Failing a professional certification exam can feel discouraging. If you are preparing for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam, one of the most common questions people ask is simple and honest: How many times can you fail the CMA exam?
This question matters because the CMA credential is highly respected in the healthcare field. Many employers prefer or require it. Understanding the retake rules, waiting periods, fees, and limits can help you plan better, reduce stress, and improve your chances of success.
The good news is this: failing the CMA exam does not end your medical assistant career. You are allowed to retake the exam, but there are clear rules you must follow.
This guide explains everything in clear, simple English. You will learn how many times you can retake the CMA exam, how long you must wait between attempts, how much retakes cost, and how to pass on your next try.
What Is the CMA Exam?
The CMA exam is the certification test for Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) credentials. It is administered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).
This exam tests your knowledge in three main areas:
-
Clinical procedures
-
Administrative tasks
-
General medical knowledge
Passing the CMA exam proves that you meet national standards for medical assistants in the United States.
Who Administers the CMA Exam?
The CMA exam is administered by:
-
AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants)
This is important because retake rules are controlled by AAMA, not testing centers or schools.
How Many Times Can You Fail the CMA Exam?
Short Answer
You can fail the CMA exam up to three times.
Detailed Explanation
AAMA allows candidates:
-
A maximum of three exam attempts
-
These attempts must occur within a 12-month period
Once you fail three times, you must wait before trying again.
This rule applies whether:
-
You take the exam in person
-
Or you take it at an approved testing center
CMA Exam Retake Limit Explained Simply
Here is how it works:
-
Attempt 1: You take the CMA exam
-
Attempt 2: You may retake it if you fail
-
Attempt 3: You may retake it again if you fail
If you fail all three attempts within 12 months, you must stop and wait.
You cannot take the exam a fourth time right away.
What Happens If You Fail the CMA Exam Three Times?
If you fail the CMA exam three times:
-
You must wait at least 12 months
-
After the waiting period, you may apply again
-
You may be required to show additional preparation
This waiting period is mandatory. There are no exceptions.
CMA Exam Waiting Period Between Retakes
You cannot retake the CMA exam immediately after failing.
Waiting Period Rules
-
There is a minimum waiting period between attempts
-
This waiting period allows time for study and improvement
Exact waiting times may vary, but candidates should expect:
-
Several weeks between retakes
-
Scheduling based on exam availability
Always check your official AAMA candidate portal for exact dates.
Why Does the CMA Exam Have Retake Limits?
The CMA exam is designed to protect patient safety and professional standards.
Retake limits exist to:
-
Ensure proper knowledge and skills
-
Encourage serious preparation
-
Maintain certification credibility
-
Protect healthcare employers and patients
These limits are common in healthcare certifications.
How Much Does It Cost to Retake the CMA Exam?
Failing the exam means paying again.
CMA Exam Fees (Approximate)
-
AAMA members: Lower exam fees
-
Non-members: Higher exam fees
-
Each retake requires a new payment
There are:
-
No free retakes
-
No automatic discounts for multiple failures
Failing multiple times can become expensive.
Does Failing the CMA Exam Affect Your Career?
Failing the CMA exam does not:
-
Go on your permanent record
-
Get reported to employers
-
Disqualify you from medical assistant jobs
Many medical assistants:
-
Fail once
-
Retake the exam
-
Pass successfully
-
Build strong careers
What matters is how you prepare next time.
Can You Work as a Medical Assistant Without CMA Certification?
Yes, in some states and workplaces.
However:
-
CMA certification improves job opportunities
-
Many employers prefer certified candidates
-
Some employers require certification within a set time
Failing does not stop you from working, but passing helps long-term growth.
How to Pass the CMA Exam After Failing
If you failed once or twice, do not panic. Use it as feedback.
Step 1: Review Your Score Report
Your score report shows weak areas.
Focus on:
-
Clinical procedures
-
Administrative tasks
-
Medical terminology
-
Anatomy and physiology
Step 2: Use Official Study Materials
Use:
-
AAMA study guides
-
CMA practice exams
-
Approved review courses
Avoid outdated or unofficial materials.
Step 3: Create a Study Schedule
Short, daily study sessions work best.
Recommended approach:
-
30–60 minutes per day
-
Review weak topics first
-
Practice timed questions
Consistency matters more than cramming.
Step 4: Take Practice Exams
Practice exams help you:
-
Understand exam format
-
Improve time management
-
Reduce anxiety
Aim to score consistently high before retesting.
Step 5: Improve Test-Taking Skills
Many failures are due to:
-
Poor time management
-
Rushing questions
-
Misreading instructions
Practice calm, steady pacing.
Is the CMA Exam Hard?
The CMA exam is challenging but fair.
It is difficult because:
-
It covers many topics
-
It tests real-world medical knowledge
-
It has time limits
It is passable with:
-
Proper training
-
Good study habits
-
Focused preparation
CMA Exam Pass Rate (What to Expect)
While pass rates vary:
-
First-time test takers usually have higher pass rates
-
Retakers often improve with better preparation
Failing once does not mean you will fail again.
Common Reasons People Fail the CMA Exam
Understanding common mistakes helps avoid them.
Top reasons include:
-
Not studying enough
-
Ignoring weak areas
-
Relying on memorization only
-
Poor time management
-
Test anxiety
Most of these issues are fixable.
CMA Exam Retake Rules Summary
Here is a simple summary:
-
Maximum attempts: 3 within 12 months
-
Waiting period required after failures
-
Fees apply for every retake
-
Must wait 12 months after three failures
-
Certification remains achievable
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many times can you fail the CMA exam?
You can fail up to three times within a 12-month period.
Can you retake the CMA exam after failing?
Yes, until you reach the three-attempt limit.
How long must I wait between CMA exam retakes?
There is a mandatory waiting period between attempts.
What happens if I fail three times?
You must wait 12 months before applying again.
Do I have to pay again for retakes?
Yes, each retake requires a new exam fee.
Does failing affect my certification eligibility?
No, you remain eligible after the waiting period.
Is the CMA exam harder on retakes?
No, the exam difficulty stays the same.
Can employers see how many times I failed?
No, only your certification status is visible.
Can I work without CMA certification?
Yes, but certification improves job prospects.
Is CMA better than other medical assistant certifications?
CMA is one of the most respected national credentials.
Conclusion
So, how many times can you fail the CMA exam? You can fail up to three times within 12 months. If you fail all three attempts, you must wait one full year before trying again. While this may sound strict, it is designed to ensure quality and patient safety.
Failing the CMA exam is not the end. Many successful medical assistants failed once or twice before passing. What matters most is how you prepare next time. With the right study plan, official materials, and focused effort, passing the CMA exam is absolutely achievable.