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Exam Review

Key Facts: NHA CPCT/A Exam

120

Total Questions

NHA CPCT/A test plan

100+20

Scored + Pretest

NHA CPCT/A test plan

2h

Exam Time

NHA CPCT/A test plan

390/500

Passing Score

NHA candidate handbook

1.4M

Nursing Assistant Jobs (May 2024)

BLS Economics Daily (2025)

$19.84

Average Hourly Wage

BLS Economics Daily (May 2024)

NHA's CPCT/A test plan lists 120 items (100 scored + 20 pretest) in 2 hours with a passing scaled score of 390/500. Top-weighted domain is Patient Care (45 items). BLS reports nearly 1.4 million nursing assistant jobs with an average hourly wage of $19.84 (May 2024).

Sample NHA CPCT/A Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the NHA CPCT/A exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 108+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which action is the BEST first step when assisting with ambulation?
A.Assess patient readiness, apply appropriate support device, and use safe body mechanics.
B.Ask the patient to stand quickly before assessing balance.
C.Skip gait support if the patient walked earlier in the day.
D.Rely on family assistance without clinical oversight.
Explanation: Safe ambulation starts with assessment, proper assistance, and body mechanics to prevent falls and injury.
2A patient suddenly appears more confused than baseline. What is MOST appropriate?
A.Wait until routine charting time to mention the change.
B.Assume confusion is expected and continue normal tasks only.
C.Document the change but do not escalate unless family complains.
D.Reassess, ensure immediate safety, and report the change promptly to licensed staff.
Explanation: Changes in condition must be recognized and escalated quickly in patient care workflows.
3Which approach BEST supports accurate intake and output documentation?
A.Record only urine output and skip oral intake details.
B.Chart percentages without standardized measurements.
C.Measure and chart intake/output in real time using consistent units and totals.
D.Estimate totals at end of shift to save time.
Explanation: Timely, standardized measurement improves reliability for clinical decisions.
4When assisting with ADLs, what is the BEST guiding principle?
A.Avoid patient participation to reduce communication needs.
B.Promote patient dignity and independence while providing needed safety support.
C.Complete tasks rapidly without involving the patient to save time.
D.Delay ADL care until all diagnostic tasks are completed.
Explanation: CPCT/A care emphasizes dignity, safe support, and functional independence when possible.
5Which response is BEST when preparing to transfer a non-weight-bearing patient?
A.Use approved transfer equipment and obtain assistance per facility protocol.
B.Attempt a manual transfer alone if the patient is cooperative.
C.Ask the patient to pivot despite non-weight-bearing restrictions.
D.Skip transfer planning if transport is urgent.
Explanation: Non-weight-bearing transfers require equipment and team support to protect patient and staff safety.
6For routine vital-sign collection, which practice is MOST appropriate?
A.Use one cuff size for all adult patients to standardize workflow.
B.Skip repeat checks when values seem inconsistent.
C.Delay reporting unusual values until end-of-shift summary.
D.Use correctly sized equipment, verify readings, and report abnormal findings promptly.
Explanation: Technique accuracy and timely escalation are key expectations in CPCT/A monitoring tasks.
7Which action is BEST when caring for a patient with feeding-tube precautions?
A.Ignore tubing concerns unless feeding pump alarms.
B.Document nausea only if vomiting occurs.
C.Follow aspiration-prevention positioning and report signs of intolerance immediately.
D.Lay the patient flat after feeding to increase comfort.
Explanation: Tube-feeding support includes positioning, observation, and quick escalation for complications.
8A patient asks for emotional support after a new diagnosis. What is BEST?
A.Redirect immediately without acknowledging patient feelings.
B.Use therapeutic communication, active listening, and appropriate escalation for additional support.
C.Provide complex prognosis details beyond role scope.
D.Avoid discussing concerns to prevent emotional distress.
Explanation: CPCT/A roles include therapeutic communication within scope and escalation when needed.
9Which choice BEST supports safe oxygen or suction setup assistance?
A.Confirm ordered setup parameters and report abnormalities in patient response promptly.
B.Adjust flow settings independently to match patient preference.
C.Use equipment without confirming function checks.
D.Delay troubleshooting until respiratory therapy rounds.
Explanation: Equipment support tasks must align with ordered care and rapid communication of concerns.
10When transporting a patient by wheelchair, what is MOST appropriate?
A.Transport rapidly to reduce hallway congestion.
B.Leave safety checks to receiving staff at destination.
C.Prioritize speed over patient comfort and positioning.
D.Secure safety features, communicate clearly, and move with controlled pacing.
Explanation: Transport tasks include safety checks, communication, and controlled movement.

About the NHA CPCT/A Exam

The NHA CPCT/A exam validates entry-level patient care technician competencies across bedside care, safety/compliance, infection control, phlebotomy, and EKG tasks.

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

Questions

120 questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

Scaled score 390/500

Exam / Certification Fees

Varies by pathway/sponsor (paid during scheduling)

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: 73%. overall (NHA 2024, 17,816 exams) 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.

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.

45 items

Patient Care

ADLs, mobility/transport, intake-output, monitoring/observation, and basic bedside support tasks

20 items

Compliance, Safety, and Professional Responsibility

HIPAA/documentation, scope boundaries, patient rights, incident escalation, and safety priorities

11 items

Infection Control

Standard precautions, hand hygiene, PPE, contamination prevention, and equipment/environment cleaning

14 items

Phlebotomy

Collection basics, patient identification, specimen labeling, transport handling, and escalation of collection issues

10 items

EKG

Patient prep, lead placement, artifact troubleshooting, and rhythm-strip workflow support

Preparing for the NHA CPCT/A Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled score 390/500
  • Exam length: 120 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours
  • Exam / certification fees: Varies by pathway/sponsor (paid during scheduling) Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 108 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NHA CPCT/A: Suggested Study Strategy

1Weight your plan by the test blueprint, starting with Patient Care because it is the largest domain
2Drill bedside scenarios that combine mobility, safety, communication, and documentation in one workflow
3Use strict patient-ID and specimen-labeling habits in every phlebotomy question to avoid preventable misses
4Practice quick EKG artifact correction (movement, loose lead, electrical interference) before rhythm interpretation
5Build timed mixed sets to maintain pace across 120 total items within a 2-hour window

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the NHA CPCT/A exam?

NHA's CPCT/A test plan lists 100 scored items and 20 pretest items, for 120 total questions.

How long is the CPCT/A exam?

The CPCT/A test plan lists a 2-hour exam time limit.

What score do I need to pass CPCT/A?

NHA's candidate handbook states exams are reported on a 200-500 scale and require a scaled score of 390 to pass.

What domains are tested on CPCT/A?

NHA lists 5 scored domains: Patient Care (45), Compliance/Safety/Professional Responsibility (20), Infection Control (11), Phlebotomy (14), and EKG (10).

Can I take CPCT/A in person or online?

NHA states candidates can schedule through school sites, PSI centers, or live remote proctoring depending on pathway availability.

How soon can I retake if I fail?

NHA's candidate handbook states candidates may retake after a 30-day waiting period and must pay the full exam price for each retake.