CNA Exam Overview

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification exam consists of two parts: a written (knowledge) exam and a clinical skills evaluation. Both parts must be passed to earn your CNA certification.

The exam is administered by state-approved testing organizations such as Prometric, Credentia (NNAAP), or Headmaster, depending on your state. The format and specific requirements vary slightly by state, but the core content is standardized by the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).

Exam Components

• Written/Oral Exam: 60-100 multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge of nursing fundamentals, patient care, safety, and communication
• Clinical Skills Exam: You'll perform 3-5 randomly selected nursing skills on a standardized patient while being observed by an evaluator

CNA Skills Exam — What to Expect

The clinical skills portion of the CNA exam tests your ability to perform nursing procedures correctly and safely. Here are the most commonly tested skills:

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Most Frequently Tested CNA Skills

1. Hand hygiene — Required before and after EVERY skill (automatic fail if missed)
2. Measuring vital signs — Blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature
3. Positioning and turning — Moving patients in bed safely
4. Perineal care — Cleaning the genital/perineal area
5. Mouth care — Oral hygiene for conscious and unconscious patients
6. Ambulation with gait belt — Walking patients safely
7. Range of motion exercises — Upper and lower extremity ROM
8. Bed making — Occupied and unoccupied beds
9. Dressing and undressing — Assisting with clothing on affected side
10. Feeding a patient — Proper positioning and technique

Common Reasons for Failing the Skills Exam

• Forgetting to wash hands before and after the skill
• Not identifying the patient (checking name band)
• Failing to provide privacy (pulling curtain/closing door)
• Not explaining the procedure to the patient before starting
• Incorrect body mechanics during transfers or positioning
• Not raising side rails or lowering the bed when finished

CNA Written Exam Guide

The written portion tests your knowledge across these core domains:

Major Content Areas

• Physical Care Skills (64%) — Activities of daily living (22%), basic nursing skills including infection control, safety, emergencies and vital signs (35%), restorative and self-care skills (7%)
• Psychosocial Care Skills (10%) — Emotional and mental-health needs, cultural and spiritual needs
• Role of the Nurse Aide (26%) — Communication, resident rights, legal and ethical behavior, member of the health care team
• Source: NNAAP content outline effective April 2024 (Credentia). Prometric and Headmaster states publish their own outlines.

CNA Exam Study Tips

• Practice skills with a partner — Have someone observe you performing each skill and give feedback
• Talk through each step — During the skills exam, explain what you're doing to the patient (this shows the evaluator you know the procedure)
• Focus on hand hygiene — Wash hands before and after EVERY skill, no exceptions
• Use practice tests — Complete at least 500 practice questions before the written exam
• Study rationales — Don't just memorize answers; understand WHY each answer is correct
• Time yourself — Practice each skill within the time limit (usually 5-10 minutes per skill)