CNA Sample 2026 September

The CNA certification is administered by state-approved testing agencies, through one of three national vendors: Credentia (the NNAAP exam), Prometric, or Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies). Requirements vary by state, but all include completing an approved training program and passing both written and clinical skills evaluations. Our free CNA practice tests help you prepare for success. Our free CNA practice test covers the NNAAP, Prometric and Headmaster content areas with instant answer explanations. Planning to advance to RN? Our free NCLEX practice test 2026 covers all Next Generation NCLEX formats including case studies and matrix questions.

Nursing assistant candidates can build hands-on clinical knowledge and reinforce key patient care concepts with our CNA nursing skills practice test 2 2026.

Free CNA Practice Test to Prepare for Your State Exam

This CNA practice test covers the core skills and knowledge areas found on the National Nurse Aide Assessment, including infection control, basic nursing skills, communication, and residents' rights. Each question mirrors the multiple-choice format used by Credentia (NNAAP), Prometric and Headmaster, the three testing vendors contracted by state nurse aide registries. (Pearson VUE no longer administers the NNAAP; Credentia took it over in 2021.) Working through a full-length practice test helps you identify weak areas before sitting for the actual certification exam, where the passing standard is set by your state: Headmaster states publish marks of 70-75%, while NNAAP and Prometric states report only pass or fail.

What the CNA Written Exam Actually Covers

The written portion of the CNA exam consists of 55 to 80 multiple-choice questions depending on your state and vendor, with a time limit ranging from 60 minutes to two hours. The NNAAP (Credentia) version has 70 questions, 60 scored plus 10 unscored pretest items, in 2 hours. Questions follow the April 2024 NNAAP content outline: Physical Care Skills 64% (Activities of Daily Living 22%, Basic Nursing Skills 35%, Restorative Skills 7%), Psychosocial Care Skills 10%, and Role of the Nurse Aide 26%, which covers communication, client rights, legal and ethical behavior, and being a member of the health care team.

CNA Exam Format at a Glance (2026)

Your state chooses one of three vendors, and the format follows the vendor:

• Credentia (NNAAP): written 70 questions (60 scored + 10 pretest) in 2 hours, or oral 60 questions + 10 reading-comprehension items in 2 hours; skills 5 randomly assigned tasks in 30 minutes, all must pass. Used in AK, AL, CA, CO, DC, GA, MD, NC, PA, RI, SC, TN, VA, WA and the territories. Tennessee uses a 75-question variant with a 75% passing mark.
• Prometric: written 60 questions in 90 minutes (55 in Alabama and Oklahoma), oral option available; skills 5 tasks (3 assigned + handwashing + indirect care) in 31-40 minutes. Used in CT, DE, FL, HI, ID, LA, NY, TX and (alongside another vendor) AL and OK.
• Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies): computer-based knowledge test of 70-80 questions in 60-90 minutes with a published per-state pass mark (Ohio 79 questions / 70%, Oregon 80 / 73%, Maryland 70 / 73%, California 75 / 75%, Montana 72 / 75%); skills 3-4 random tasks plus mandatory handwashing in 30-35 minutes, requiring all critical steps and 80% of the remaining steps. Used in about 25 states including AZ, AR, IA, KY, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NH, NV, NM, ND, OH, OR, SD, UT, VT, WI and WY.

Under 42 CFR 483.154 every state must offer a written or oral choice, use an RN evaluator for skills, allow at least three attempts, and list you on the nurse aide registry within 30 days of passing.

CNA Test Practice Questions With Answer Explanations

Effective CNA test practice goes beyond memorizing answers by helping you understand the reasoning behind each correct response. The questions in this set are based on the content areas outlined in your state-approved nurse aide training program, which must include a minimum of 75 hours of instruction under federal law. Each answer explanation references the relevant clinical concept so you can connect practice questions to real caregiving scenarios you will encounter during your skills evaluation.

How to Use Practice Questions for Maximum Retention

Review each incorrect answer immediately after completing a section rather than waiting until you finish the entire test. Research shows that correcting mistakes in context strengthens long-term recall, which is critical when the actual exam presents questions in randomized order across all content domains.

CNA Practice Exam Modeled on State Certification Standards

This CNA practice exam follows the same structure and difficulty level as the certification tests administered across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Questions address the three major domains of the NNAAP content outline tested nationally: physical care skills (activities of daily living, basic nursing skills and restorative care), psychosocial care skills, and the role of the nurse aide (communication, client rights, legal and ethical behavior, and teamwork). Completing a realistic practice exam under timed conditions builds the pacing discipline needed to finish within the allotted testing window without rushing through critical patient safety questions.

Differences Between State CNA Exams

While all states follow OBRA-mandated content areas, the number of questions, passing score thresholds, and skills tested during the clinical portion vary by state. For example, California candidates testing with Headmaster answer 75 questions in 60 minutes and need 75% to pass (California NNAAP candidates get the standard 70-question, 2-hour exam), while New York uses the Prometric format of 60 questions in 90 minutes with no published percentage, and each vendor draws different skills for the hands-on evaluation.

Related CNA resources: cna practice exam, cna certification, cna salary, cna skills test, cna reciprocity, free cna classes near me, cna registry, cna charting.

You can continue preparing with the cna lookup, which includes answer explanations for every question.

You can continue preparing with the cna renewal form, which includes answer explanations for every question.

Many employers offer free CNA training programs in exchange for a work commitment. Community colleges and Red Cross programs are typically more affordable than private schools. Financial aid and workforce development grants may be available in your area.

Ready to Pass Your CNA Exam?

Start preparing with our free CNA practice tests featuring 500+ questions covering all exam topics. Join thousands of successful nursing assistant candidates who passed on their first attempt!

Most states require CNAs to work at least 8 hours of paid nursing-related work within the 24-month certification period. Complete required in-service training hours through your employer or approved online programs. Submit renewal applications 60-90 days before expiration to avoid lapsed certification.