When can I retake the NHA CCMA exam?

You can retake the NHA CCMA exam after waiting 30 days for your first and second failed attempts, but if you fail the third time, you must wait 12 months (1 year) before your next attempt, paying the fee each time, and you're generally allowed up to three attempts within a year period before the longer wait.

What happens if I fail the NHA CCMA 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!

How long do you have to wait to retake the CCMA exam?

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.

How many times can you fail the CCMA exam?

If you do not pass the exam during your first two tries, you will have to wait at least 30 days until you can retake it. If you do not pass your third attempt, you will have to wait 1 year between each following attempt.

How to retake the NHA certification exam?

Candidates who wish to retake an examination must go to the NHA website and log in as a returning candidate to schedule the examination and must pay the applicable fee, in full, themselves.

My Experience Taking the NHA CCMA Exam

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.

How hard is it to pass the NHA exam?

The NHA exam (like the CCMA) is considered challenging because it covers extensive material with a mix of straightforward and complex, scenario-based questions, but it's manageable with dedicated study, focusing on practice exams, and mastering core clinical and administrative concepts, with pass rates around 70-80% indicating success is achievable. Many test-takers find it harder than practice tests, but resources like SmarterMA.com and Ms. K on YouTube can significantly boost preparedness, even if practice scores vary. 

How many questions can you get wrong on the CCMA test?

If you answer at least 50% of the MCQs correctly, you can move on to the essays. On the other hand, if you incorrectly answer 49% or fewer MCQs, you cannot attempt the essays and will automatically receive a failing CMA score. Additionally, you are allowed 3 hours for the MCQs and 1 hour for the essay question.

How long is a CCMA license good for?

If you're a Medical Assistant certified through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), your certification must be renewed every two years. ACI Medical & Dental School recommends completing your renewal before your CCMA certification expires to avoid any disruptions in your credentials or access to NHA benefits.

What is the lowest score to pass the NHA CCMA exam?

What Score Do You Need to Pass the CCMA Exam? Potential scores range from 200 to 500, with 500 being the highest. You must get a score of at least 390, which is 78%, to pass.

How many questions are on the NHA CCMA exam in 2025?

The CCMA certification exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that are scored, plus 30 unscored pretest questions. The exam is based on in-depth employer insights, the latest industry trends and data, and collaboration with subject matter and technology experts. The exam time is 3 hours.

Where can I retake my CMA exam?

Candidates may register for their new exam through the IMA website, and then schedule the new exam through Prometric, just like they did the first time.

How to reschedule NHA ccma exam?

You must call them directly at 1-833-537-1330 at least 24 hours in advance of your test date to reschedule at no additional charge.

How soon can you retake the NHA CCMA exam?

Note: Candidates that did not pass the exam may apply to retake the exam after 30 days.

How much does it cost to retake the CMA exam?

An exam part may be taken only once in a testing window. You can sit for as many testing windows as you need in your three-year period. All retakes require a new exam registration (not CMA entrance), along with payment of appropriate fees: $460 for professionals, $345 for Students/Academic members.

How to pass the NHA ccma test?

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, ...

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.
 

How much does the CCMA exam cost?

You do not need to submit an application, but you do need to schedule your exam and pay the $160 examination fee. You can take the exam three times, with a 30-day waiting period between each attempt.

Is it better to be a CMA or CCMA?

Neither CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) nor CMA (Certified Medical Assistant) is inherently "better"; the best choice depends on your career goals, as the CMA offers a broader scope including more administrative tasks, while the CCMA focuses more intensely on clinical patient care. Choose CMA for a mix of administrative and clinical duties (scheduling, billing, patient care) or CCMA if you prefer hands-on clinical work (vitals, lab, EKGs) and faster certification pathways, but always check local employer needs, as some prefer one over the other.
 

What is a 70 on a 100 question test?

An A is 90% to 100%; A B is 80% to 89%; A C is 70% to 79%;

How many hours to study for the CMA exam?

Average CMA study time for most candidates

On average, Part 1 requires 170 study hours, which you can cover in 10-13 weeks, and Part 2 takes 130 hours and 8-11 weeks. We recommend that candidates study a minimum of 12 hours each week.

What happens if I fail my 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.

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.

Is NHA ccma legit?

Founded in 1989, the National Healthcareer Association is a respected national resource for training, as well as the certifying body for eight different healthcare industry certifications. At ACT, our online medical assistant certification prepares students for a career as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA).