CNA Practice Test — Free Questions & Answers (2026)
Free CNA practice test with questions and detailed answer explanations. Prepare for the CNA written and skills exam with instant scoring for 2026.
Free CNA Practice Test
Our free CNA practice test includes questions covering all major domains of the CNA certification exam: physical care skills, psychosocial care, role of the nurse aide, safety, infection control, and legal/ethical issues.
Each question includes detailed answer explanations so you understand not just the correct answer, but WHY it's correct — the same critical thinking approach used on the actual exam.
Why Practice Tests Are Essential
- Identify weak areas — Know which topics to focus your study time on
- Build test-taking stamina — The actual exam is 60-100 questions in 90 minutes
- Learn from mistakes — Detailed explanations help you understand concepts, not just memorize answers
- Reduce test anxiety — Familiarity with question format reduces exam day stress
- Track progress — Take tests weekly to measure improvement over time
What to Expect on the CNA Exam
Written/Knowledge Exam
- Questions: 60-100 multiple choice
- Time: 90 minutes (some states allow 120 minutes)
- Passing score: 70-80% depending on state
- Format: Paper-based or computer-based depending on testing organization
Clinical Skills Exam
- Skills tested: 3-5 randomly selected from the approved skills list
- Time: 25-40 minutes total
- Evaluated by: Licensed nurse evaluator
- Key rule: Hand hygiene before and after EVERY skill (automatic fail if missed)
Content Domains
- Physical Care Skills (40-45%): ADLs, vital signs, nutrition, elimination, mobility
- Psychosocial Care (10-15%): Communication, emotional support, cultural awareness
- Role of Nurse Aide (10-15%): Scope of practice, delegation, teamwork
- Safety/Emergency (10-15%): Fall prevention, fire safety, restraints
- Infection Control (5-10%): Hand hygiene, PPE, standard precautions
- Legal/Ethical (5-10%): Patient rights, abuse reporting, HIPAA
CNA Practice Test Study Tips
- Take a diagnostic test first — Score yourself to find weak areas before studying
- Study by domain — Focus on one content area at a time until you score 80%+
- Do 50-100 questions daily — Consistent practice is better than marathon sessions
- Read every rationale — Even for questions you got right, the explanation reinforces learning
- Time yourself — Practice answering within 1-2 minutes per question
- Take full-length practice exams — Simulate the real experience at least 3 times before test day
- Focus on 'select the BEST answer' — Multiple choices may seem correct, but one is always BEST
CNA Exam Key Concepts
When must CNAs wash their hands?
Before and after EVERY patient contact, before/after gloving, after touching contaminated surfaces, before eating, after toileting. This is the #1 automatic fail on the skills exam.
Normal vital sign ranges?
BP: <120/80, Pulse: 60-100/min, Respirations: 12-20/min, Temperature: 97.8-99.1°F oral. Report any values outside these ranges immediately.
What are the 5 rights of delegation?
Right task, right circumstance, right person, right direction/communication, right supervision. CNAs can only perform tasks within their scope of practice.
How often should residents be repositioned?
At least every 2 hours to prevent pressure injuries. Document position changes and check skin condition at each turn.
- ✓Take a diagnostic practice test to find weak areas
- ✓Study each content domain until scoring 80%+
- ✓Complete 500+ practice questions total
- ✓Take 3 full-length timed practice exams
- ✓Practice all clinical skills with a partner
- ✓Memorize vital sign normal ranges
- ✓Review body mechanics for transfers
- ✓Know infection control and hand hygiene cold
- ✓Study patient rights and abuse reporting
- ✓Get 7-8 hours sleep the night before exam
CNA: Pros and Cons
- +cna — cNA exam preparation strengthens your knowledge across all domains
- +Passing the exam proves competency to employers and clients
- +Study materials and practice tests are widely available
- +Exam-based credentials are portable across states and employers
- +Clear exam objectives help focus your study plan effectively
- −Exam anxiety can affect performance — practice tests help reduce it
- −Registration fees are non-refundable if you miss your test date
- −Limited retake opportunities may apply with waiting periods
- −Exam content updates periodically — use current study materials
- −Testing center availability may require advance scheduling