The NHA Medical Assistant Exam, officially the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) certification, is a nationally recognized credential from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) that validates your skills in clinical and administrative tasks. Administered at PSI testing centers or remotely with proctoring, it boosts employability—89% of employers require or encourage certification for medical assistants. The exam consists of 180 questions (150 scored, 30 pretest) over 3 hours, covering foundational knowledge, patient care, and more. Here’s a guide to eligibility, content, and preparation to help you pass the NHA Medical Assistant Exam on your first try.
Eligibility and Registration for the NHA Medical Assistant Exam To qualify for the NHA Medical Assistant Exam, you need a high school diploma or GED, plus one of these:
- Completion of a medical assistant program within the last 5 years.
- 1 year of work experience as a medical assistant (or equivalent).
- A current medical assistant instructor or supervisor role. Create a free NHA account online, submit your application with documentation, and pay the $165 fee via credit card. Schedule through PSI—remote options require a system check for your webcam, microphone, and stable internet (Windows 7+ or Mac OS X). Results post within 48 hours for computer-based tests, with official scores emailed soon after.
Exam Content Outline The NHA Medical Assistant Exam draws from a 2022 job analysis, divided into seven domains:
| Domain | % of Exam | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Foundational Knowledge & Basic Science | 10% | Infection control, vital signs, medical terminology. |
| Anatomy & Physiology | 8% | Body systems, common pathologies. |
| Clinical Patient Care | 55% | Phlebotomy, EKGs, injections, patient intake. |
| Patient Care Coordination & Education | 5% | Care plans, health education, referrals. |
| Administrative Assisting | 10% | Scheduling, billing, EHR management. |
| Communication & Customer Service | 5% | Professionalism, cultural competence. |
| Medical Law & Ethics | 7% | HIPAA, consent, confidentiality. |
Expect multiple-choice questions, plus alternative formats like drag-and-drop or hot-spot selections.
Preparation Tips for the NHA Medical Assistant Exam Start early with NHA’s official resources: the free test plan download, study guide ($56 with practice drills and videos), and online practice test ($25). Use flashcards on Quizlet for quick reviews of phlebotomy and EKGs. Practice with free CCMA tests from Mometrix or Pocket Prep, which mimic the exam’s 180 questions and explanations. Join Reddit’s r/MedicalAssistant for real experiences—recent passers emphasized focusing on clinical care (55% weight) and using SmarterMA for targeted quizzes. Study 4-6 weeks: 1-2 hours daily on weak areas, then full timed mocks.
Test Day and Beyond Arrive early with two IDs; remote exams need a quiet, clear desk. Aim for 390+ to pass (scaled score). Retakes cost $165 after 30 days (up to 3/year). Certification lasts 2 years—renew with CEUs. Passing opens doors to roles earning $40K+ median salary.