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Exam Review

Key Facts: NHA CCMA Exam

180

Total Exam Questions

NHA CCMA Test Plan (150 scored + 30 pretest)

390/500

Passing Score

NHA Candidate Handbook (200–500 scale)

81.73%

2025 Pass Rate

NHA annual pass rates (98,609 exams)

$169

Exam Fee

NHA store (CCMA exam application)

278,295

Active Certifications

NHA as of Dec 31, 2025

100

Practice Questions Here

OpenExamPrep question bank

NHA's CCMA test plan (based on a 2022 job analysis) lists 150 scored items plus 30 pretest items in 3 hours, with a scaled passing score of 390 on a 200–500 scale. Clinical Patient Care is the dominant domain at 84 items (56%), broken into 6 sub-domains: Patient Intake/Vitals (14), General Patient Care (28), Infection Control/Safety (15), POC Testing/Lab (9), Phlebotomy (12), and EKG/Cardiovascular (6). The 2025 NHA pass rate report shows 81.73% passing across 98,609 exams administered, with 278,295 active CCMA certifications as of December 31, 2025. The exam fee is $169 in the NHA store, and certification renews every 2 years with 10 CE credits and a $195 fee.

Sample NHA CCMA Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NHA CCMA exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1What is the primary role of a certified clinical medical assistant (CCMA)?
A.Prescribing medications to patients
B.Performing clinical and administrative tasks under physician supervision to support patient care
C.Diagnosing medical conditions independently
D.Performing surgical procedures
Explanation: A CCMA performs both clinical tasks (vitals, specimen collection, EKGs, patient prep) and administrative tasks (scheduling, billing, records) under the direction and supervision of a licensed physician or provider. CCMAs do not diagnose, prescribe, or perform surgery. Exam tip: Scope of practice questions are common — know what CCMAs can and cannot do independently.
2Which medical term means 'rapid heart rate'?
A.Bradycardia
B.Tachycardia
C.Arrhythmia
D.Hypotension
Explanation: Tachycardia means rapid heart rate, typically defined as a resting heart rate above 100 beats per minute. 'Tachy-' means rapid and 'cardia' refers to the heart. Bradycardia means slow heart rate (below 60 bpm), arrhythmia means irregular rhythm, and hypotension means low blood pressure. Exam tip: Tachy = fast, Brady = slow — these prefixes apply across body systems.
3What is the normal range for adult oral body temperature?
A.95.0°F – 96.8°F (35.0°C – 36.0°C)
B.97.8°F – 99.1°F (36.5°C – 37.3°C)
C.100.0°F – 101.5°F (37.8°C – 38.6°C)
D.102.0°F – 104.0°F (38.9°C – 40.0°C)
Explanation: Normal adult oral temperature ranges from approximately 97.8°F to 99.1°F (36.5°C to 37.3°C), with 98.6°F (37°C) being the commonly cited average. Temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is generally considered a fever. Rectal temperatures are approximately 1°F higher than oral, and axillary temperatures are approximately 1°F lower. Exam tip: Know the adjustment between routes — rectal = +1°F, axillary = -1°F compared to oral.
4A patient's blood pressure reading is 142/94 mmHg. According to the AHA guidelines, this is classified as:
A.Normal
B.Elevated
C.Hypertension Stage 1
D.Hypertension Stage 2
Explanation: According to AHA guidelines, Hypertension Stage 2 is defined as systolic 140+ mmHg or diastolic 90+ mmHg. Normal is below 120/80, Elevated is 120-129/<80, and Stage 1 is 130-139/80-89. A reading of 142/94 meets the criteria for Stage 2 hypertension. Exam tip: Know the BP categories — Normal (<120/80), Elevated (120-129/<80), Stage 1 (130-139/80-89), Stage 2 (140+/90+).
5When measuring a patient's blood pressure, the cuff should be placed on the arm at what level?
A.At the wrist level
B.At heart level, with the lower edge of the cuff about 1 inch above the antecubital space
C.On the upper arm over clothing
D.On the forearm below the elbow
Explanation: The blood pressure cuff should be placed on the bare upper arm at heart level, with the lower edge approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the antecubital fossa (inner elbow). The arm should be supported and the patient relaxed. Incorrect positioning can produce inaccurate readings. Exam tip: Arm at heart level, bare skin, 1 inch above the bend — and use the correct cuff size.
