Dialysis technicians are a vital group of individuals in any hospital setting. Many technicians find that continuing their education helps them help their patients by continuing to advance their knowledge and skills.
The CCHT exam (Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician) is a certification that is beneficial to all those in the field, as it validates their knowledge and expertise and furthers their career. Those who plan on taking the CCHT should consider a CCHT practice test an important step in preparing for the exam.
Summary: Use the CCHT practice exam below to see what kinds of questions you can expect to see on the actual exam.
CCHT Practice Test
While the NNCC (Nephrology Nursing Certification Committee) offers an official full-length practice test, it is a $30 paid exam. Our team searched for free, reliable online CCHT practice tests to familiarize yourself with the kinds of questions that will be on the CCHT exam.
CCHT Sample Questions
- A machine tests positive for sterilant. This machine is a hemodialysis machine and you tested it before patient use. Which of the following is correct?
- The machine needs further rinsing
- The machine needs more sterilant
- The machine needs to be inspected by another person
- The machine is sterile
- The process in which a patient’s blood is channeled to the hemodialyzer and back into the body is known as what?
- Hemodialyzer
- Dialysis
- Cellular access
- Vascular access
Answers: 1-A, 2-D.
What is the CCHT Certification?
The CCHT Certification is administered by the NNCC, or Nephrology Nursing Certification Committee, and officially recognizes your expertise as a dialysis technician.
Just like any formal certification, it is meant to further your knowledge and show employers that you are committed, skilled, and informed about your role.
CCHT Eligibility
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)
What is on the CCHT Exam?
The CCHT consists of 150 questions spanning three hours of allotted time. There are four main areas that the exam evaluates:
- Clinical
- Technical
- Environmental
- Role
Clinical
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.
Technical
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.
Environmental
The environmental 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.
Role and Responsibilities
This section goes beyond technical knowledge and will test your interpersonal skills. This includes maintaining patient privacy, professional boundaries, and training new technicians.
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.
How To Study for the CCHT Exam
If you’re 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’re up to date on current practices and patient care. It’s important to review current information and familiarize yourself with exam materials.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
CCHT Exam FAQs
