Steps to Becoming a Medical Assistant - Certified in WA State

Medical Assistant – Certified in Washington State:

      1. Complete your Medical Assisting Degree or Certificate.
      2. Go to the  National Center for Competency Testing and create a user profile. Purchase any necessary study guides or prep materials and allow sufficient time to prepare.
      3. Submit your test application, a copy of either your diploma OR your unofficial transcripts showing your graduation date, and your testing fee through the NCCT website. Allow two days for processing through the NCCT. Allow several weeks for processing of transcript requests.
      4. At least two weeks prior to your preferred test date, call the National Center for Competency Testing at 1 (800) 875-4404 to get scheduled and added to the roster. Peninsula College Testing Center is now an NCCT test site: $25 sitting fee applies.
      5. Take and pass your exam. You have four chances in your lifetime to sit for the exam, with mandatory waiting periods between each attempt. Application fees must be paid again on each attempt. Request that your scores be sent to your educational institution and the Department of Health.
      6. Order official transcripts to be sent to the Department of Health. Apply for Washington State Department of Health Medical Assistant – Certified credential . Please note that you will be submitting your application and a check or money order for the application fee to a different address than where transcripts are sent.

        *Note: Please note that you can submit your DOH application prior to taking the NCMA exam. If it is your first application for the MA-C credential, you may request an interim credential so that you may work while waiting to take the exam. Your official credential will not be issued until your official test scores are sent directly from the NCCT to the DOH.

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