CCMA
NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
The CCMA covers clinical procedures, patient care, pharmacology, EKG, phlebotomy, and administrative tasks in medical office settings.
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CCMA Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) |
| Governing Body | NHA |
| Number of Questions | 180 |
| Time Limit | 3 hours |
| Passing Score | 390 (scaled) |
| Category | Allied Health & Medicine |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | NHA official website ↗ |
CCMA Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Patient Care | 47% |
| Patient Intake and Documentation | 29% |
| Administrative Duties | 14% |
| Communication and Customer Service | 10% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the NHA content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ 1. Foundational Knowledge and Basic Science - 15 items (10%)
- ✓ 2. Anatomy and Physiology - 8 items (5%)
- ✓ 3. Clinical Patient Care - 84 items (56%): Patient Intake and Vitals 14, General Patient Care 28, Infection Control and Safety 15, Point of Care Testing and Laboratory Procedures 9, Phlebotomy 12, EKG and Cardiovascular Testing 6
- ✓ 4. Patient Care Coordination and Education - 12 items (8%)
- ✓ 5. Administrative Assisting - 12 items (8%)
- ✓ 6. Communication and Customer Service - 12 items (8%)
- ✓ 7. Medical Law and Ethics - 7 items (5%)
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CCMA
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CCMA is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CCMA format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CCMA Frequently Asked Questions
What does CCMA stand for?
CCMA stands for NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). It is administered by NHA.
Who administers the CCMA?
The NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) is administered by NHA. For official information, visit the NHA website.
How many questions is the CCMA?
The CCMA consists of 180 questions. Candidates are given 3 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CCMA?
The passing score for the CCMA is 390 (scaled), as set by NHA. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How many questions on the CCMA are scored?
150 scored items plus 30 pretest (unscored) items = 180 total. Unscored items are used to trial future questions and are indistinguishable from scored items, so treat every question as if it counts.
How is the CCMA scored?
Scaled score of 390 or higher; NHA scaled scores range from 200 to 500. The 390 cut applies to all NHA certification exams. Always confirm the current standard with NHA before testing.
What should I know about the current CCMA exam blueprint?
Test plan based on a job analysis completed in 2022 (supersedes the 2016-based plan that showed Clinical Patient Care at 81 items). Percentages shown in parentheses are the published item counts divided by 150 scored items; NHA publishes item counts, not percentages, in the 2022 test plan. Exam fee is null: NHA does not publish exam pricing on any retrievable nhanow.com page - fees are shown only inside the authenticated registration/store flow.
How difficult is the NHA CCMA exam and what is the pass rate?
The NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant exam is considered moderately challenging for graduates of medical assisting programs. NHA does not publicly report pass rates, but most accredited program graduates who use NHA practice exams pass on the first attempt. The exam covers clinical procedures, patient intake, medical law, and administrative functions.
What are the eligibility requirements for the NHA CCMA?
To sit through NHA's standard pathway, you must have completed a medical assistant program from a CAAHEP or ABHES-accredited school, or a NHA-approved program. An alternative work experience pathway may be available for candidates with documented clinical work experience. The application process requires program verification.
How long should I study for the NHA CCMA?
Most candidates need 4–8 weeks of focused preparation using NHA's online study tools, practice exams, and the NHA CCMA study guide. Core content areas include vital signs, phlebotomy, medication administration, EKGs, infection control, and HIPAA.
What career value does the NHA CCMA provide?
The CCMA is a widely recognized medical assistant credential and is valued at physician offices, urgent care centers, and outpatient clinics. Certified medical assistants earn $35,000–$50,000+. Certification differentiates candidates in a competitive job market and is required or preferred by many larger healthcare employers.
What is the NHA CCMA retake policy?
NHA allows retakes after a waiting period (typically 30–60 days) and requires full retake fees. The maximum number of retakes within a given period should be confirmed with NHA, as policies are updated periodically.
How long is the NHA CCMA credential valid?
The CCMA is valid for two years and requires renewal through continuing education or re-examination. NHA charges an annual registration fee and renewal fees.
What continuing education is required for NHA CCMA renewal?
CCMA renewal requires 10 continuing education units (CEUs) over the two-year cycle plus an annual registration fee. NHA offers free and low-cost CEU options for credential holders through its online platform.
How does NHA CCMA compare to AAMA CMA for medical assisting careers?
The AAMA CMA (Certified Medical Assistant from the American Association of Medical Assistants) is the other leading medical assisting credential and generally has higher prestige among large healthcare systems and academic medical centers. The NHA CCMA is more widely accepted in private practices and urgent care settings. AAMA CMA requires completion of an AAMA-accredited program specifically and is considered slightly more rigorous. Both are respected credentials; your employer's preference should guide your choice.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), a Allied Health & Medicine certification, administered by NHA. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHA. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the NHA official website ↗ .