Prepare for your CCHT exam with a CCHT practice test below.
The Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technical (CCHT) exam is administered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC). The exam serves as a way to show your expertise and certification as a dialysis technician.
| Resource | Notes | Provider |
|---|---|---|
| CCHT Certification Preparation Guide | See pages 8-11 for CCHT practice questions. | NNCC |
| CCHT Practice Set 1 | 238 questions to practice with. | Quizlet |
| CCHT Practice Set 2 | 150 questions to practice with. | Quizlet |
| CCHT Practice Set 3 | 300 questions to practice with. | Quizlet |
| CCHT Practice Set 4 | 50 questions to practice with. | Quizlet |
CCHT Exam Outline
The CCHT is made up of 150 multiple-choice questions. Of those 150 questions, 25 are unscored. You will have 3 hours to complete the exam.
Quick Facts:
- Number of Questions: 150
- Question Types: Multiple-Choice
- Time Limit: 3 Hours
- Other Information: 25 of the 150 Questions are Unscored
You will find 3 types of questions on the CCHT exam:
- Recall of Knowledge (8-13%)
- Comprehension (23-28%)
- Application of Knowledge (63-67%)
Within those 3 types of questions, you will find different “practice areas”. You can think of practice areas as topics.
1. Clinical (71-78 Questions)
The clinical portion of the exam tests your knowledge and understanding of patient care. The types of questions may be related to monitoring dialysis equipment, treating hypotension, discussing patient problems and events, and how to handle adverse reactions in patients.
2. Technical (32-38 Questions)
The technical section consists of questions on water treatment and equipment-related issues. This includes using machinery safely, monitoring the water treatment system, correcting equipment failures, and ensuring quality control.
3. Environment (19-25 Questions)
The environment section deals with how you would handle an infection and other problems that can arise during dialysis. This includes questions on the Life Safety Code, following precautions, and disinfection.
4. Role (15-20 Questions)
This section goes beyond technical knowledge and will test your interpersonal skills. This includes maintaining patient privacy, professional boundaries, and training new technicians.
| Practice Area / Cognitive Level | A. Knowledge | B. Comprehension | C. Application | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. Clinical | 6-8 | 18-20 | 48-50 | 71-78 (48-52%) |
| II. Technical | 4-5 | 8-10 | 20-23 | 32-38 (21-25%) |
| III. Environment | 1-3 | 6-8 | 12-14 | 19-25 (13-17%) |
| IV. Role | 1-3 | 3-4 | 10-14 | 15-20 (10-14%) |
| Total | 12-19 (8-13%) | 35-42 (23-28%) | 90-101 (63-67%) | 150 |
For more information on the exam, review the official CCHT guide.
CCHT Requirements
In order to be considered eligible to be CCHT certified, you must meet the following requirements:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Completion of an approved training program (must include both classroom and clinical experience)
- Have been employed as a dialysis technician in the last 18 months
- Have completed at least 1,000 hours or 6 months of practice (preferred, but not required for certification)
Registration & Fees for the CCHT Exam
To register for the CCHT exam, you can follow these steps:
- Make sure you meet all eligibility requirements. Reference them in the section above.
- Submit your forms to NNCC along with your fees. Here is the link.
- Wait to hear back from NNCC. They will include instructions on how to schedule your exam. You should hear back within 4 weeks.
You will need to pay $225 to take the CCHT exam.
The exam will be taken on a computer and is offered year-round. The exam will be administered and proctored through PSI. You can search for CCHT exam sites for more information.
Scoring
There will be a total of 150 questions on the exam. Of the 150 questions, only 125 will be scored.
You will need to receive a standard score of 95 to pass the exam. You can get a 95 by answering 74% of the questions correctly.
Studying for the CCHT Exam
If you are studying for the CCHT test, then you’re likely already familiar with many of the practices and techniques necessary for a dialysis technician.
That being said, the test is meant to confirm your current knowledge and ensure you are up-to-date on current practices and patient care. It’s important to review current information and familiarize yourself with exam materials.
1. Make a Plan
A study plan is essential for any exam. Break up the four sections into bite-sized pieces, making the information more digestible. If you try to study everything at once, you won’t retain the information as well.
Make sure your plan includes taking a CCHT practice exam – this will help you become more familiar with the exam.
2. Use Different Materials
Diversity is key! Completing practice tests is an important step, and vital to familiarize yourself with the format and difficulty of the real exam. But it is also important to study with different types of materials to keep the information fresh, such as flashcards and videos.
3. Be Prepared
If you’re taking the exam in person, coming prepared on test day is going to ensure you can focus on the thing that matters: doing your best on the exam.
Make sure you gather the necessary materials the night before the exam, including a government-issued photo ID, your nursing license, and an examination permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many questions are on the CCHT exam?
There are a total of 150 questions on the CCHT. Of the 150 questions, 125 are scored.
What is the time limit for the CCHT exam?
You will have 3 hours to take the exam.
What score do I need to pass the exam?
You will need to score a 95 to pass the exam. This is the equivalent to answering 74% of the questions correctly.
Can I take the CCHT exam more than once?
Yes. If you do not pass the CCHT exam and want to take it again, you may do so. You must re-apply and pay the full exam fee ($225) each time.
What is the Difference Between CCHT and CCHT-A Exam?
The CCHT-A is an advanced certification that is only available to dialysis technicians working at an advanced level. This includes a minimum of five years and 5,000 hours of advanced experience.
The CCHT is considered an entry-level credential for dialysis technicians. It’s recommended that you have at least six months (or 1,000 hours) of clinical experience before taking the CCHT.
