CCMA Exam Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most common questions about the NHA CCMA exam. Use this guide to understand the test format, eligibility rules, and how to prepare.

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 June 2026.

Who is eligible to take the CCMA exam?

You can take the exam if you completed a medical assistant training program or have qualifying work experience. Check the NHA official handbook for specific timelines.

Do I need to complete a medical assistant program?

A training program is one way to qualify. You can also qualify through work experience. Check the NHA official handbook for exact requirements.

Can I take the CCMA if I only have work experience?

Yes. Qualifying work experience makes you eligible. Check the NHA official handbook to see how many years you need.

How do I register for the CCMA exam?

You register through the NHA website. Create an account, verify your eligibility, and select the CCMA exam.

How much does the CCMA exam cost?

Exam fees change. Check the NHA official handbook for the current registration cost.

Where do I take the NHA CCMA test?

You can take the exam at an approved testing center or via live remote proctoring. Check the NHA official handbook for a list of locations.

How do I schedule my exam date?

Once registered and approved by the NHA, you will select your test date and location online.

What happens if I fail the CCMA exam?

You can retake the exam. Check the NHA official handbook for the exact number of allowed attempts.

How long do I have to wait to retake the test?

There is a mandatory waiting period between attempts. Check the NHA official handbook for the current wait time.

When will I get my CCMA exam results?

Results timing varies based on how you test. Check the NHA official handbook for the official reporting timeline.

How often do I need to recertify my CCMA?

Certifications expire and require renewal. Check the NHA official handbook for the exact recertification interval and continuing education requirements.

How many questions are on the CCMA exam?

The real exam has 180 questions. Only 150 of these are scored.

How much time do I get for the CCMA exam?

You have exactly 180 minutes to complete the test. This gives you about one minute per question.

What is the passing score for the CCMA?

You must score a 390 out of 500 to pass. This is a scaled score that equals roughly 78%.

Are all questions on the CCMA scored?

No. Out of the 180 total questions, 30 are unscored pretest questions. You will not know which ones are unscored.

What types of questions are on the test?

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions. Check the NHA official handbook for specific formatting details.

Is there a penalty for guessing on the CCMA?

No. Blank answers and incorrect answers are treated the same. Always guess if you do not know the answer.

How is the CCMA exam graded?

The NHA uses a scaled scoring system. Your raw score is converted to a scale of up to 500 points.

What topics are covered on the CCMA exam?

The official domains are Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science, Anatomy and Physiology, Clinical Patient Care, Patient Care Coordination and Education, Administrative Assisting, Communication and Customer Service, and Medical Law and Ethics.

What is the largest section of the CCMA exam?

Clinical Patient Care is the largest domain. It makes up roughly 56% of the scored questions.

Does the exam cover anatomy and physiology?

Yes. Anatomy and Physiology is an official domain on the test. You need to know body systems and basic pathophysiology.

Will I be tested on medical law and ethics?

Yes. Medical Law and Ethics is a dedicated domain. It covers patient rights, scope of practice, and HIPAA regulations.

Are administrative tasks on the CCMA exam?

Yes. Administrative Assisting is an official domain. It tests your knowledge of scheduling, coding, and medical records.

What should I prioritize when studying for the CCMA?

Focus heavily on Clinical Patient Care. Since it accounts for about 56% of the scored questions, mastering it is critical to passing.

How long should I study for the CCMA exam?

Study timelines vary by student. Check the NHA official handbook for their recommended study duration.

What is the best way to study for the CCMA?

Use active recall and take practice exams. Review the rationales for every question you miss.

How many practice questions should I do?

Complete as many as possible. Our platform offers 2,300+ practice questions to help you prepare.

What should I do the day before the exam?

Stop studying early in the evening. Get a full night of sleep and review your testing location details.

What is a common mistake students make on the CCMA?

Students often spend too much time on a single hard question. If you get stuck, pick an answer, flag it, and move on.

How do I manage my time during the test?

You have 180 minutes for 180 questions. Aim to answer one question per minute so you have time to review flagged items at the end.