NHA certification exams

NHA exams share one scoring rule - a scaled score of 390 on a 200-500 scale - and one retake policy, but differ in length: from 100 scored items (CPT, CET, ExCPT) to 150 (CCMA).

Updated 2026-09-23 · 5 sources · By the HealthCert Prep team

NHA exams compared

ExamScored + pretestTimeGuide
CCMA - Clinical Medical Assistant150 + 303 hours

CCMA guide

CPT - Phlebotomy Technician100 + 202 hours

Phlebotomy guide

CET - EKG Technician100 + 202 hours

EKG guide

ExCPT - Pharmacy Technician100 + 202 hr 10 min

ExCPT

Rules shared by NHA exams

  • Passing: scaled score of 390 or higher (range 200-500).
  • Retakes: 3 attempts with at least 30 days between; after a third failure, a 1-year wait per attempt. Each retake is full price.
  • Delivery: PSI test centers or live remote proctoring (LRP), or at an approved school.
  • Eligibility: high school diploma or equivalent plus a training program or work experience; CPT also needs 30 venipunctures and 10 capillary sticks, CET 10 EKGs on live individuals.
  • Renewal: every 2 years; 10 CE credits for CCMA, CPT and CET (20 CE hours for ExCPT).
  • Fees: listed in NHA’s shop and vary by exam - check at registration.

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HealthCert Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). NHA, CCMA, CPT, CET and ExCPT is a trademark of its owner. All practice questions on this site are original.

Frequently asked questions

What is a passing score on NHA exams?

A scaled score of 390 on a 200-500 scale.

How many times can I take an NHA exam?

Three attempts at least 30 days apart; then one attempt per year.

Can I take NHA exams online?

Yes, through live remote proctoring, if your computer and internet meet the requirements.

Sources

  1. NHA - Candidate Handbook (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. NHA - CCMA Test Plan (2022 job analysis) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  3. NHA - CPT Test Plan (2024 job analysis) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  4. NHA - CET Test Plan (2017 job analysis) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  5. NHA - ExCPT Test Plan (2023 job analysis) (accessed 2026-09-23)