The California Certifying Board for Medical Assistants

CACMA FAQs

Mon, 24 Apr 2023 16:13:00 GMT

Q- How much does it cost to take the CACMA exam?

A- $250

Q- How many questions are on the exam?

A- There are 160 questions on the CACMA exam, 20 of those are unscored.

Q- How long do I have to take the exam?

A- You will be given 3 1/2 hours to take the exam.

Q- Why is CCBMA discontinuing the CCMA credentials?

A- The CACMA credential was developed after a Job Task Analysis was performed indicating that our other credentials (CCMA-AC, CCMA-C, CCMA-A) need to be updated to reflect the knowledge, skills and abilities that today’s medical assistants need to be successful in the workplace. CCBMA will be seeking NCCA accreditation for the CACMA exam.

Q- What does accreditation mean?

A- National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) is an authority on accreditation standards which means the CACMA credential has met strict requirements to receive a stamp of approval on the quality of the certification program.

Q- What happens to my CCMA credential?

A- Current CCMA certificants (CCMA-A, CCMAC and CCMA-AC) will have the option to take the CACMA exam and transition to the new CACMA credential at anytime. CCMA certificants that choose not to be transitioning into the CACMA credential may continue to maintain their current certification by meeting the CCMA recertification requirements.

About the CACMA Examination

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 17:35:00 GMT

The CA lifornia C ertified M edical A ssistant examination is a comprehensive objective examination of the candidate’s knowledge of general, clinical and administrative medical assisting skills. It is designed for the entry level medical assistant.

How the Exam was Developed

CCBMA used a rigorous process involving the use of CCBMA credentialed medical assistants from all over California who served as Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). A Job Task Analysis (JTA) was conducted with the assistance of Professional Testing, Inc, an industry leader in assessment, evaluation and certification services. The JTA identified the tasks that need to be performed in a competent and safe manner as well as the knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics associated with performing such tasks in the role of medical assistant. Exam questions were written and reviewed by SME’s . A pilot exam was conducted followed by a Cut Score Study on the results with assistance from Professional Testing, Inc. The information gained from the JTA, pilot exam and the Cut Score Study validated the items on the CACMA exam and helped ensure that CCBMA is adhering to standards of the credentialing industry.

Paving the “Road to Excellence”

CCBMA will be applying for accreditation for the CACMA certification from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). NCCA is the accrediting body affiliated with the Institute of Credential Excellence. The CACMA exam is an all-inclusive updated version of the three California Certified Medical Assistant (CCMA) examinations that were phased out December 31, 2023.

Please note as of January 1, 2025

In the event that you fail the CACMA examination on your 1st attempt, you are given 3 additional attempts (4 attempts in total). There is a 30 day waiting period in-between the 1st-3 ^rd attempts. If you have failed the 3rd attempt, you must wait 60 days before your 4 ^th and final attempt. A retake application and fee must be submitted for each examination attempt. The retake examination fee is $250.

Did You Know?

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 18:46:00 GMT

According to the US Bureau of Labor, employment of medical assistants is projected to grow 14% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations . About 114,600 openings each year for medical assistants. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. The median annual wage for medical assistants was $42000 in May 2023. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. 10% earned less that $33,500 and the highest 10% earned more than $56,480.

Medical Assistants are one of the fastest growing occupations in California. Employment growth is expected because of the increase in the number of group practices, clinics, and other healthcare facilities that need greater numbers of support personnel, particularly the flexible Medical Assistant who can handle both administrative and clinical duties. Because many health care employers prefer a trained staff, job prospects should be best for Medical Assistants with formal training or experience.

In California, the number of Medical Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Medical Assistants are expected to increase by 24.5 percent, or 24,900 jobs between 2018 and 2028. On average wages for medical assistants in California can vary from $19 to $28 an hour.

May- Gout

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 19:30:00 GMT

For May’s featured article, we are highlighting gout in recognition of the Gout Support Group of America.

If you would like to learn more about the basics of gout, we now have a brand new CEU article available to purchase.

“May 22 is Gout Awareness Day, a chance to raise awareness about a condition that affects over 9 million Americans. Despite the condition’s prevalence, many people don’t know much about this debilitating form of arthritis.

Curious about gout? Here are five facts to boost your knowledge:

Gout has been called the “disease of kings”
Historically, gout has been called the “disease of kings” because it was associated with wealthy people, like King Henry VIII, who could afford diets high in meat, seafood and alcohol. While certain foods may worsen the condition, experts now know that food is not the primary cause.
Uric acid is the culprit behind gout flare-ups
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid. Uric acid is a normal waste product that is dissolved in the blood and passed through the kidneys into urine. But if there is an increase in uric acid or the kidneys can’t eliminate it from the body, it can cause a gout flare.
Women get gout too
Although gout more commonly affects older men, women can get gout as well. Most often, women experience gout later in life, typically after menopause, when their estrogen levels decline. Estrogen is a hormone that can help support kidney function, which plays a crucial role in uric acid processing.
Gout isn’t limited to the big toe
The big toe is the most common place for gout attacks to happen. But the buildup of uric acid crystals that leads to a gout attack can affect any joint in the body.
There is relief in gout treatments
Although there is no cure for gout, there are treatments available to manage it. Medications that lower uric acid levels are an important part of the treatment process.”

-GSGA