CNA Practice Test

If you’re preparing to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), the CNA Test is your official gateway into the profession. This two-part exam is designed to assess whether you have the knowledge, skills, and judgment necessary to provide basic care for patients in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, and home health environments.

The CNA Test includes:

• A written (or oral) exam that measures your understanding of topics like infection control, patient safety, basic nursing procedures, communication, legal responsibilities, and mental health support.
• A skills evaluation, where you’ll perform essential nursing assistant duties in a simulated clinical setting.

This test isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle—it’s a practical assessment grounded in real-world caregiving. It ensures that every certified CNA meets federally regulated standards for safety, ethics, and competence.

Each state regulates CNA certification independently, meaning the format and content may vary slightly depending on where you’re testing. That said, most states follow guidelines established by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987, which sets a national minimum training requirement of 75 hours and mandates testing in both written knowledge and hands-on clinical skills.

The CNA exam is administered by state-approved testing providers like Prometric, Credentia, or Headmaster, depending on your location. It’s a valid and reliable tool used nationwide to verify your readiness to work directly with vulnerable patient populations. And yes—it’s passable.

Thousands of candidates successfully pass the CNA exam each month—especially those who approach it with the right preparation. If you’re ready to move forward with confidence, a well-structured study plan focused on the written test is the smartest place to start.

Question Types Explained

The CNA certification exam consists of two distinct parts: the written (or oral) knowledge test and the clinical skills evaluation. Each is designed to assess a different set of competencies essential for safe, effective patient care. Understanding the format and expectations of both will help you prepare strategically.

Written (or Oral) Knowledge Exam

This portion of the test is typically a multiple-choice exam with 70 questions, including some unscored pilot items that do not count toward your final score. Candidates have up to two hours to complete the test. Many states offer an oral version, which includes 60 standard questions read aloud and 10 vocabulary-based listening questions.

The exam measures your understanding of:

• Infection control and safety procedures
• Activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Basic nursing and restorative skills
• Communication and interpersonal behavior
• Legal and ethical responsibilities
• Recognizing physical, emotional, and developmental needs of patients

To perform well, you’ll need a strong grasp of medical terminology, the ability to interpret situational questions, and the judgment to choose best-practice responses—even when multiple answers appear reasonable.

Written Test Content Breakdown

This table shows the primary knowledge areas covered on the CNA written exam. Use it to guide your topic-based study sessions.

Content Area	Approximate Weight
Basic Nursing Skills	30–40%
Safety & Infection Control	20–25%
Activities of Daily Living	10–15%
Communication & Behavior	10–15%
Legal & Ethical Duties	5–10%
Mental Health & Aging	5–10%

Clinical Skills Evaluation

In the skills portion, you will be asked to perform five randomly assigned nursing assistant tasks, one of which is always hand hygiene. These tasks are demonstrated in a simulated care environment and observed by a nurse evaluator, who scores your performance using a standardized checklist.

Skills may include:

• Assisting with ambulation using a gait belt
• Measuring and recording vital signs
• Providing perineal care, catheter care, or feeding assistance
• Performing range-of-motion exercises
• Applying personal protective equipment (PPE)

Each task has specific critical steps—such as ensuring patient safety or maintaining infection control—that must be performed correctly. Missing a critical step typically results in failure of that skill. You’ll need precision, calm communication, and solid timing to pass.

Clinical Skills Task Examples

Here are common tasks you may be asked to perform during the skills evaluation. One will always be hand hygiene.

Sample Task	Focus Area
Handwashing	Infection control
Feeding a Resident	Nutrition & safety
Transferring with Gait Belt	Mobility assistance
Measuring Radial Pulse	Vital signs monitoring
Catheter Care	Hygiene & safety
Range-of-Motion (Shoulder)	Mobility support

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Summary Table: CNA Exam Question Types

Exam Part	Format and Length	What It Measures	Key to Success
Written / Oral Test	70 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours (oral version: 60 questions + 10 vocabulary items)	Core knowledge of procedures, communication, safety, ethics	Content mastery, time management, test-taking strategy
Skills Evaluation	Perform 5 assigned tasks in 30 minutes under observation	Clinical technique, safety habits, infection control, communication	Rehearsed steps, attention to detail, calm interaction

“The skills part was nerve-wracking at first, but once I started with hand hygiene and stayed calm, everything flowed. I got perineal care, feeding, and ambulation with a gait belt. Just make sure you narrate everything out loud—it really helped me stay on track.”

