CCMA Passing Score and Grading Breakdown

To pass the CCMA exam, you must earn a scaled score of 390 out of 500, which is roughly 78 percent. The National Healthcareer Association (NHA) calculates this based on your performance across 150 scored questions.

Written and reviewed by the LexPort exam-prep team, led by our Founder & Exam-Prep Lead. LexPort builds certification practice questions — this is exam-preparation material, not medical advice. Last reviewed July 2026.

How many questions are on the exam?

You will face 180 total questions on test day. You have exactly 180 minutes to complete the entire assessment.

Are all 180 questions graded?

No. Only 150 questions actually count toward your final grade. The remaining 30 are unscored pretest items used by the NHA to evaluate future test material.

How do I know which questions are unscored?

You cannot tell them apart. The unscored pretest questions blend seamlessly into the rest of the test. Treat every item as if it counts toward your grade.

What is a scaled score?

A scaled score converts your raw number of correct answers into a standardized scale from 0 to 500. This process ensures fairness if one test version is slightly harder than another.

Do I lose points for guessing?

You do not lose points for incorrect answers. Your scaled score is based only on the number of questions you answer correctly. Never leave a question blank.

Which exam section is the most important for passing?

Clinical Patient Care is the largest domain. It makes up approximately 56 percent of the 150 scored questions. You must perform well in this area to reach the 390 passing mark.

What other topics do I need to study?

The test also covers Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Patient Care Coordination and Education, Administrative Assisting, Communication and Customer Service, and Medical Law and Ethics.

How many questions do I need to get right to get a 390?

Because the NHA uses a scaled scoring system, there is no exact raw number. However, a 390 out of 500 equals approximately 78 percent of the 150 scored items.

When will I get my test results?

The timeline for receiving your results depends on how you tested. Review the official NHA candidate handbook for exact reporting timelines.

What happens if I fail the exam?

You can retake the test if you do not reach the 390 passing score. For specific waiting periods and retake limits, consult the NHA certification guidelines.

How can I make sure I pass on the first try?

Focus your study time on the heavily weighted Clinical Patient Care domain. We offer 2,325 practice questions to help you prepare for the exact format and difficulty of the real thing.