How many questions are on the MACE and how long is it?

The MACE has 60 multiple-choice questions and a 120-minute time limit. Fifty questions count toward your score and ten are unscored pretest items mixed in — you cannot tell which is which, so answer every question carefully.

How is the MACE scored, and what score do I need?

The MACE uses a scaled score set by NCSBN, and the passing standard can vary by state board. Because the cut score is scaled rather than a simple percentage, focus on demonstrating competence across all three areas rather than chasing a specific percent — confirm your state’s requirement with your board or program.

What are the three content areas?

Medication Administration, Observation & Reporting (60%); Medication Concepts & Measurements (24%); and Authorized Duties (16%). The weighting tells you where to spend your time.

MACE Exam Format, Timing & Scoring

Knowing the shape of the MACE before test day removes surprises. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam administered through Credentia (an NCSBN program). Below is exactly how it is built and scored.

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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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How many questions are on the MACE and how long is it?: The MACE has 60 multiple-choice questions and a 120-minute time limit. Fifty questions count toward your score and ten are unscored pretest items mixed in — you cannot tell which is which, so answer every question carefully.
How is the MACE scored, and what score do I need?: The MACE uses a scaled score set by NCSBN, and the passing standard can vary by state board. Because the cut score is scaled rather than a simple percentage, focus on demonstrating competence across all three areas rather than chasing a specific percent — confirm your state’s requirement with your board or program.
What are the three content areas?: Medication Administration, Observation & Reporting (60%); Medication Concepts & Measurements (24%); and Authorized Duties (16%). The weighting tells you where to spend your time.

What the questions actually look like

The format is one thing; the questions are another. Here are three realistic examples.

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