— u/CareShift93/ reddit

Preparation Strategies

Preparing for the CNA Test takes more than casual review—you’ll need a structured plan that targets both knowledge and confidence under pressure. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you study effectively for the written exam and understand how to approach the clinical evaluation.

7 Steps to Prepare for the CNA Exam

1. Understand the Test Format and Content Areas
   Start by reviewing your state’s candidate handbook and testing guidelines. Know exactly what topics are covered on the written test, how many questions to expect, the time limit, and what constitutes a passing score. Understanding the format ahead of time reduces anxiety and helps you study with purpose.
2. Use a State-Aligned Study Guide
   Not all CNA tests are identical—each state has its own exam structure and emphasis. Choose study materials that reflect your state’s official content outline. Focus especially on infection control, safety procedures, communication, and daily care skills, as these appear across all exams.
3. Break Your Study into Manageable Topics
   Divide your study sessions by subject area: patient rights, nutrition, emergency procedures, vital signs, and so on. Use flashcards or study apps to drill definitions and steps, and keep a checklist to track your progress through each topic.
4. Take Practice Tests Regularly
   Practice exams help you build test-taking stamina, reinforce key concepts, and identify areas of weakness. Simulate the real timing whenever possible. Review both correct and incorrect answers so you understand the reasoning behind each.
5. Focus on Vocabulary and Medical Terminology
   The CNA test uses specific healthcare language—especially in the written version. Build your vocabulary gradually and pay attention to common abbreviations, root words, and terms related to anatomy, procedures, and communication.
6. Practice Answering Scenario-Based Questions
   Many written test questions present real-life care situations. Learn how to interpret these scenarios and choose the most appropriate response, often based on safety, ethics, or dignity. Don’t just memorize facts—practice applying them.
7. Review Skills Checklists and Watch Demonstration Videos
   Even if your focus is the written exam, reviewing clinical procedures helps reinforce your understanding of best practices. Many written questions are based on skills procedures, so familiarity with proper step order and infection control can give you an edge.

Common Reasons for Test Failure

These are some of the most frequent causes of failing either the written or skills exam. Awareness can help you avoid them.

Cause	Affects Which Test
Missing a critical step	Skills Test
Poor hand hygiene technique	Skills Test
Misreading a question	Written Test
Skipping patient identification	Skills Test
Timing out on a task	Skills Test
Choosing unsafe response option	Written Test

Test Features

The CNA Test is designed to evaluate whether a candidate possesses the foundational knowledge and clinical skills necessary to provide safe, effective care in a healthcare setting. It reflects real-world responsibilities and is structured to assess both theoretical understanding and hands-on competence.

Dual-Component Structure

The exam is divided into two parts: a written (or oral) multiple-choice test and a clinical skills evaluation. Both sections must be passed to achieve certification.

Real-World Relevance

Questions and tasks reflect actual situations nursing assistants face in long-term care, hospitals, and home health environments. This ensures the test measures not just memorized facts, but decision-making and professional judgment.

Emphasis on Safety and Ethics

Both exam components heavily emphasize resident safety, infection control, and ethical behavior. These are considered non-negotiable standards for entry into the profession.

State-Specific Customization

While based on federal guidelines, the exam is adapted by each state to match local certification requirements. Some states offer the test in multiple languages or include state-specific legal content.

Administered by Third-Party Providers

States contract with independent testing vendors—such as Prometric or Credentia—to develop, administer, and score the exam under consistent and secure conditions.

