How Many Questions Are on the EKG Test? NHA Exam Overview
Jun 03, 2025
The electrocardiogram (EKG) exam by the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) contains one hundred questions.
The NHA is a nationally accredited provider of health science certifications and has awarded more than 750,000 healthcare certifications across the United States.
This article explains what to expect from the NHA EKG exam and how you can prepare to pass it.
Table of contents
- Content covered on the NHA EKG exam
- Types of questions included
- Exam format and time limits for the NHA EKG exam
- Preparation tips for answering questions
- What to expect on exam day
- How many questions can you miss on the NHA exam?
- How many times can you take the NHA EKG exam?
Content covered on the NHA EKG exam
The NHA EKG exam covers a range of topics related to electrocardiography and cardiac care.
You will be tested on how to operate EKG equipment, identify cardiac rhythms, and understand patient care during EKG procedures.
The exam also evaluates your knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology related to the cardiovascular system.
If you want to learn more about the difficulty level, check out our detailed guide on how hard is EKG certification test.
Types of questions included
The NHA EKG exam includes multiple-choice questions designed to test your knowledge and practical skills in EKG technology.
These questions cover various topics like reading and interpreting cardiac rhythms, understanding the functions of EKG equipment, and recognizing safety procedures.
You will also encounter scenario-based questions that simulate real-life situations. These questions require you to apply your knowledge to patient care scenarios, such as identifying abnormal heartbeats or troubleshooting equipment issues.
Exam format and time limits for the NHA EKG exam
The NHA EKG exam consists of one hundred questions you must complete within a set time limit. This structure ensures that you can demonstrate both your knowledge and your ability to work efficiently under pressure.
Is the NHA EKG exam multiple-choice?
The NHA EKG exam uses a multiple-choice format, making it straightforward and fair for test-takers. Each question presents several answer options, allowing you to demonstrate your understanding of EKG concepts and procedures clearly and efficiently.
This format not only evaluates your knowledge of essential topics—such as cardiac anatomy, lead placement, and rhythm identification—but also tests your ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
By practicing with multiple-choice questions, you’ll get familiar with the structure and pacing of the exam, boosting your confidence when it’s time to take the test.
Preparation tips for answering questions
To prepare effectively, focus on mastering EKG fundamentals and practicing with sample questions. Use study guides and take practice exams like the EKG state exam practice test to become comfortable with the exam style.
Also, learn strategies for test-taking such as time management and eliminating incorrect answers. You can find more advice in our article about the EKG technician job description, which helps you understand key skills required.
What to expect on exam day
On exam day, arrive early and bring necessary identification.
The exam is typically computer-based and held at authorized testing centers. You will receive instructions on how to navigate the test and manage your time.
Stay calm, and focus on reading each question carefully.
How many questions can you miss on the NHA exam?
The NHA EKG exam passing score requires answering a certain percentage of questions correctly. While the exact passing score varies, generally you need to score around 70% or higher to pass.
This means you can miss up to about 30 questions but still pass. Check the official NHA guidelines for the most accurate passing score information.
How many times can you take the NHA EKG exam?
You can retake the NHA EKG exam if you do not pass the first time. However, there are limits on retakes within certain time frames, and you may need to pay an additional fee.
To learn more about exam costs, visit our page on how much does it cost to become an EKG technician .
