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Exam Overview
The Clinical Hemodialysis Technician (CCHT) Exam is a national certification examination designed to assess your competency in providing safe and effective hemodialysis care.
The exam is administered by the Nephrology Nursing Certification Commission (NNCC), the official credentialing body for dialysis-related certifications in the United States.
This certification is widely recognized by dialysis providers and is often required to meet federal and employer standards.
Exam Pattern and Structure
The CCHT exam follows a standardized, computer-based testing format.
- Total questions: 150 multiple-choice questions
- Scored questions: 135
- Pretest (unscored) questions: 15
- Time limit: 3 hours
- Question type: Single-best-answer multiple choice
- Testing format: Computer-based at authorized testing centers
You should expect questions that assess both knowledge and application of clinical and technical concepts.
Exam Content Distribution
The exam questions are drawn from four major domains:
- Clinical
- Technical
- Environment
- Role Responsibilities
Each domain reflects real-world tasks performed by clinical hemodialysis technicians.
Scoring and Passing Standard
- The exam is scored on a scaled scoring system
- A scaled score of 74 or higher is generally required to pass
- You receive a pass or fail result after exam completion
- The score reflects overall competency, not individual section performance
Unscored questions do not affect your final result.
Certification Validity
- Certification is valid for three years
- Renewal requires continuing education or re-examination
- Maintaining certification supports ongoing professional competence
Importance of the CCHT Certification
Earning the CCHT credential is important for several reasons:
- Demonstrates standardized clinical competency
- Supports compliance with federal ESRD facility requirements
- Improves employment eligibility in dialysis facilities
- Confirms readiness to provide direct patient care
- Enhances professional credibility within the dialysis team
For many employers, certification is not optional. It is a requirement for patient safety and regulatory compliance.
The CCHT exam confirms that you understand dialysis principles, patient care responsibilities, safety standards, and professional conduct expected in clinical dialysis settings.
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