If you need help studying for the Certified Hemodialysis Technologist/Technician (CHT) exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free CHT practice test!
Exam Eligibility
Before you can register to take the CHT exam, you’ll need to have at least 6 months of nephrology patient care experience and current participation in an ERSD facility.
If you meet these requirements, you’re set to begin the registration process!
What’s on the Exam?
There are 150 multiple-choice questions on the exam, and the time limit is 3 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the exam.
1. Patient Care
45% of the exam
- Evaluating fluid management
- Collecting and evaluating patient data
- Documenting assessment
Evaluate, Intervene and Manage Treatment
- Setting treatment parameters
- Checking reuse dialyzer label
- Inspecting dialyzer
- Evaluating access
- Preparing vascular access for cannulation
- Preparing CVC and changing dressing
- Gaining access
- Collecting lab samples
- Administering heparin
- Verifying patient identification
- Documentation observations
- Monitoring and recording treatment data
- Responding to complications
- Notifying nurse of changes in patient condition
- Responding to dialysis machine alarms
- Documenting observations and patient data
- Performing procedures to terminate dialysis treatment
- Needle site care
- Catheter care
2. Machine Technology
12% of the exam
- Maintaining the dialysis machine
- Setting up the dialysis machine
- Evaluating the dialysis machine’s operation
3. Water Treatment
15% of the exam
- Understanding components/design of systems
- Disinfecting water treatment systems
- Maintaining systems
- Water treatment system checks
- Monitoring and evaluating systems
4. Infection Control
18% of the exam
- Maintaining a clean and safe patient environment
- Using dialysis precautions
- Implementing isolation procedures
5. Education and Professional Development
10% of the exam
- Educating the patient
- Engaging in professional development
- Understanding quality-related issues
- Demonstrating communication skills with staff members
How to Register
Once you’ve ensured that you meet the eligibility requirements, you can register for the exam!
To get started, you’ll need to submit an application to BONENT. The application will ask you for your contact information and any documentation to prove your eligibility (among other things).
When you submit the application, you’ll also need to submit the testing fee, which is $255 for the computerized version of the exam. If you take the paper-and-pencil version, the cost is $235.
Once your application is approved, you’ll be able to register and schedule a testing appointment.
CHT Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
For every question you answer correctly, you get one point added to your raw score. At the end of the test, your final raw score will be converted to a scaled score. This scaled score will range somewhere between 1 and 00.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test as many times as you need.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test.
FAQs
How many questions are on the CHT exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the CHT exam?
The exam is timed at 3 hours.
What is the passing score for the CHT exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 70 to pass.
How much does the CHT exam cost?
The testing fee is $255 for the computerized version of the exam