Nationally Certified Multi-Skilled Medication Aide
CIP Code: 51.2603 • 125 questions • 2.5 hours • Passing score: 70% • Annual renewal
Overview
This credential validates multi-skilled readiness to safely administer non-parenteral medications in long-term care, assisted living, and similar settings. Certified Medication Aides follow the 6 rights, perform medication preparation and documentation, observe and report effects, maintain infection control, and support the care team under licensed supervision.
- Nationally recognized Multi-Skilled Stackable
- Listed in the NHWCA National Registry for employer verification
- Annual renewal: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
Why Multi-Skilled?
NHWCA’s multi-skilled model confirms competency across medication safety, communication, documentation, and resident support—so facilities can staff flexibly with one certified professional per unit or shift.
Job Description
A Medication Aide prepares and administers non-parenteral medications per policy (oral, topical, ophthalmic, otic, inhaled), verifies orders and the 6 rights, documents MAR entries and variances, observes and reports effects and side effects, maintains infection control, and communicates with licensed nurses and providers.
Qualifications (choose one)
- Graduate of a CNA/MA or allied health program with medication module; or
- Trained on the job by an accredited long-term care or assisted living facility; or
- Experience: 3 months verifiable medication assistance experience.
State/local authorization may be required to perform medication administration. All candidates must meet age, ID, and conduct requirements per the NHWCA Candidate Handbook.
Exam Structure & Timing
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Question Count | 125 multiple-choice (100 scored + 25 pilot) |
| Time Limit | 2.5 hours (150 minutes) |
| Passing Score | 70% or higher |
| Delivery | Online or approved testing site, proctored, closed-book |
| Question Style | Scenario-based and knowledge-based items |
Exam Domains & Weighting
| Domain | Weight | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|---|
| Medication Safety & 6 Rights, MAR Documentation | 25% | ~31 |
| Dosage Forms, Routes & Administration Procedures | 20% | ~25 |
| Pharmacology Basics & Side Effects | 15% | ~19 |
| Infection Control & Aseptic Technique | 15% | ~19 |
| Resident Observation, Reporting & Communication | 15% | ~19 |
| Resident Rights, Ethics & Safety | 10% | ~12 |
Totals reflect 100 scored items; 25 pilot items do not affect score.
Practice Questions (10)
Included with registration inside the candidate portal. These do not affect your score but mirror the style and depth of the live exam.
Renewal
- Cycle: Annual
- Requirements: $199 • 10 CEU • Active CPR • No lapse
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