NHA CCMA Certification Exam Overview
Key Takeaways
The NHA CCMA exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions: 150 scored and 30 unscored pretest items
Candidates have 3 hours (180 minutes) to complete the exam at a participating school, a PSI testing center, or via live remote proctoring
The passing score is a scaled 390 on a scale of 200 to 500; NHA weights each form by difficulty, so it is not a fixed percentage correct
The exam fee is $169 in the NHA store, paid when you apply unless a school or employer sponsors your exam
The CCMA exam covers 7 domains, with Clinical Patient Care accounting for 56% of scored questions
Eligibility requires a high school diploma/GED plus completion of a medical assistant training program or one year of supervised work experience
NHA CCMA certification must be renewed every 2 years through 10 continuing education credits
Score results are available within 48 hours via your NHA online account
NHA CCMA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Exam Overview
The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) credential is awarded by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) and is one of the most widely recognized medical assistant certifications in the United States. The CCMA certification validates that a medical assistant possesses the clinical knowledge and practical skills required to perform effectively in ambulatory healthcare settings, physician offices, clinics, and hospitals.
Exam Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) Exam |
| Exam Body | National Healthcareer Association (NHA) |
| Current Version | CCMA 3.0 (based on 2022 job analysis) |
| Format | Computer-based, multiple-choice |
| Total Questions | 180 (150 scored + 30 unscored pretest) |
| Time Limit | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Passing Score | Scaled 390 on a 200–500 scale (not a fixed percentage) |
| Exam Fee | $169 (NHA store, October 2026) |
| Testing Vendor | PSI Services |
| Testing Options | Your school (if it is an NHA testing site), a PSI testing center, or live remote proctoring (LRP) |
| Results | Available within 48 hours via NHA online account |
| Certification Renewal | Every 2 years with 10 CE credits |
About the Exam Format
The NHA CCMA exam is a computer-based test (CBT) that can be taken at your school (if it is an NHA testing site), at a PSI testing center, or through live remote proctoring from your home or office. Key format details:
- 180 total questions — 150 are scored and 30 are unscored pretest items being evaluated for future exams
- You cannot distinguish pretest items from scored items — treat every question as if it counts
- All questions are four-option multiple-choice (select one best answer)
- There is no penalty for guessing — answer every question even if you are unsure
- The exam uses a linear format — you can review and change answers before submitting
- Questions are presented in random order across all domains
Scoring System
The NHA CCMA exam uses a scaled scoring system:
- Raw scores are converted to a scaled score ranging from 200 to 500
- The passing scaled score is 390
- NHA weights each exam form by difficulty, so 390 is not a fixed percentage of items answered correctly
- If you do not pass, your score report shows performance by domain to guide future study
- Scores are based on a criterion-referenced standard — you are measured against a fixed competency standard, not against other candidates
- There is no curve; every candidate who meets the passing standard earns certification
Time Management Strategy
With 180 questions in 180 minutes, you have exactly 1 minute per question on average. However, since some questions require more analysis than others, effective pacing is critical:
| Phase | Questions | Recommended Time | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| First pass | 1-60 | 55 minutes | Answer confidently known questions, flag uncertain ones |
| Second pass | 61-120 | 55 minutes | Continue answering, review any flagged items |
| Third pass | 121-180 | 55 minutes | Complete remaining questions |
| Final review | Flagged items | 15 minutes | Return to flagged questions, verify answers |
Pacing tip: At the 90-minute mark, you should be at approximately question 90. If you are behind, increase your pace on straightforward questions to bank time for complex clinical scenarios.
Content Domain Breakdown (CCMA 3.0 Test Plan)
The NHA CCMA exam tests knowledge across seven domains based on the 2022 job analysis:
| Domain | Scored Items | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science | 15 | 10% |
| 2. Anatomy and Physiology | 8 | 5% |
| 3. Clinical Patient Care | 84 | 56% |
| 4. Patient Care Coordination and Education | 12 | 8% |
| 5. Administrative Assisting | 12 | 8% |
| 6. Communication and Customer Service | 12 | 8% |
| 7. Medical Law and Ethics | 7 | 5% |
| Total Scored | 150 | 100% |
Clinical Patient Care is by far the largest domain, broken into six sub-areas:
| Clinical Patient Care Sub-Area | Items |
|---|---|
| Patient Intake and Vitals | 14 |
| General Patient Care | 28 |
| Infection Control and Safety | 15 |
| Point of Care Testing and Lab Procedures | 9 |
| Phlebotomy | 12 |
| EKG and Cardiovascular Testing | 6 |
| Sub-Total | 84 |
CCMA vs. Other Medical Assistant Certifications
| Credential | Exam Body | Total Questions | Scored Items | Time Limit | Passing Score | Exam Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCMA (NHA) | NHA | 180 | 150 | 3 hours | 390/500 | $169 |
| CMA (AAMA) | AAMA | 200 | 180 | 160 min | 405 (200–800 scale) | $125 members / $250 nonmembers |
| RMA (AMT) | AMT | 210 | Not published | 2 hours | 70 (0–100 scale) | $150 (includes first annual fee) |
| NCMA (NCCT) | NCCT | 150 | 125 | 3 hours | 575 (200–720 scale) | $119 |
The NHA CCMA is one of the most popular medical assistant certifications due to its accessible eligibility requirements (training program OR work experience), competitive pricing, and strong employer recognition across healthcare settings.
How many total questions are on the NHA CCMA certification exam?
150 questions
180 questions
200 questions
210 questions
What is the passing scaled score on the NHA CCMA exam?
350 out of 500
390 out of 500
430 out of 750
500 out of 700
Which domain accounts for the LARGEST percentage of the NHA CCMA exam?
Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science (10%)
Administrative Assisting (8%)
Clinical Patient Care (56%)
Communication and Customer Service (8%)
How long is the NHA CCMA certification valid before renewal is required?
1 year
2 years
3 years
5 years
Which of the following are valid ways to take the NHA CCMA exam? (Select all that apply)
Select all that apply
PSI testing center
Live remote proctoring (LRP)
Paper-and-pencil at a college campus
Prometric testing center
Sections you finish are checked off in the contents.