What is a good score on the NHA exam?

A good score on an NHA (National Healthcareer Association) exam is 390 or higher, as this is the minimum passing score on their scaled system (out of 500), meaning you need roughly 78% correct, though aiming for 80% or above is a great goal for confidence and ensuring you pass. Different NHA certifications (like CCMA, CPT) have this standard 390/500 passing mark.

What score do I need to pass the NHA?

To pass an NHA (National Healthcareer Association) certification exam, you generally need a scaled score of 390 or higher out of a possible 500 points, though the specific number of correct answers to achieve this can vary slightly by exam version due to scoring adjustments for difficulty. This 390/500 threshold applies to popular exams like the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) and Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exams.
 

What is the highest score on the medical assistant exam?

The scale ranges from 200 to 800. The Certifying Board of the American Association of Medical Assistants establishes the minimum passing score for each examination.

How do you know if you passed the 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.

How hard is it 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. 

What you need to know about NHA certification

What if I fail the NHA exam?

If you didn't pass your NHA certification exam, you might be feeling discouraged. It happens, and the best thing you can do is prepare and try again. You can reapply to sit for the exam up to three times, with at least 30 days between each test.

How hard is it to get a medical assistant certification?

While it is not impossible, you'll have to study hard for your exam. In 2021 the CMA exam pass rate, for example, was 61%. There are a few different medical assistant certifications that lead to different job titles such as CMA, RMA, and CCMA.

How many questions can you get wrong on the NHA exam?

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%.

How soon will you know if you passed the NCLEX?

NCLEX results have two timelines: unofficial results are often available in about 48 business hours via Pearson VUE's Quick Results Service (if your state board participates), while official results are sent by your State Board of Nursing (BON) within approximately six weeks, though some states post them much faster, sometimes the next day, to their online license databases. Official results are the only ones that authorize you to practice, but checking your BON website can be a good way to see if you've passed sooner. 

What score to pass CNA?

There's no single CNA passing score; it varies by state, but generally falls between 70% and 80%, with some states using scaled scoring where the exact number of questions needed changes. You must pass both the written (multiple-choice) and clinical skills sections, so always check your specific state's nursing board or testing provider (like Prometric or Pearson VUE) for exact requirements, like Florida needing 72% or Minnesota needing 74%. 

How many times can you take the NHA exam?

Wait for the results.

If you do not pass your third attempt, you will have to wait 1 year between each following attempt. The NHA CCMA exam fee is $160 for every attempt.

Is 225 a good step 3 score?

The step 3 passing score is 200. Any score above this is considered passing. Most first-time candidates score between 225 and 230, which represents the average range. Scores above 230 are considered above average and reflect strong performance.

What is the top medical assistant salary?

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 to pass the NHA medical assistant exam?

To study for the NHA exam, start your preparations early, ensure your study materials are up-to-date and sufficient, and focus on the major topics that the exam covers, including foundational knowledge and basic science, anatomy and physiology, clinical patient care, patient care coordination and education, ...

How much does the NHA exam cost?

A current high school student is eligible to take the NHA CCMA exam if they are scheduled to graduate from an accredited medical assisting program within the next 12 months. If your students meet that criteria, they can pay the $160 fee and apply to take the exam.

What percentage do you need to pass the NHA CBCS exam?

To pass the CBCS exam, you must score 390 out of 500, according to the NHA's scaled scoring system. This doesn't mean you need 78% of questions correct — the exact percentage varies slightly depending on the difficulty of your specific test form.

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. 

What are good signs you passed NCLEX?

Good signs you passed the NCLEX include the Pearson VUE trick (getting the "good pop-up" saying you can't re-register), your Pearson VUE account showing "exam complete" and no ATT, seeing your name on the State Board of Nursing's license verification site (often with an RN/LPN number), and feeling confident after the exam with tough questions appearing at the minimum question count (like 85) before it shuts off. The only official confirmation is the State Board of Nursing, but these indicators provide strong clues.
 

What is a good NHA score?

You need to score at least 390 out of 500 to pass.

As long as you prepare correctly, your chances are good: According to the NHA, the passing rate in 2024 was over 81%.

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. 

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.

Who gets paid more, an MA or CNA?

Medical Assistants (MAs) generally get paid more than Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) because MAs have broader clinical and administrative skills from longer training, allowing them to work in diverse settings like doctor's offices and clinics, while CNAs focus on direct patient care, typically in long-term care or hospitals, leading to MAs earning around $42k-$47k vs. CNAs earning $38k-$40k annually.
 

What are the benefits of NHA certification?

Better Job Prospects – NHA credentials obtained through our training programs will prepare you for and may increase your chances of being hired in a variety of workplaces. Even if the position you applied for is filled, employers may find another position that you are qualified for.

Which is harder, a nurse or a medical assistant?

Neither approach is harder than the other, but which you'll prefer depends on whether you prefer consistency or variety. In general, nurses perform primarily clinical tasks while medical assistants engage in both clinical and administrative activities. Nurses provide direct patient care.