The NHA Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam is a 120-question, 2-hour certification test that validates competency across patient care, phlebotomy, and EKG — three skill sets employers increasingly want in a single hire. The exam costs $165, uses scaled scoring from 200 to 500 with a passing threshold of 390, and is offered at PSI testing centers, through schools, or via live remote proctoring. A major blueprint update arriving in Fall 2026 shifts Patient Care from 30 % to 45–49 % of scored items, so the timing of your exam matters. This guide covers every domain, the upcoming changes, eligibility, salary data, and a week-by-week study plan to get you past 390 on the first attempt.