6What is the correct order of draw for venipuncture using evacuated tubes?
A.Lavender → Green → Red → Blue
B.Blue → Red/Gold → Green → Lavender → Gray
C.Red → Blue → Lavender → Green → Gray
D.Gray → Lavender → Green → Blue → Red
Explanation: The correct order of draw for evacuated tubes is: Blood cultures → Blue (sodium citrate) → Red/Gold (serum) → Green (heparin) → Lavender (EDTA) → Gray (sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate). This order prevents cross-contamination of additives between tubes. Exam tip: Remember 'Boys Really Give Lovely Gifts' — Blue, Red, Green, Lavender, Gray.
7Before performing venipuncture, the medical assistant MUST first:
A.Apply the tourniquet immediately
B.Verify the patient's identity using two patient identifiers
C.Select the collection tubes
D.Cleanse the site with alcohol
Explanation: Patient identification is always the first step before any procedure. Two patient identifiers (typically full name and date of birth) must be verified against the order and the patient's wristband or verbal confirmation. Drawing blood from the wrong patient is a serious error. Exam tip: Two identifiers BEFORE any procedure — name + DOB is the most common combination.
8What is the maximum time a tourniquet should remain on a patient's arm during venipuncture?
A.30 seconds
B.1 minute
C.3 minutes
D.5 minutes
Explanation: A tourniquet should not remain on the arm for more than 1 minute (60 seconds) to prevent hemoconcentration, which can alter lab results. If the tourniquet has been on too long, release it, wait 2 minutes, and reapply. Exam tip: 1 minute maximum — if you can't find a vein in 60 seconds, release and try again after 2 minutes.
9A lavender-top (EDTA) tube is used for which type of laboratory test?
A.Blood glucose levels
B.Complete blood count (CBC)
C.Coagulation studies (PT/INR)
D.Blood chemistry panel
Explanation: Lavender-top tubes contain EDTA, which prevents clotting by binding calcium. They are used primarily for hematology tests such as the complete blood count (CBC). Blue-top tubes (sodium citrate) are for coagulation studies, gray-top tubes are for glucose testing, and red/gold tubes are for chemistry panels. Exam tip: Lavender = EDTA = CBC. Match tube color to test type — this is a high-yield topic.
10What angle should the needle be inserted during a standard venipuncture?
A.5-10 degrees
B.15-30 degrees
C.45 degrees
D.90 degrees
Explanation: For standard venipuncture, the needle should be inserted at a 15-30 degree angle with the bevel facing up. A steeper angle may go through the vein, while a shallower angle may not penetrate the vein wall. The angle can be adjusted based on the depth of the vein. Exam tip: 15-30 degrees, bevel up — this gives the best entry into the vein without going through it.

About the NHA CCMA Exam

The NHA CCMA exam is the most widely administered medical assistant certification exam in the United States, validating entry-level clinical and administrative competencies. The exam covers 7 domains with Clinical Patient Care accounting for 56% of scored questions. Sub-domains include patient intake and vitals, general patient care, infection control and safety, point of care testing, phlebotomy, and EKG/cardiovascular testing. CCMAs work in physician offices, outpatient clinics, hospitals, and specialty practices performing clinical procedures and supporting patient care under physician supervision.

Exam sponsor: NHA / PSI Testing Centers / Live Remote Proctoring. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

150 scored items + 30 pretest items, all multiple-choice

Time Limit

3 hours

Passing Score

Scaled score 390 (200–500 scale)

Exam / Certification Fees

$169 exam application (NHA store)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 81.73%. 2025 calendar year, 98,609 exams administered (NHA) This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

15 items (10%)

Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science

Healthcare systems, medical terminology, basic pharmacology, nutrition, psychology, scope of practice, roles and responsibilities, and controlled substances.

8 items (5%)

Anatomy and Physiology

Body structures, organ systems, cardiovascular/respiratory/endocrine/musculoskeletal systems, pathophysiology, disease processes, and microbiology.

