CET (NHA) Practice Test

Your complete resource for passing the Certified EKG Technician (CET) Exam by NHA.

🫀 Complete CET Mock Exams

🎯 Domain-Specific Drills

📚 CET (NHA) Study Guide & Info

What is the CET Exam?

The Certified EKG Technician (CET) exam is conducted by the NHA (National Healthcareer Association). It validates your skills in performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), analyzing cardiac rhythms, and ensuring patient safety during cardiac testing.

Credential Earned: CET (Certified EKG Technician)

Exam Format & Scoring

Total Questions100 Scored + 20 Pretest (Unscored)
Time Limit2 Hours
FormatMultiple Choice (4 options)
Passing Score390 / 500 (Scaled Score)
Testing ModePSI Testing Center or Online Proctored

Eligibility Requirements

To sit for the CET exam, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: Minimum 18 years old.
  • Education: High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Training/Experience:
    • Successful completion of an EKG Technician training program (within the last 5 years).
    • OR 1 year of supervised work experience in the field within the last 3 years.

Syllabus Breakdown (The 4 Domains)

The exam is heavily weighted towards the practical aspect of acquiring the EKG. Make sure you master lead placement and troubleshooting.

Domain 1: Safety & Compliance (32%)

  • Infection Control & Standard Precautions
  • HIPAA & Patient Privacy
  • Patient Communication & Consent
  • Vital Signs & Patient History

Domain 2: EKG Acquisition (44%)

  • Patient Prep: Skin cleaning, shaving.
  • Lead Placement: 12-lead (V1-V6), limb leads.
  • Modifications: Amputees, pediatric, dextrocardia.
  • Troubleshooting: Artifacts (somatic tremor, wandering baseline).

Domain 3: EKG Interpretation (24%)

  • Anatomy: Conduction system (SA/AV node).
  • Measurements: HR calculation, intervals (PR, QRS, QT).
  • Rhythms: Sinus, Atrial, Ventricular, Blocks.
  • Ischemia/Infarction: ST elevation/depression.

Domain 4: Stress & Ambulatory (10%)

  • Stress Testing: Bruce protocol, termination criteria.
  • Holter Monitoring: Patient diary, lead placement.
  • Telemetry: Continuous monitoring basics.

Critical Skills You Must Master

  • 12-Lead Placement: Memorize the exact location for V1 through V6. This is tested heavily.
  • Artifact Troubleshooting: Know the difference between a wandering baseline (loose lead) and somatic tremor (patient movement).
  • Arrhythmia Recognition: Be able to identify life-threatening rhythms like V-Fib, V-Tach, and Asystole instantly.
  • Calculation Methods: Know the 1500 method (precise) and the 6-second method (irregular rhythms) for calculating heart rate.