180 (non-members) | $95–$130 |
| Exam Fee (if required) | $185–$210 | $140–$160 |
| AAMA Membership (optional) | $120–$180 per year | Not applicable |
Fees are subject to change. Contact AAMA or AMT directly for current pricing. Most certifying bodies accept credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Some also accept payment plans if the total cost is high. Ask about payment options when you submit your reinstatement process.
If you are an AAMA member, your renewal fee is lower than the non-member rate. AAMA membership also provides access to continuing education resources, job boards, and professional development. If you are not currently a member, you can join at the same time you renew your credential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a medical assistant while my reinstatement is pending?
You cannot work in a position that requires CMA or RMA certification while your credential is expired or pending reinstatement. Some employers hire uncertified medical assistants at a lower wage while reinstatement is in progress, but this is optional. Check with your employer before you let your credential lapse.
What if I cannot find my original certification number?
Contact AAMA or AMT directly with your full name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Both organizations maintain records of all certified professionals and can look up your information. This typically takes one to three business days.
Do I need to retake the exam if my license expired five years ago?
AAMA requires exam retake if your credential has been expired for more than five years. AMT's rules vary depending on how long you have been inactive. Contact your certifying body to confirm whether you may have access to for reinstatement without exam or whether retesting is required.
Can I reinstate a CMA license from a different state?
CMA and RMA credentials are national certifications, not state-specific. You can reinstate your credential regardless of which state you originally certified in or where you currently live. However, some states require additional state licensure. Check your current state's medical board to confirm whether state registration is also required.
What happens if I fail the reinstatement exam?
If you fail the certification exam, you can retake it. Most certifying bodies allow you to register for the next available exam date and pay the exam fee again. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must pay the full exam fee each time you test.