If you’re preparing to become a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, you’ve probably found yourself wondering, “how many questions are on the NHA CCMA exam?”
It’s one of the most common questions aspiring medical assistants ask — and for good reason.
Knowing the number of questions (and what to expect from them) helps you plan your study time, manage exam anxiety, and walk in on test day with confidence.
In this article, you’ll discover exactly how the NHA CCMA exam is structured, how the questions are divided, and a few smart tips to boost your chances of success.
Ready to feel fully prepared? Let’s find out!
🧩 Understanding the Two Units | Scored and Unscored Questions
Just like in a recipe where some ingredients matter more than others, the CCMA exam has two types of questions:
- Scored Questions – These count toward your final score.
- Pretest (Unscored) Questions – These test new questions for future exams. They don’t affect your result but are mixed into the test.
So when you sit for your exam, you’ll answer everything — but not every question affects your score.
🎯 The Direct Answer | How Many Questions Are on the NHA CCMA Exam?
The NHA CCMA exam contains 150 questions in total, plus 30 unscored pretest questions, making 180 questions overall.
- 150 scored questions count toward your grade.
- 30 unscored questions are used for research.
- You’ll also get a short survey after completing the exam.
Exam length: 3 hours.
📊 Quick Breakdown Chart
| Type of Question | Number of Questions | Counts Toward Score? |
| Scored Questions | 150 | ✅ Yes |
| Unscored (Pretest) | 30 | ❌ No |
| Total | 180 | — |
💡 Why This Information Matters
Knowing how many questions are on the NHA CCMA exam helps you manage time and nerves.
Here’s why it matters:
- ⏰ You can plan your pacing — about 1 minute per question.
- 🧠 You’ll know not to panic if a question seems odd — it might be unscored.
- 🎯 You can focus on preparation, not surprises.
- 💪 It reduces anxiety because you know what’s coming.
🧠 How to Remember the Question Count Easily
Try this simple mnemonic trick:
“150 Score, 30 Explore”
- 150 questions count toward your score.
- 30 are for NHA to explore new items.
Repeat it a few times, and you’ll never forget the numbers!
⚠️ Common Mistakes and Smart Tips
Common Mistakes
- Rushing through early questions — time mismanagement.
- Overthinking tricky questions — some may be unscored.
- Ignoring the exam structure — leads to stress.
Smart Tips for Accuracy
- Read each question carefully once.
- Flag tough ones to revisit later.
- Practice using NHA study guides or sample tests.
- Keep track of your timing — 180 questions in 180 minutes means ~1 minute per question.
📏 Measurement Difference | NHA vs. Other Exams
The NHA CCMA is unique compared to other medical assistant exams like AMT RMA or AAMA CMA:
| Exam Type | Total Questions | Time Limit | Scoring Style |
| NHA CCMA | 180 | 3 hours | Scaled score 200–500 |
| AMT RMA | 210 | 2 hours | Raw score |
| AAMA CMA | 200 | 2 hours 40 min | Weighted score |
This shows that the NHA CCMA gives you slightly fewer questions but more time per question — a fair trade for focused accuracy.
🏥 Real Life Example | Why Knowing This Helps
Imagine two test-takers, Sara and Malik.
- Sara didn’t know about the 180-question format and rushed through the first half, feeling burnt out early.
- Malik practiced pacing for 180 questions and took short mental breaks — he performed calmly and scored higher.
Knowing the question structure helps you study smarter, not harder.
❓ FAQ | Common Questions About the NHA CCMA Exam
Q1: How many total questions are on the NHA CCMA exam?
➡️ 180 total (150 scored + 30 unscored).
Q2: How long is the exam?
➡️ You’ll have 3 hours to complete it.
Q3: What score do I need to pass?
➡️ A passing scaled score is 390 out of 500.
Q4: Are the unscored questions marked?
➡️ No, they look identical to scored ones.
Q5: Can I skip and return to questions?
➡️ Yes, if you’re taking it on a computer, you can flag and revisit questions.
Q6: What topics are covered?
➡️ Clinical duties, anatomy, patient care, administrative tasks, and safety protocols.
Q7: How often can I retake the CCMA exam?
➡️ You can retake it up to 3 times in one year, with required waiting periods.
🏁 Conclusion
Now you know exactly how many questions are on the NHA CCMA exam and how they’re structured. With 180 total questions (150 scored), a 3-hour limit, and clear pacing, you can plan your study routine smartly and walk into exam day with confidence. Preparation is your best tool — and understanding the structure is your first step toward success.
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