EKG Technician Exam FAQ (2026)

Answers to the most-searched NHA CET questions: lead placement, rhythm identification, scoring, registration, and study strategies — updated for 2026.

What is the NHA CET exam?

The Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam is administered by the NHA. It assesses cardiac anatomy, EKG lead placement, rhythm strip interpretation, arrhythmia recognition, and patient safety.

How many questions are on the CET exam?

100 scored questions plus 10 pretest items (110 total). The time limit is 128 minutes.

What is the passing score for the CET exam?

NHA uses a scaled scoring system from 200 to 500. The passing score is 390. Raw accuracy of ~70–75% typically corresponds to a passing score.

What content areas does the CET exam cover?

EKG Acquisition (52%), EKG Analysis and Interpretation (26%), Safety, Compliance & Patient Care (13%), and Quality Assurance & Reporting (9%).

What lead placement must I know for the CET exam?

4 limb leads (RA, LA, RL, LL) and 6 precordial leads (V1–V6). V1 = 4th intercostal space, right sternal border. V6 = 5th intercostal space, midaxillary line.

What rhythms are tested on the CET exam?

Normal sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, PVCs, ventricular tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and first-, second-, and third-degree heart blocks.

How long should I study for the CET exam?

Most candidates need 4–8 weeks. EKG acquisition and rhythm interpretation together account for 78% of the exam — prioritize these domains.

How do I register for the NHA CET exam?

Register at nhanow.com. Select the CET exam, choose your modality (Pearson VUE or online proctored), and pay the fee (~$155–$175). You'll receive an ATT to schedule.

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