84 items (56%)

Clinical Patient Care

Patient intake and vitals (14), general patient care including positioning, medications, wound care, and procedures (28), infection control and safety (15), POC testing and lab procedures (9), phlebotomy (12), and EKG/cardiovascular testing (6).

12 items (8%)

Patient Care Coordination and Education

Patient education, health promotion, referral management, care coordination, community resources, follow-up communication, and discharge instructions.

12 items (8%)

Administrative Assisting

Scheduling, medical records management, EHR systems, billing and coding basics, insurance verification, prior authorizations, and office procedures.

12 items (8%)

Communication and Customer Service

Patient communication, cultural competency, diversity awareness, de-escalation, therapeutic communication, professional conduct, and team collaboration.

7 items (5%)

Medical Law and Ethics

HIPAA, informed consent, patient rights, scope of practice, reportable conditions, advance directives, ethical standards, and incident reporting.

Preparing for the NHA CCMA Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled score 390 (200–500 scale)
  • Assessment: 150 scored items + 30 pretest items, all multiple-choice
  • Time limit: 3 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: $169 exam application (NHA store) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NHA CCMA: Suggested Study Strategy

1Prioritize Clinical Patient Care — it is 56% of the exam. Focus on vital signs, patient positioning, injection sites and angles, medication administration (5 Rights), and sterile technique. These are high-yield topics.
2Master phlebotomy fundamentals: order of draw (blood culture, light blue, red/gold, green, lavender, gray), venipuncture technique (15-30 degree angle, 1-minute tourniquet limit), specimen labeling, and adverse reaction management. Phlebotomy is 12 items.
3Know your EKG basics: V1-V6 precordial lead placement, P wave (atrial depolarization), QRS complex (ventricular depolarization), T wave (ventricular repolarization), and common artifacts (somatic tremor vs. AC interference).
4Infection control appears in 15 questions. Study standard precautions, transmission-based precautions (airborne, droplet, contact), hand hygiene (20 seconds minimum), autoclave settings, and aseptic vs. medical asepsis.
5Do not neglect the smaller domains. Administrative Assisting, Communication, and Medical Law together account for 31 items (21%). HIPAA, scope of practice, informed consent, and professional communication are straightforward points.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NHA CCMA exam?

The CCMA exam has 150 scored multiple-choice questions plus 30 unscored pretest items, for a total of 180 questions in 3 hours. Pretest questions are interspersed throughout the exam and cannot be distinguished from scored questions, so answer every question carefully.

What score do I need to pass the NHA CCMA exam?

You need a scaled score of 390 on NHA's 200–500 scale to pass. NHA weights each exam form by question difficulty, so 390 is not a fixed percentage of questions answered correctly; scaled scoring keeps the standard the same across exam versions.

What is the CCMA exam pass rate?

According to NHA's 2025 annual pass rate report, 81.73% of 98,609 CCMA exams administered in 2025 resulted in a passing score (81.38% of 78,681 in 2024). The CCMA is NHA's most popular certification with 278,295 active certifications as of December 31, 2025.

How much does the NHA CCMA exam cost?

The CCMA exam application costs $169 per attempt in the NHA store. Some schools include the exam fee in their tuition, and sponsoring employers may pay it. Certification must be renewed every 2 years with 10 CE credits and a $195 renewal fee.

What is the biggest section on the CCMA exam?

Clinical Patient Care is by far the largest domain at 84 items (56% of scored questions). It is broken into 6 sub-domains: Patient Intake and Vitals (14 items), General Patient Care (28 items), Infection Control and Safety (15 items), POC Testing and Lab Procedures (9 items), Phlebotomy (12 items), and EKG and Cardiovascular Testing (6 items).

Can I take the CCMA exam remotely?

Yes. NHA offers live remote proctoring (LRP) so you can take the exam from home using a computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. You can also take it at a PSI testing center or at your school if they offer on-site testing.

What happens if I fail the NHA CCMA exam?

If you fail, you can retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. You get three attempts in total, with at least 30 days between them, and you pay the full exam fee each time. After a third failed attempt, you must wait 1 year before testing again.