PassPulse Medical AssistantPrepare for the CMAA

CMAA passing score: how many questions can you miss?

You need a scaled score of 390 on a 200 to 500 scale, the same rule NHA uses for all its exams. The CMAA has 135 questions and 110 of them count. Because the score is scaled across exam versions, there's no fixed number of questions you can miss.

Updated October 2026

How CMAA scoring works

NHA converts your correct answers into a scaled score from 200 to 500 so that every version of the exam holds the same standard. A harder version needs a few fewer correct answers to reach 390, an easier one a few more. Only the 110 scored items count; 25 pretest items are mixed in and unmarked.

390 out of 500 is not "78%". The scale starts at 200, and the raw score behind 390 shifts between versions.

How big a cushion to aim for

With a 2024 passing rate of 62.68%, the CMAA punishes candidates who walk in on the edge. Aim to be clearly above the line in timed practice across every domain, not just on average.

Know you're ready for the CMAA before you book your date

PassPulse is built for one job: getting you through the CMAA on your first attempt. 880+ exam style questions across every topic on the exam, every answer explained, even the wrong ones. Your readiness score updates after every session and the app keeps drilling your weakest topics until they stop costing you points. 15 minutes a day, on your phone.

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Results and retakes

  • At your school: preliminary score report immediately
  • At a PSI test center or with live remote proctoring: within 48 hours
  • Retake: 30 day wait, full exam fee, three attempts; after the third failed attempt, one year wait

CMAA FAQ

What score do you need to pass the CMAA?

390 on a 200 to 500 scaled score.

What percentage is passing on the CMAA?

There is no fixed percentage. The score is scaled, and the raw cutoff varies by exam version.

How many questions are scored on the CMAA?

110 of the 135 questions.

How fast do you get CMAA results?

Immediately at your school as a preliminary report, or within 48 hours at a PSI center or with live remote proctoring.

More CMAA guides

Sources
  1. NHA Candidate Handbook
  2. NHA: How do I get my exam results
  3. NHA CMAA Test Plan (2021 job analysis)
  4. NHA annual pass rates 2024 (revised 1/8/25)

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PassPulse is an independent exam preparation tool. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), American Medical Technologists (AMT) or the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Exam, credential and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners and are used only to identify the exams and materials described.

This page is for general information only. It is not official guidance from any certifying body, state agency or employer, and it is not legal, medical, career or financial advice. The information on this page may contain errors or omissions, or may be out of date: fees, policies, exam content and state rules change. Practice questions, answers and explanations on PassPulse may also contain errors. Always confirm current requirements and facts directly with the certifying body, your state, your employer or the manufacturer's instructions before you register, apply or act on them. Pass rates and statistics describe past candidates and do not predict your result.
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