How many times can I take a NHA test?

You generally have three attempts to pass an NHA exam, with a 30-day wait between the first, second, and third tries, but after a third failure, you must wait one year (12 months) before retaking it, paying the exam fee each time. Always check your specific certification's guidelines, as requirements can vary slightly.

How many times can I retake the NHA exam?

You can reapply to sit for the exam up to three times, with at least 30 days between each test. You do need to pay for each exam attempt, so be sure to use that time to check your P360 Vitals™ and make the most of your studying efforts!

What happens if you fail the NHA?

The NHA allows those who do not pass the certification exam on the first attempt will be allowed to retake the exam after a 30-day waiting period. The NHA will allow three attempts to successfully pass the exam, with a waiting period of a minimum of 30 days between each examination attempt.

How many times can you take the national medical assistant exam?

In the event that you fail the CACMA examination, you are given 3 additional attempts (4 attempts in total). There is a 30 day waiting period in-between the 1-3rd attempts. If you have failed the 3rd attempt you must wait 60 days before your 4th and final attempt.

How many times can I take the nab?

Effective January 1, 2026 - to protect exam integrity, NAB will limit the number of times a candidate may attempt each exam during an examination cycle (July 1 - June 30). CORE, NHA, & RCAL exams: up to 4 attempts per cycle. HCBS exams: up to 3 attempts per cycle.

Test Day

What if you fail the NHA exam?

NETA CERTIFICATION EXAM REMINDERS

If a technician does not pass their exam, they must wait for 60 days before they can be authorized to retake their exam. When technicians are interested in retesting, they must communicate directly with their Accredited Representative or Branch Manager.

What is the passing score for NAB exam?

For all NAB exams, the scaled passing score is 113 on a scale ranging from 50 – 150. NAB develops new exam forms for each program annually. It is inevitable that the difficulty level of questions across forms vary.

What is the passing score for the NHA exam?

The passing score for most National Healthcareer Association (NHA) certification exams, like the CCMA (Clinical Medical Assistant) or CPT (Phlebotomy Technician), is a scaled score of 390 out of a possible 500, which is roughly 78%. This is a scaled score, meaning it adjusts for the difficulty of specific questions, not just the number of correct answers. You can check your specific results by logging into your NHA account on their website. 

Who gets paid more, CMA or MA?

CMAs (Certified Medical Assistants) generally earn slightly more than general MAs (Medical Assistants) because certification signals advanced skills, with CMAs often seeing a 10% pay bump, though both roles' salaries vary significantly by experience, location, and workplace, with national averages around $40k-$45k annually for certified roles. While a CMA (AAMA) earns around $22.42/hr, an uncertified MA might earn $17.59/hr, showing the value of certification, but other certifications (RMA, CCMA) are close, and experience is a huge factor.
 

What happens if you fail the medical assistant exam?

In the event that you fail the CACMA examination on your 1st attempt, you are given 3 additional attempts (4 attempts in total). There is a 30 day waiting period in-between the 1st-3rd attempts. If you have failed the 3rd attempt, you must wait 60 days before your 4th and final attempt.

Is it hard to pass the NHA exam?

Yes, the NHA exam (like the CCMA) is challenging because it tests deep knowledge with scenario-based questions, not just memorization, but it's considered manageable with dedicated study, with around a 77-78% pass rate, meaning strong preparation is key to success, often requiring more than just practice tests. Many test-takers find the actual exam harder than practice tests, emphasizing the need to master core content like anatomy, clinical care, and terminology, not just practice question formats. 

Which is the 3 toughest exam in the world?

The three toughest exams globally often cited for their extreme difficulty, low pass rates, and high stakes are China's Gaokao (National College Entrance Exam) for its sheer scale and competitiveness, India's UPSC Civil Services Exam for its life-altering potential and minuscule selection, and India's IIT-JEE Advanced (Joint Entrance Exam) for its rigorous engineering entrance criteria, alongside prestigious UK fellowships like the All Souls Prize Exam, with difficulty varying by individual and goals. 

How much does a NHA exam cost?

The cost for NHA exams varies by certification, but expect to pay around $129-$165 for core exams like CCMA, with some program packages including the fee, and separate costs for study materials and retakes, which are typically the same price as the first attempt, according to Mometrix and Stepful. For instance, the CCMA exam is often listed around $160-$165, while other exams like CBCS or CPT are about $129 for the application fee, with study guides and practice tests costing extra, notes this NHA store page. 

What happens if you don't pass your NHA exam?

Try not to worry — if you don't pass after the first or second attempt, you are able to re-apply* to sit for the exam again after 30 days. Since you need to pay for every exam attempt you should use that time to prepare yourself for success.

What states have unlimited NCLEX attempts?

For example, you can take the NCLEX® in these states as follows: Texas: Every 45 days for 4 years . . . then you have to go back to school. California: Every 45 days as many times as you want. Florida: 3 attempts then you have to go back to school.

How do I know if I passed my NHA exam?

You will receive an email notification when your results are available within the certification portal. For confidentiality, the notification email will not include your exam score.

Can a CMA call themselves a nurse?

Medical assistants and other unlicensed, non-nurse personnel should never call themselves “nurses,” even generically. State laws prohibit anyone without a valid nursing license from using “nurse” or other variations of this title. Violators can face criminal prosecution and regulatory action.

What's higher, a CMA or a CNA?

It will take less time to become a CNA and you will typically be paid less, and be doing a lot more basic grunt work. A CMA is a higher level of education, takes longer and typically pays better.

Which CMA has the highest salary?

The highest salaries for CMAs are in senior executive roles like CFO, with total compensation potentially exceeding $200,000-$300,000, especially in high-paying industries like tech and finance in the US and UAE. Top earners often reach $160,000+ annually, with significant increases for experience, location (US, UAE highest), and industry. 

What is the highest paid medical assistant?

The highest-paid medical assistants work in specialized fields like cardiology, dermatology, or oncology, in hospitals or research settings, and in high-cost-of-living areas (like NYC, SF) or leadership roles, potentially earning $65,000 to over $80,000 annually, with specialized skills, certifications, and union benefits boosting pay for complex duties like assisting with EKGs, minor surgeries, or managing clinical operations. 

How many questions can you get wrong on the NHA?

You only need a 390 to pass which is 78%. That would be a lot of missed questions. That's like getting 40 questions wrong at 78%.

Can you take the NHA exam online at home?

NHA exams can be taken online or in person at approved testing centers across the United States.

Is 50% enough to pass NCLEX?

Yes, you can pass the NCLEX with around 50% of questions right because it's not about a simple percentage; the Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) adjusts difficulty, aiming for you to get roughly half the harder questions correct to prove competency above the passing standard. You pass by demonstrating consistent ability, not by hitting a specific score, with the test stopping when it's 95% sure you've met or missed the passing line, which often happens at the minimum 75-85 questions. 

Is 70 passing in nursing school?

A 70% can be passing in some nursing programs, but it's often not enough, as many schools require a C (75%) or even a B (80-83%) to pass, sometimes with specific higher thresholds for exams or clinicals, so you must check your specific school's nursing handbook. A 70% might be a passing grade but a failing requirement, especially with "70% rules" on major exams or if the overall passing standard is higher, like 75% or 80%. 

How many times can you take the NAB?

Effective January 1, 2026 - to protect exam integrity, NAB will limit the number of times a candidate may attempt each exam during an examination cycle (July 1 - June 30). CORE, NHA, & RCAL exams: up to 4 attempts per cycle. HCBS exams: up to 3 attempts per cycle.