AMCA CMAC California

Medical Assistant Certification in California

The Golden State — Get AMCA CMAC certified with free training. 18,500+ job openings. $42K average salary.

✓ Free enrollment ✓ Self-paced ✓ AMCA recognized
18,500+
Job Openings
$42K
Avg Salary
$1,500
Certification Cost
39.0M
State Population

What is AMCA CMAC Certification?

The Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) is a nationally recognized credential that validates your clinical and administrative skills for California employers.

Nationally Recognized

AMCA certification is accepted by employers across California and all 50 states. Portable credential for your career.

Higher Earning Potential

Certified MAs in California earn 10-15% more than non-certified. Salary range: $35K - $58K.

Employer Preferred

Most California healthcare employers prefer or require CMAC, CMA, or RMA certification for clinical MA roles.

CMAC Certification Requirements

1 Complete Training Program

Complete EHired's free, self-paced Clinical Medical Assistant training program. Covers clinical skills, administrative procedures, medical terminology, and exam preparation.

  • 40+ hours of curriculum
  • 100% online, self-paced
  • Mobile-friendly platform

2 Clinical Experience

If you have prior clinical MA experience, you may qualify to challenge the CMAC exam directly. New to healthcare? Complete a self-managed 100-hour externship.

  • Prior MA experience counts
  • 100-hour externship for beginners
  • Self-managed placement

3 Pass AMCA CMAC Exam

When ready, register for and pass the AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification exam. Computer-based testing available at locations throughout California.

  • 150 multiple-choice questions
  • 3-hour time limit
  • Testing centers in California

4 Receive Your Credential

Upon passing, receive your official CMAC credential. Valid for 3 years with continuing education renewal. Start applying to California employers immediately.

  • Official certificate mailed
  • Digital verification badge
  • 3-year validity period

Certified MA Salary in California

Average Salary
$42K
Entry Level
$35000
Experienced
$58000
Salary Range
$35K - $58K

Career Advancement from Certified MA

Certified MA
$42K
Entry Point
LPN/RN
$95K
$75K - $125K
BSN/MSN
$120K
$95K - $155K
PA/NP
$145K
$125K - $175K

California has the most nursing and PA programs in the nation. UC system schools (UCLA, UCSF, UC Davis, UC San Diego, UC Irvine) offer elite nursing, PA, and medical programs. CSU system has 23 campuses with nursing programs. Stanford, USC, and Loma Linda add private options. Community colleges offer affordable entry to nursing. MA experience highly valued for competitive admissions.

Top California Employers Hiring Certified MAs

These healthcare organizations actively hire CMAC-certified Medical Assistants in California.

Kaiser Permanente

Integrated Health System

1 Kaiser Plaza, Oakland, CA 94612

California's healthcare giant. Integrated model with own hospitals, clinics, and insurance. Massive MA employer across Northern and Southern California.

Sutter Health

Health System

2200 River Plaza Dr, Sacramento, CA 95833

Major Northern California health system. Sutter hospitals and Palo Alto Medical Foundation clinics. Extensive ambulatory MA opportunities.

Dignity Health

Health System

185 Berry St, San Francisco, CA 94107

CommonSpirit Health affiliate. Major presence in Bay Area, Sacramento, and Southern California. Multiple hospital and ambulatory sites.

UCLA Health

Academic Medical Center

757 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90095

Top-ranked UCLA Medical Center and Santa Monica hospital. Extensive ambulatory network across LA. Premium MA employer.

Cedars-Sinai

Academic Medical Center

8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048

LA's premier hospital. Celebrity healthcare with academic mission. West LA and Valley ambulatory sites.

Stanford Health Care

Academic Medical Center

300 Pasteur Dr, Stanford, CA 94305

Elite Stanford Hospital and clinics. Bay Area presence with premium compensation. Highly competitive.

UCSF Health

Academic Medical Center

500 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143

UC San Francisco Medical Center is top-ranked. Mission Bay and Parnassus campuses. Research-focused environment.

Providence Southern California

Health System

501 S Buena Vista St, Burbank, CA 91505

Providence operates hospitals across LA, Orange County, and Inland Empire. Extensive ambulatory network.

Sharp HealthCare

Health System

8695 Spectrum Center Blvd, San Diego, CA 92123

San Diego's largest health system. Multiple hospitals and ambulatory sites throughout San Diego County.

CityMD/Summit Health

Urgent Care Chain

Various CA Locations

Growing urgent care presence in California. High-volume MA positions with varied patient encounters.

AMCA CMAC Exam Details

Exam Content Areas

Clinical Procedures 30%
Patient Care 25%
Administrative Tasks 20%
Medical Terminology 15%
Safety & Compliance 10%

Exam Logistics

150 Questions
Multiple choice format
3 Hours
Total testing time
Testing Centers
Multiple locations in California
Passing Score
70% or higher required

California Certification Success Stories

Real people who earned their CMAC certification and launched healthcare careers in California.

“Kaiser is its own world - they run everything. Great benefits, union representation, and clear advancement paths. Started at $22/hour.”

Maria R.

CMAC Certified Success

Los Angeles

Kaiser LA

“Stanford is elite and competitive but they hired me. The pay is highest I've seen - I needed it for Bay Area rent. Worth it.”

James T.

Certification Changed My Career

Bay Area

Stanford Premium Pay

“UCLA Medical Center is top-ranked. Working alongside residents and fellows accelerated my learning. Now applying to nursing school.”

Samantha K.

From Training to Certified

Westwood

UCLA to Nursing

“Sharp HealthCare dominates San Diego. Perfect weather, beach lifestyle, and solid MA career. California salaries offset the cost of living.”

David L.

Certified and Employed

San Diego

Sharp HealthCare

California MA Certification FAQs

How do I get Medical Assistant certified in California?
Complete EHired's free online training program, gain clinical experience (100-hour externship if new to healthcare), then pass the AMCA CMAC exam. The entire certification pathway is free until you're ready to take the exam.
Is MA certification required in California?
California does not legally require Medical Assistant certification. However, most employers prefer or require certification (CMAC, CMA, or RMA) for clinical MA roles. Certified MAs typically earn 10-15% more.
What is the AMCA CMAC certification?
The Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) from the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) is a nationally recognized credential. The exam has 150 questions, 3-hour time limit, and requires 70% to pass.
How much does MA certification cost in California?
EHired training is completely free. You only pay $1,500 when ready to complete your certification. This covers your certificate of completion, official transcript, and certification credentials. Many California employers reimburse this cost.
How much do certified Medical Assistants make in California?
Certified MAs in California earn $42K on average. Salary range is $35K - $58K. Certified MAs typically earn 10-15% more than non-certified. The career ladder extends to LPN/RN ($95K), PA ($145K), and beyond.
How long does it take to get MA certified?
Most students complete the training program in 4-8 weeks. If you need a 100-hour externship, add 3-6 weeks. Total time from enrollment to certification is typically 2-4 months depending on your pace and schedule.
How long is CMAC certification valid?
AMCA CMAC certification is valid for 3 years. Renewal requires completing continuing education credits. Many employers provide CE opportunities, and online options are available.

Start Your Certification Journey in California

Free enrollment. Self-paced learning. AMCA CMAC certification. Join thousands of certified MAs working in California.

No credit card required • No FAFSA • No loans • Pay $1,500 only when you certify