Common names for the CNA Test

• CNA Exam
• Nurse Aide Exam
• Nursing Assistant Certification Test
• Nurse Aide Assessment
• Certified Nurse Aide Exam
• State Competency Exam for Nursing Assistants
• CNA State Board Exam
• Nurse Assistant State Exam

“I passed on the first try by doing practice questions every day for two weeks. Flashcards for infection control and safety procedures helped the most.”

— u/ExamEdgeGrind/ reddit

Technical Facts

Test Fast Facts (tl;dr)

• Written: 70 questions, 2 hours
• Oral: 60 questions + 10 vocab
• Skills: 5 tasks, 30 mins
• Cost: ~$130 total (both parts)
• ID: 2 valid IDs required
• Retakes: 3 tries in 12 months
• Scores: Results in ~24 hours

Exam Length & Question Count

The written CNA exam contains 70 multiple-choice questions—60 scored items plus 10 non-scored pilot items—and you’re given two hours to finish.

Oral Exam Option

An oral format is available in many states; it substitutes 60 questions read aloud plus 10 word-recognition items for the standard written test, accommodating candidates who prefer spoken English or Spanish delivery.

Skills Task Selection

During the clinical evaluation you must complete five randomly chosen tasks (hand hygiene plus four others) that are scored by a nurse evaluator against a standardized checklist of critical and non-critical steps.

Registration & Scheduling

Most states use online portals such as Credentia’s CNA365 to accept applications, collect fees, and let candidates choose from regional test sites or in-facility sessions; reservations typically must be made at least 10 days before the desired date.

Fees

A common fee schedule is $35 for the written or oral test, $95 for the skills test, or $130 for the combined competency evaluation, payable by credit card or employer-issued voucher and generally non-refundable.

Identification Requirements

Expect to present two current, signature-bearing IDs—one with a photo—such as a driver’s license or passport; photocopies and expired documents are not accepted at the test site.

Retake Limits & Time Window

Most jurisdictions grant three attempts within one year (or two years in some states) to pass both sections before mandatory retraining is required.

Score Reporting & Registry Listing

Results post to your online account—often within 24 hours—and passing scores are automatically forwarded to the state nurse-aide registry so employers can verify your certification.

ADA Accommodations

Testing vendors provide reasonable accommodations—extra time, separate rooms, or a reader/recorder—for candidates with documented disabilities, evaluated case-by-case during application.

Testing Modalities

Depending on state policy, you may test in person at regional centers, in-facility classrooms, or via live-remote proctoring for the written portion; the skills exam remains strictly in-person.

Results Scale and Interpretations

Once you’ve completed the CNA Test, your results will be evaluated separately for each section: the written (or oral) exam and the clinical skills evaluation. You must pass both parts to receive your certification and be listed on your state’s nurse aide registry. Here’s how your performance is scored and what it means for your readiness to work as a CNA.

Written (or Oral) Exam Scoring

The written test is scored electronically. Most states require a minimum of 70% to 75% correct answers to pass. You will not be penalized for wrong answers—only correct responses are counted. If you take the oral version, the scoring follows the same rules: 60 multiple-choice questions and 10 word recognition items, with a similar passing threshold.

Your score report typically indicates:

• Pass/Fail status
• Number of questions answered correctly
• Percentage score (in some states)
• Performance breakdown by content area (e.g., infection control, basic care, communication)

This breakdown can help you identify weak areas if you need to retake the test.

Skills Evaluation Scoring

The skills test is scored by a nurse evaluator who watches you perform five randomly assigned tasks. Each task includes multiple required steps, and some of those are marked as critical steps (such as hand hygiene or locking a wheelchair). Missing a critical step generally results in automatic failure of that task—and, in most cases, the entire skills exam.

The score report will typically show:

• Pass/Fail status
• Each skill tested
• Steps completed vs. missed
• Which, if any, critical steps were failed

The results provide clear insight into your readiness for hands-on care. A passing performance indicates that you’ve demonstrated basic clinical competence and safety awareness.

