CHPNA Practice Test

CHPNA Exam at a Glance

What changed for CHPNA in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Delivery changed to PSI test centers or live remote proctoring (previously Computer-based at PSI test centers or by live remote proctoring).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility changed to 500 hrs in last 12 months or 1,000 hrs in last 24 months under RN supervision (US) (previously 500 hrs in last 12 months or 1,000 hrs in last 24 months as a hospice/palliative nursing assistant under RN supervision (US)).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Score release changed to Pass/fail on screen; score report emailed within 24 hours (previously Pass/fail on screen right away; score report emailed within 24 hours).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake fee changed to $135 (reTEST Assured) (previously $135 (reTEST Assured, one use)).^[1]
• Oct 25, 2026: Retake policy changed to reTEST within one of next 3 windows, usable once (previously reTEST within one of the next 3 windows, usable once).^[1]

What the CHPNA is and how it works

According to Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center, “The Certification Examination for Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants consists of 110 multiple-choice items, of which 100 have equal weight for scoring.”^[1]

The Certified Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistant examination, offered by the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center, assesses individuals providing end-of-life and palliative care under registered nurse supervision in the United States. To sit for the examination, candidates must document 500 hrs in last 12 months or 1,000 hrs in last 24 months under RN supervision.

The examination contains 110 multiple-choice questions, which includes 100 scored questions and 10 pretest questions. Testing is delivered at PSI test centers or through live remote proctoring. An upcoming test window runs December 1–31, 2026. Passing requires a scaled score of 500 on a scale of 200–800. Testers receive an immediate pass/fail result on screen, and PSI emails the score report within 24 hours.

Passing candidates earn a credential with a validity of 4 years. If an initial attempt is unsuccessful, the reTEST Assured program allows a candidate to test again for a retake fee of $135. This retake policy permits testing within next 3 windows and is usable once. Nursing practice acts and certified nursing assistant registry requirements vary by state, so candidates should verify state-level rules with their local regulatory boards and the official testing body.

Worked examples: how to reason through CHPNA questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which document outlines what life-sustaining treatments a patient does or does not want?

1. Care plan
2. Living will (advance directive)
3. Insurance form
4. Nursing assessment

Answer: B. Living will (advance directive)

Explanation:

Option B is correct because a living will is an advance directive that records a person's specific directives regarding life-sustaining interventions, such as mechanical ventilation or artificial nutrition, in the event they lose decision-making capacity. Option A is incorrect because a care plan is an interdisciplinary clinical tool developed by the care team to guide daily care, rather than a legal declaration of patient wishes. Option C is incorrect because an insurance form addresses billing and financial coverage, not clinical care preferences. Option D is incorrect because a nursing assessment documents current clinical status and symptoms rather than binding patient choices for future interventions. Remember the general rule that legal documents designating patient choices about life-prolonging procedures are advance directives such as living wills.

Example 2

Question: When changing bed linens with a patient remaining in bed, what is the most important safety consideration?

1. Work quickly to minimize the patient's exposure to cool air
2. Keep side rails up when not actively working on that side and never leave the patient unattended
3. Remove all pillows to create more working space
4. Ask the patient to grip the side rail while you turn them

Answer: B. Keep side rails up when not actively working on that side and never leave the patient unattended

Explanation:

Option B is correct because raising the opposite side rail and maintaining constant attendance prevents accidental falls while rolling or repositioning an individual during an occupied bed change. Option A is incorrect because rushing increases the risk of injury, skin tears, and falls, even though maintaining warmth and dignity remains helpful. Option C is incorrect because taking away every pillow can compromise airway alignment, respiratory effort, and physical comfort. Option D is incorrect because relying on the patient to pull themselves can lead to muscle strain, skin shear, or sudden loss of grip if they lack physical strength. Remember the general rule that fall prevention and continuous physical monitoring take priority over speed and convenience when performing occupied bed making.

Example 3

Question: What is 'mottling' in the context of end-of-life care?

1. A rash caused by medication
2. Blotchy, purplish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation
3. Yellowing of the skin
4. Swelling of the extremities

Answer: B. Blotchy, purplish discoloration of the skin due to poor circulation

Explanation:

Option B is correct because mottling represents irregular, blotchy, red-to-purple skin discoloration resulting from diminished peripheral blood flow as cardiac output slows near the end of life. Option A is incorrect because an allergic or pharmacological drug eruption typically presents as hives, petechiae, or widespread erythema, rather than localized circulatory mottling. Option C is incorrect because yellowing of the skin signifies jaundice related to hepatic dysfunction or hyperbilirubinemia. Option D is incorrect because fluid accumulation and tissue swelling indicate peripheral edema, which stems from lymphatic or vascular fluid imbalances rather than capillary pooling. Remember the general rule that mottling reflects circulatory deceleration during the dying process, commonly appearing initially on dependent extremities such as feet and knees.

How to use these practice tests

Begin preparation by reviewing the official candidate handbook from the Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center to confirm your clinical eligibility. Work through topical practice sets systematically. Start by reinforcing core clinical concepts with CHPNA Palliative Care Fundamentals and CHPNA Pain and Symptom Management.

Next, focus on daily nursing assistant duties and interactions. Use CHPNA Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living alongside CHPNA Patient and Family Communication to refine practical safety procedures and bedside observation skills. Progress to complex emotional scenarios using CHPNA Spiritual and Psychosocial Support and ethical boundaries through CHPNA Legal, Ethical, and Professional Standards.

Conclude your review by evaluating your grasp of physical changes during dying through CHPNA End-of-Life Care. Review full-length sets to simulate testing conditions before scheduling your appointment at a PSI test center or via live remote proctoring for testing windows such as December 1–31, 2026.

Sources & last verified

1. Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center — number of questions, passing score, retake fee, retake policy (official source). “The Certification Examination for Hospice and Palliative Nursing Assistants consists of 110 multiple-choice items, of which 100 have equal weight for scoring.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
2. Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center — validity (official source). “After passing an examination, an individual is certified for four years.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
3. Hospice and Palliative Credentialing Center — eligibility, testing window (official source). “500 hours in the most recent 12 months or 1,000 hours in the most recent 24 months” Verified Oct 25, 2026.

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