If you’re exploring a healthcare career, specifically as a patient care assistant or technician, you’ve likely encountered the CPCT/A exam in your research. Maybe it came up while browsing job listings. Or perhaps an academic advisor mentioned it as an essential next step.

Either way, it’s worth paying attention to.

According to the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), 96% of employers “require or encourage” certification for patient care technicians and assistants. That’s a powerful statistic, and a clear signal that certification is no longer optional for many aspiring healthcare professionals. It’s becoming the standard.

In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about the CPCT/A exam, from what it is and who needs it, to what’s on the test and how to prepare. If you’re serious about launching a career in patient care, this is information you’ll want to have.

What is the CPCT/A exam?

The Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant (CPCT/A) exam is a nationally recognized certification offered by the National Healthcareer Association. It’s designed to verify that an individual has the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills required to work effectively in patient care roles.

Patient care technicians and assistants play a critical role in healthcare settings. They work closely with patients and support nurses, physicians, and other medical professionals. Because of this, employers want assurance that candidates understand safety protocols, clinical procedures, and professional standards.

That’s where the CPCT/A exam comes in.

Earning this certification shows that you’ve been trained in essential patient care competencies and are prepared to work in fast-paced environments such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and rehabilitation centers.

Is CPCT/A certification required to become a patient care assistant?

The answer really depends on where you want to work, but the trend is clear.

While some entry-level roles may not legally require certification, most employers strongly prefer it. As previously noted, the NHA reports that 96% of employers either require or encourage certification for patient care technicians and assistants.

From an employer’s perspective, certification reduces risk. It confirms that a candidate has met national standards and can perform patient care tasks safely and professionally. From a job seeker’s perspective, it can significantly influence hiring decisions.

Certification can help you:

• Stand out in a competitive job market
• Qualify for more job opportunities
• Demonstrate commitment to your career
• Build confidence as you enter the workforce

While certification may not always be legally required, it’s increasingly expected, and often preferred.

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What can you expect on the CPCT/A certification exam?

Understanding what’s on the exam is one of the best ways to reduce test anxiety.

The CPCT/A exam is designed to reflect real-world patient care responsibilities. Rather than focusing on abstract concepts, it assesses whether you can apply your knowledge in clinical situations.

The exam typically covers areas such as:

• Basic patient care and comfort
• Infection control and safety procedures
• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Phlebotomy and EKG fundamentals
• Patient mobility, positioning, and transport
• Communication, professionalism, and ethics
• Legal responsibilities and patient rights

The format is multiple-choice, but the questions are scenario-based. That means you’re often asked what you should do in a given patient care situation, not just what a definition means.

This is why hands-on training and practical experience are so necessary when preparing for the CPCT/A exam.

How to prepare for the CPCT/A exam

Preparation isn’t just about studying. It’s about building fundamental skills.

While some individuals attempt to prepare independently, most successful candidates complete a formal patient care training program that aligns closely with the exam content. These programs help students connect classroom learning with real clinical applications.

At Goodwin University, the Patient Care Associate certificate program is designed to prepare students to sit for certifications such as the CPCT/A exam offered by the National Healthcareer Association. The program focuses on both technical skills and professional readiness, helping students feel confident on exam day.

Students learn through a combination of coursework and hands-on practice, gaining experience in areas such as:

• Patient monitoring and daily care
• Clinical procedures and safety standards
• Medical terminology and documentation
• Infection control techniques
• Professional communication in healthcare settings

Why education and certification go hand in hand

Certification exams are designed to confirm competence, not to replace education.

That’s why employers value candidates who complete formal training programs before sitting for the CPCT/A exam. Education provides context, structure, and supervised practice. Elements that are difficult to replicate through self-study alone.

Our Patient Care Associate program emphasizes real-world readiness. Students don’t just prepare for an exam; they prepare for the demands of working with patients in real healthcare environments.

Is the CPCT/A exam worth it?

When nearly every employer in the field values certification, the question becomes less about whether it’s worth it and more about when you should pursue it.

The CPCT/A exam can:

• Increase your employability
• Open doors to more healthcare roles
• Demonstrate professionalism and reliability
• Support career advancement opportunities

For many students, certification represents a turning point—the moment when education turns into opportunity.

When paired with a focused training program like Goodwin’s Patient Care Associate certificate, the CPCT/A exam becomes more than a test. It becomes a pathway into the healthcare field.

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Healthcare is built on trust, skill, and compassion. Patient care assistants and technicians are often the professionals patients interact with most, and that responsibility matters.

The CPCT/A exam helps ensure that those entering the field are prepared to meet that responsibility. With proper training, hands-on experience, and thoughtful preparation, certification is an achievable and worthwhile goal.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a patient care career, understanding the CPCT/A exam is a smart place to start.

Learn more about becoming a Patient Care Associate or Technician at Goodwin University today.