How to Pass The CCMA Exam
Oct 31, 2026
Updated October 2026.
What is the CCMA exam? The CCMA is the NHA certification exam for clinical medical assistants: 150 scored questions in 3 hours, with a scaled passing score of 390 out of 500.
To become a certified clinical medical assistant, you'll need to pass the CCMA certification exam. This exam and earning a certification to become a certified clinical medical assistant is a great way to advance your career.
With that in mind, here's everything you need to know to pass the exam with flying colors.
Table of Contents
- What is the CCMA exam?
- What is the CCMA passing score?
- CCMA exam structure
- How to apply for the CCMA exam
- What are the CCMA exam requirements?
- Tips for passing the CCMA exam
- CCMA exam FAQs
What is the CCMA exam?
The CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) exam is the certification exam of the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Passing it earns the CCMA credential. (The AAMA offers a different credential, the CMA (AAMA).)
There are a number of questions included which could be any of the following:
- Which of the following is the term for an abnormally low white blood cell count?
- Which of the following terms describes the body’s ability to maintain its normal state?
- An area of dead myocardial tissue is best described by which of the following?
There are many places medical assistants can work and becoming a CCMA gives you a more tailored choice of where you can work.
What is the CCMA passing score?
The scaled passing score for NHA exams, including the CCMA, is 390 out of 500, according to the NHA pass-rate report for exams administered in 2024.
CCMA exam structure
The NHA test plan for the CCMA (based on a 2022 job analysis) lists 150 scored questions plus 30 unscored pretest questions, with 3 hours to finish. The scored questions cover seven areas:
- Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science: 15 questions
- Anatomy and Physiology: 8 questions
- Clinical Patient Care: 84 questions
- Patient Care Coordination and Education: 12 questions
- Administrative Assisting: 12 questions
- Communication and Customer Service: 12 questions
- Medical Law and Ethics: 7 questions
Clinical Patient Care is the biggest area, with 84 of the 150 scored questions (about 56%). It covers patient intake and vitals, general patient care, infection control and safety, point-of-care testing and laboratory procedures, phlebotomy, and EKG. The number of questions and areas can change, so check the current NHA test plan.
How to apply for the CCMA exam
1. Go to the NHA website and create an account
2. Pay the application fee
3. Submit your application materials
4. Schedule your exam
5. Take the exam and pass!
Remember that failing the test doesn't mean the end of the world. You can either retake it or explore alternative jobs for medical assistants if you're looking for something new. You could always compare roles, like medical assistant vs CNA positions.
What are the CCMA exam requirements?
To sit for the CCMA exam, the NHA asks candidates to meet its eligibility requirements. Check the NHA Candidate Handbook for the current rules, because requirements can change.
- Have a high school diploma or GED/high school equivalency, or be scheduled to earn one in the next 18 months.
- And have either completed a medical assistant training or education program within the last 5 years, or have 1 year of supervised work experience in a medical assisting field within the last 3 years, or 2 years within the last 5 years.
Medical assistants that are looking to advance in this field, should ensure they've got at least one year of experience. More than a year in a medical assistant role would be beneficial.
Tips for passing the CCMA exam
To give yourself the best chance at earning this medical assistant certification test, here are some tips to pass the CCMA exam.
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Create a study schedule
To pass the CCMA exam successfully, it's worth having a study schedule in place. That way, test takers will hopefully be full of all the knowledge they need to pass the first time.
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Use study materials from the NHA
There are plenty of study materials that are useful to have available from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Of course, the medical assistant skills and experience you've had so far might offer enough prior knowledge but there's no harm in having more study materials available.
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Take practice exams
Practice tests are the best way to help increase your chances of passing first time. Make sure you take a practice test or two to help test your knowledge.
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Get enough sleep the night before the exam
Just like your medical assistant training, being prepared and well-rested is important to make the most out of the day ahead. Make sure you're getting enough sleep the night before so that you can wake up fresh-faced and ready to go.
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Arrive early at the testing center
To ensure you step into that exam room on time, ensure you've arrived early at the test center. It's always better to be early to a test than to be running late.
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Stay calm and focused during the exam
The last thing you want to do is panic when it comes to an exam. Stay calm and focus on simply answering the questions as best as you can. Remember, you can always retake the test.
With a CCMA certification, it may influence how much you earn. Take a look at the state with the highest salary for medical assistants to get a good understanding of different areas you might want to practice in.
CCMA exam FAQs
What is the passing score for the CCMA exam?
The scaled passing score for NHA exams, including the CCMA, is 390 out of 500.
How many questions are on the CCMA exam?
The NHA test plan lists 150 scored questions plus 30 unscored pretest questions, with 3 hours to complete the exam. Check the current NHA test plan, because it can change.
1. What is the pass score for the CCMA exam?
For any medical assistants looking to pass a CCMA exam, they'll need a passing score of 390 or higher.
2. How hard is the CCMA exam?
According to the NHA, the pass rate for the CCMA exam is around 77%. That's good odds for any medical assistants looking to advance their careers.
3. How many questions are on the CCMA exam?
When you take the CCMA exam, you will have to answer 180 multiple-choice questions. You're also given a time limit of 3 hours.
4. How much does the CCMA exam cost?
The exam fee is set by the NHA and can change, so check the NHA website for the current cost.