Example Score Interpretations

• Written Score: 78% – PASS
  Indicates solid understanding of theory, with some room to grow. Candidate is ready for certification.
• Skills Score: 4 out of 5 tasks passed, 1 failed due to missed critical step – FAIL
  Suggests adequate knowledge but a need to review and rehearse procedures more thoroughly, especially safety protocols.
• Written Score: 68% – FAIL
  Performance is below standard. Candidate should revisit key content areas and take additional practice tests.

How Employers Use Your Score

Employers generally do not see your numeric scores. They confirm your certification status and check your listing on the state nurse aide registry. However, a candidate who passes both tests on the first attempt, especially with strong clinical feedback, is often viewed as more prepared, reliable, and ready to enter patient care settings with minimal supervision.

Scoring Example

Let’s say you took both parts of the exam. You scored 76% on the written test and passed all five assigned skills, including the critical steps. That means you passed both components and are now eligible for certification and registry listing in your state.

Exam Section	Result	Notes
Written Test	76% – PASS	Above the minimum passing threshold
Skills Evaluation	PASS	All five skills passed, including critical steps
Certification	Eligible	Candidate may now be listed on registry

FAQs

Test Tips

1. Arrive Early and Prepared
   Give yourself extra time to check in, present your IDs, and settle your nerves. Rushing leads to mistakes—and being late could get you turned away entirely.
2. Bring the Right Identification
   Make sure you have two valid forms of ID, including one with a photo. No exceptions, and no photocopies. Double-check this the night before.
3. Listen Carefully to Instructions
   Whether you’re taking the written or skills test, instructions matter. Don’t assume you know what’s being asked—listen closely, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarification before starting.
4. Read Every Question Twice
   Many written test mistakes come from misreading. Take the extra few seconds to reread each question, especially if it includes words like not, first, or most important.
5. Think Safety First on the Skills Test
   If you’re not sure what to do next, ask yourself: What’s the safest choice for the patient? That mindset will guide you to the correct action nearly every time.
6. Talk Through Your Actions During Skills
   Narrate what you’re doing as you perform each task. It helps the evaluator follow your process and gives you credit for steps that may not be physically visible.
7. Don’t Panic if You Make a Mistake
   Stay calm and correct it, if possible. Small errors aren’t always fatal—missing a critical step is. Focus on finishing strong and confidently.

“My written test had a lot of situational questions—like what you should do if a resident refuses care or if you notice signs of abuse. You really have to know more than just definitions. Ethics and resident rights came up more than I expected.”

— u/NurseQuest88 / reddit

Administration

• Test Location
  CNA exams are administered at regional test centers, training facilities, or approved in-facility sites. Some written tests may be taken online with live proctoring.
• Test Schedule
  Dates vary by location and provider. You must schedule your exam in advance—typically at least 10 days ahead.
• Test Format
  The written exam is computerized and multiple-choice. The skills test is performed in person with a live evaluator.
• Test Materials
  No personal items allowed. Pen, paper, and any necessary supplies are provided by the testing site. You must bring two valid IDs.
• Cost
  Fees vary by state but typically total around $130 for both parts. Some states or employers may subsidize costs.
• Retake Policy
  Most states allow up to 3 attempts within 12 months to pass both sections. After that, retraining may be required.

Test Provider

The CNA Test is administered by state-approved vendors, with the most prominent being Credentia, Prometric, and Headmaster. These organizations specialize in healthcare certification exams and work in partnership with state nursing boards to ensure standardized, secure testing environments. Each provider offers registration platforms, test scheduling, exam delivery, and score reporting services.

Though they operate primarily in the United States, these companies also support other allied health certification programs across various states and disciplines. Their top offerings include CNA certification, Medication Aide testing, and other nurse aide-related competency exams. Availability, testing rules, and procedures vary by state, so candidates should always consult their specific state’s testing provider for accurate details.

Information Sources

• Credentia CNA365
• Prometric
• Headmaster Testing Services
• National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Disclaimer – All information and prep materials on iPREP are original and intended solely for educational and tutoring purposes. iPREP is not affiliated with Credentia, Prometric, Headmaster, or any official CNA test provider, nor with any of the organizations listed above. The CNA Test is the property of its respective administering bodies.