An NHA exam is a certification exam from the National Healthcareer Association for allied health careers. The most popular is the CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant); others cover phlebotomy, EKG, pharmacy technician, billing and coding, and medical administration.
Here’s how the exams work, the passing score and how to prepare. Then practice with the free NHA practice test.
Key takeaways
- CCMA: 180 questions (150 scored + 30 pretest) in 3 hours.
- NHA exams are scored from 200 to 500; 390 passes.
- Most candidates qualify through a training program or work experience.
- Key CCMA topics: clinical patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, infection control and administration.
USA NHA Exam: Quick Facts
- Organization
- National Healthcareer Association (NHA)
- CCMA questions
- 180 (150 scored)
- CCMA time
- 3 hours
- Passing score
- 390 on a 200–500 scale
- Other exams
- CPT, CET, CPhT, CBCS, CMAA, CEHRS
- Delivery
- Test sites and online proctoring
What Is the NHA Exam?
| Certification | Role |
|---|---|
| CCMA | Certified Clinical Medical Assistant |
| CPT | Certified Phlebotomy Technician |
| CET | Certified EKG Technician |
| CPhT | Certified Pharmacy Technician |
| CBCS | Certified Billing & Coding Specialist |
| CMAA | Certified Medical Administrative Assistant |
NHA CCMA Exam Format and Passing Score
The CCMA exam has 150 scored questions and 30 unscored pretest questions with 3 hours to finish. Scores are scaled from 200 to 500, and 390 passes. Content spans foundational knowledge, anatomy and physiology, clinical patient care (including phlebotomy and EKG), patient care coordination and education, administrative assisting, and communication, customer service, and legal and ethical issues.
More on NHA CCMA Exam Format and Passing Score →How to Pass the NHA Exam
- Memorize the order of draw and what each tube color is for.
- Know EKG lead placement and the meaning of the P wave, QRS complex and T wave.
- Learn injection angles and sites (IM, subcutaneous, intradermal).
- Review infection control, HIPAA and scope of practice.
- Take timed practice tests. Our NHA practice test lets you focus on phlebotomy, EKG or clinical care.
Moving on to nursing later? See the NCLEX exam guide.
More on How to Pass the NHA Exam →NHA Phlebotomy Exam (CPT)
The NHA phlebotomy exam is the CPT (Certified Phlebotomy Technician) exam. It covers safety and compliance, patient preparation, routine and non-routine blood collection, and specimen processing. You need a training program or work experience and a set number of documented venipunctures and capillary sticks. Practice order of draw with our NHA practice test.
More on NHA Phlebotomy Exam (CPT) →Free practice test
Ready to test yourself?
Choose your test length, practice with instant feedback or take it exam-style, and get your score with an explanation for every answer.
Go to the USA NHA Exam practice test →USA NHA Exam FAQs
How many questions are on the NHA CCMA exam?
180 questions: 150 scored and 30 unscored pretest questions, with 3 hours to complete.
Full answer →What is the passing score for NHA exams?
NHA exams are scored on a scale of 200 to 500, and 390 is passing.
Full answer →What does NHA stand for?
National Healthcareer Association, a certification body for allied health professions.
Full answer →Can I take the NHA exam online?
NHA offers online proctored testing for many exams, as well as testing at approved sites.
Full answer →Official sources
Disclaimer: This guide is for general information. Rules, fees and procedures can change. Confirm the current requirements with the official agency listed in the sources. Read our editorial policy.