How to Become a Certified Medication Aide in California (2025)
If you're a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in California looking to expand your skills and responsibilities, becoming a Certified Medication Aide (CMA) offers a clear next step, allowing you to administer medications under nurse supervision. With nursing assistants nationally earning a median pay of $39,530 per year as of May 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, specializing as a CMA can enhance your value and career prospects in California's long-term care settings. This guide provides the specific steps and requirements regulated by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to achieve your CMA certification in California.
4. Pass the Medication Aide Exam
Take the 100-question multiple-choice exam. If you fail, you can retake the test once for free. A second failure requires retaking the training program.
5. Maintain Certification with Annual Renewal
CMAs in California must renew their certification every year. To renew, you must:
- Complete 7 hours of continuing education (CE) credits.
- Submit your renewal application and fee through CDPH before your certification expires.
Renewal Fees:
- First renewal: $20 (No CE hours required)
- Second renewal & subsequent renewals: $20 (7 CE hours required)
- Late renewal (less than 90 days past expiration): $30
- Late renewal (91-365 days past expiration): $50
- Expired for over a year? You must retrain and retest.
Career Paths and Opportunities After Becoming a Medication Aide
A Certified Medication Aide (CMA) role can lead to higher-paying healthcare positions, including:
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) – Advance to an LPN role, performing more complex medical tasks and supervising CMAs.
- Pharmacy Technician – Transition into medication-related careers, working in pharmacies or hospitals. Pharmacy Technician programs take 6 months to a year to complete, followed by certification.
- Medical Assistant (MA) – Gain clinical and administrative experience, assisting with exams and office tasks. Medical Assistant programs take 9-12 months to complete and culminate in a certification exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a Certified Medication Aide in California?
The required training is 130 hours, usually completed in 6-8 weeks. Additional time is needed for the state exam process.
How much does a Certified Medication Aide make in California?
Nursing Assistants in California average $44,900 per year ($21.59/hour). CMAs typically earn at or slightly above this average due to their specialized certification, potentially ranging from $40,000 to $50,000+ annually depending on experience and facility.
How much does it cost to renew a Medication Aide certification in California?
Annual renewal fees through CDPH are $20 if on time. Late fees are $30 (within 90 days) or $50 (91-365 days). 7 CE hours are required each year after the first renewal.
Can CMAs work in hospitals in California?
Generally, no. CMA certification in California typically permits medication administration only in specific licensed Intermediate Care Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled (ICF/DD, ICF/DD-H, ICF/DD-N). Hospitals and Skilled Nursing Facilities usually require licensed nurses (RNs/LVNs) for medication administration.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a Certified Medication Aide in California is a fast path to a stable career. With growing demand and clear advancement options, this role opens doors in healthcare.
Ready to get started? Explore state-approved Medication Aide programs near you today!
Athena is Co-founder and CEO of Dreambound.
