What is on the MACE, and how is it weighted?

The MACE has 60 questions (50 scored, 10 unscored pretest) across three areas: Medication Administration, Observation & Reporting (60%), Medication Concepts & Measurements (24%), and Authorized Duties (16%). Because administration is more than half the exam, master the six rights, routes, and what to observe and report before anything else.

Where do most people lose points?

Two places: dosage and measurement conversions, and knowing the limits of the medication aide role — when you must stop and hand off to the nurse. Practice conversions until they are automatic, and learn the tasks a medication aide may not perform.

How long should I study?

Most candidates are ready in three to four weeks studying a little each day: one week on administration and the six rights, one on concepts and measurements, one on authorized duties and legal/ethical limits, then timed full-length practice at the real 60-question, 120-minute pace.

How to Pass the MACE Exam

The MACE is a 60-question, 120-minute exam that certifies you to give medications under a nurse’s supervision. Most of the test — 60% of it — is medication administration, observation, and reporting, so that is where your study time should go. Here is a practical plan built around how the exam is actually weighted.

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💡 Key Takeaways — the one transferable rule per question
🔍 Hint highlights — the decisive cue phrases in each stem
📖 Full rationales — why every option is right or wrong

Every MACE question is written to the current exam outline for quick learning and a clear pass strategy.

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 August 2026.

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What is on the MACE, and how is it weighted?: The MACE has 60 questions (50 scored, 10 unscored pretest) across three areas: Medication Administration, Observation & Reporting (60%), Medication Concepts & Measurements (24%), and Authorized Duties (16%). Because administration is more than half the exam, master the six rights, routes, and what to observe and report before anything else.
Where do most people lose points?: Two places: dosage and measurement conversions, and knowing the limits of the medication aide role — when you must stop and hand off to the nurse. Practice conversions until they are automatic, and learn the tasks a medication aide may not perform.
How long should I study?: Most candidates are ready in three to four weeks studying a little each day: one week on administration and the six rights, one on concepts and measurements, one on authorized duties and legal/ethical limits, then timed full-length practice at the real 60-question, 120-minute pace.

Start by finding your gaps

Every honest study plan starts with knowing what you don't know. Try three practice questions.

Question 1

To adhere to the "Right Documentation" principle of medication administration, at which exact point must the Medication Aide (MA-C) sign the Medication Administration Record (MAR)?

▸ Why B is the answer

Documenting immediately after witnessing the resident receive the medication is correct; this ensures accurate, real-time tracking and prevents other staff from accidentally administering a duplicate dose.

Question 2

According to national scope of practice standards, under which circumstance is a Medication Aide (MA-C) permitted to accept a telephone medication order directly from a prescriber?

▸ Why C is the answer

Under no circumstances is correct; accepting verbal or telephone orders requires clinical licensure (like an RN or LPN) and is strictly prohibited for Medication Aides.

Question 3

The Medication Aide (MA-C) is preparing to give a routine oral medication to a resident with severe Alzheimer's disease who frequently wanders. The resident does not have a wristband on, and there is no photo in the Medication Administration Record (MAR). How must the MA-C verify the resident's identity?

▸ Why D is the answer

Having a familiar licensed staff member positively identify the resident is correct; when standard identifiers (photo, wristband) are missing and the resident cannot self-identify, staff verification is the safest approved method.

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Authoritative sources

Credentia / NCSBN — Credentia — official MACE information