For CMA (AAMA) professionals, continuing education is part of staying current and maintaining the credential. The learning itself can be valuable, but the renewal process can feel confusing if you are not sure how many credits you need, which categories apply, or how to keep documentation organized.
The good news is that AAMA-approved CEUs can be earned online, and a simple routine can make the process much easier.
Quick answer
AAMA-certified medical assistants can recertify by continuing education when they meet AAMA’s current CEU requirements. AAMA states that CMAs (AAMA) must recertify every 60 months and need 60 CEUs to recertify by continuing education. AAMA also states that 30 of the 60 recertification points must be AAMA CEUs, with category minimums that include administrative, clinical, and general credits.
ACE offers online CE courses that ACE states have been granted prior approval by AAMA for CEUs. ACE members can complete courses online, pass the post-test, download certificates in real time, and track completed CE activity in their account.
Understand the AAMA recertification structure
Before choosing courses, start with the AAMA requirements. AAMA states that CMAs (AAMA) must recertify every 60 months. There are two broad paths: recertify by continuing education or recertify by exam.
For recertification by continuing education, AAMA states that you need 60 CEUs. AAMA’s current guidance also states that 30 of the 60 recertification points must be AAMA CEUs. In addition, AAMA identifies category requirements: 10 administrative, 10 clinical, 10 general, and 30 from any combination of the above.
Those categories matter. A medical assistant who completes enough total credits may still need to make sure the credit mix is correct. That is why planning early is so helpful.
Why AAMA-approved CEUs are useful
AAMA-approved CEUs can simplify part of the documentation process because they are approved under AAMA’s continuing education process. For CMAs, this can reduce uncertainty about whether a course fits the AAMA-approved portion of the requirement.
ACE states that all ACE courses have been granted prior approval by AAMA for CEUs. The required disclaimer is important: granting approval in no way constitutes endorsement by AAMA of the course content or the course provider.
In practical terms, AAMA-approved CEUs can help you build a renewal plan that is easier to document. You should still verify categories, completion dates, and posting status in your account.
How to earn AAMA-approved CEUs online with ACE
The ACE workflow is designed to be simple. First, you join as a member and access the course library. Then you choose a course that fits your CEU plan. You study the course material online, or print the course PDF if you prefer paper.
After studying, you complete the online post-test. ACE states that a score of 80% or higher is needed to pass and that users have three attempts to successfully complete a test. After passing, you can download or print your certificate in real time.
The certificate is also saved in your ACE account, and ACE states that members can view CE activity through the account dashboard and online transcript.
This workflow is especially helpful for busy medical assistants because it removes unnecessary waiting. When you finish a course, you can immediately save the certificate and move on.
How AAMA reporting works with ACE
ACE states that if you are certified through AAMA, ACE submits your completed CEUs to AAMA. This reporting takes place at the start of every month and includes CEU completions from the previous month. ACE advises users to allow 7 to 10 business days for AAMA to transfer CEUs into the AAMA account after ACE sends the report.
This is convenient, but it should not replace your own recordkeeping. Keep each certificate. Check your ACE transcript. Then verify that the credits appear in your AAMA account.
If you are close to your renewal deadline, timing matters. Do not assume credits will appear instantly in the AAMA system just because you completed a course today. Leave room for reporting and posting.
Build your AAMA CE plan by category
A good CE plan begins with a simple chart. Create four columns: administrative, clinical, general, and flexible. Then add your current credits and identify what is missing.
Next, review available course topics and choose courses that help fill the right categories. HIPAA, patient rights, front office workflows, healthcare law, and ethics may support administrative or general learning. EKG, clinic responsibilities, pharmacology, phlebotomy, pediatrics, dermatology, and other clinical topics may support clinical or general learning depending on the course approval.
Always confirm the course’s listed content area before counting it toward a category.
A simple timeline for AAMA CEUs
If you have a full renewal cycle ahead, spread the work out. Completing one or two credits each month can be more comfortable than trying to finish many credits in a short period.
If your renewal deadline is closer, prioritize organization. Check your AAMA account, identify the categories you still need, and focus on courses that fill those gaps. Download every certificate immediately. If credits are submitted by ACE, verify posting after the monthly reporting window.
A consistent routine can make recertification feel much less stressful. The goal is not to cram. The goal is to make continuing education part of your normal professional rhythm.
Documentation checklist for CMAs
Keep the following in one place:
- Your AAMA expiration date
- A list of required categories
- Completed course titles
- Completion dates
- CEU amounts
- Certificates
- ACE transcript or dashboard record
- AAMA transcript verification after credits post
This checklist is simple, but it can save a lot of stress. If a question comes up during renewal, you will have the information ready.
What if you are not AAMA certified?
ACE is not only used by AAMA-certified medical assistants, but AAMA reporting is the specific reporting process ACE describes. If you hold a different credential, such as through NHA, NCCT, AMT, ARMA, or another certifying organization, review that organization’s CE and submission requirements. You may need to upload or submit certificates yourself.
The same documentation habits still apply. Save certificates, track dates, and verify requirements early.
FAQs about AAMA-approved CEU credits
How many CEUs do CMAs (AAMA) need?
AAMA states that CMAs (AAMA) need 60 CEUs to recertify by continuing education and must recertify every 60 months.
Do all 60 credits need to be AAMA-approved CEUs?
AAMA states that 30 of the 60 recertification points must be AAMA CEUs. Users should review AAMA’s current requirements for full details.
Does ACE submit AAMA CEUs for me?
ACE states that it submits completed CEUs to AAMA for AAMA-certified users at the start of every month, covering completions from the previous month.
How quickly do ACE credits appear in my AAMA account?
ACE advises allowing 7 to 10 business days after ACE sends the report for AAMA to transfer CEUs into the AAMA account.
What is the best first step?
Check your AAMA transcript and identify the categories you still need. Then choose an ACE course that fills one of those needs. When ready, use Buy ACE Membership and keep each certificate saved in your renewal folder.