CNA Practice Test
Updated for October 2026
Our free CNA practice test questions help you prepare for the certified nursing assistant exam — the final step to becoming a healthcare professional. Understanding the full CNA meaning and passing the exam validates your knowledge of basic nursing skills and patient care safety.
Our comprehensive study guide and free practice questions will help you prepare. Whether you're in CNA schooling or ready for the CNA license test, these resources are designed for your success.
Important: The CNA certification exam consists of two parts: a written knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation. You must pass both to earn your certified CNA status. A CNA nurse assistant plays a vital role in patient care.
CNA Exam Flashcards
Click to flip and test your knowledge
📚 🏥What is a CNA?
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) helps patients with activities of daily living and provides basic care.
🎯 ⚕️CNA vs LPN?
CNAs provide basic care like bathing; LPNs can administer medications and perform more medical tasks.
💡 🩸Normal BP Range?
Normal adult blood pressure is typically below 120/80 mm Hg.
🔑 🧼Hand Washing Time?
Scrub hands with soap for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove germs.
📝 🛌How often to turn?
Bedbound patients should be repositioned at least every 2 hours to prevent pressure ulcers.
⭐ 🌡️Normal Pulse?
A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute.
CNA Exam Study Guide
The CNA study guide below breaks down essential topics for the CNA test. Review these common questions to prepare for your certification.
- What is the CNA exam?
- The CNA exam is a certification test for nursing assistants, verifying competency in basic nursing skills and patient care.
- Who takes the CNA test?
- Individuals completing a state-approved CNA training program must take the test to become certified.
- What does CNA stand for?
- CNA stands for Certified Nursing Assistant.
- Is the CNA exam hard?
- The exam can be challenging, but with proper CNA schooling and practice, most students pass.
- How many questions on the CNA exam?
- The written portion has 55-70 multiple-choice questions depending on the vendor: 70 on the Credentia NNAAP exam, 60 on Prometric in Texas, 65 on Headmaster in Michigan.
- What are the clinical skills?
- You will be tested on 3-5 randomly selected skills like hand washing, ambulation, or feeding.
- How long is the CNA test?
- You get 60 minutes (Headmaster, Michigan) to 90 minutes (Prometric) to 2 hours (Credentia NNAAP) for the written part and about 30-40 minutes for skills.
- Is it computer-based?
- Yes, most states use computer-based testing for the written portion.
- How do I register for the CNA exam?
- Register through your state's testing provider, such as Credentia, Prometric, or Headmaster.
- What is the CNA exam cost?
- Fees vary by state and vendor, typically $125 to $175 for both parts (Pennsylvania $135, North Carolina $140, Wisconsin $144.70, Michigan $175).
- What do I bring to the test?
- Bring valid ID, your admission ticket, and wear scrubs for the skills portion.
- Can I retake the CNA test?
- Yes, federal rules guarantee at least 3 attempts, and most states allow 3 attempts per part within 24 months of finishing training.
- What is a passing score?
- Passing scores vary by state but are usually around 70-75% for the written section.
- When do I get results?
- Written results are often available immediately or within 24 hours; skills results may take a few days.
- Does the CNA license expire?
- Yes, CNA certification typically must be renewed every 2 years with proof of employment.
- How do I verify my license?
- Use your state's CNA registry website to verify your certification status.
- What is the average CNA salary?
- The average annual CNA salary is approximately $35,000 to $40,000.
- Do travel CNAs make more?
- Yes, traveling CNA positions often offer higher pay and stipends.
- Can I advance my career?
- Yes, many CNAs use their experience to bridge into LPN or RN programs.
- Where can I work?
- CNAs work in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, and clinics.
CNA: upcoming dates and official changes
- Aug 1, 2026: Connecticut (Prometric) implements new exam pricing: $48 for written only, $48 for oral only, $125 for bundled written and clinical skills, effective August 1, 2026.[5]
- Jul 1, 2026: Idaho (Prometric) raises CNA exam fees to $34 each for written and oral exams, plus test site fees, effective July 1, 2026.[6]
What changed for CNA
- Passing score (written or oral): Set per state; no national percentage published.[1]
- Retake policy: Minimum 3 attempts required; aides must be told which areas they failed before each retake.[1]
- Validity: 2 years from issuance in most states.[2]
- Renewal: State-specific; typically 2-year cycles with continuing education requirements (12–24 hours per year) and paid-work requirements.[3]
- Delivery (in-person): In-person written or oral exam plus in-person skills demonstration at approved test centers.[1]
- Eligibility (training): Minimum 75 clock hours approved training (federal requirement); at least 16 hours supervised practical training.[1]
- Score release: Days to weeks; varies by state and vendor (no national standard).[4]
Numbers in brackets link to the official sources listed under Sources & last verified. Dates that have passed are removed automatically.
CNA Practice Test Questions
Prepare for the CNA - Certified Nursing Assistant exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.
What changed for CNA in 2026
- Aug 1, 2026: Connecticut (Prometric) implements new exam pricing: $48 for written only, $48 for oral only, $125 for bundled written and clinical skills, effective August 1, 2026.[5]
- Jul 1, 2026: Idaho (Prometric) raises CNA exam fees to $34 each for written and oral exams, plus test site fees, effective July 1, 2026.[6]
- Jan 1, 2026: Missouri (Headmaster) raises CNA exam fees: knowledge from $30 to $32, skills from $95 to $103.[7]
Many nursing homes offer free CNA training in exchange for a work commitment. Search for "paid CNA training" or "CNA sponsorship" in your area. Practice with the free CNA practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (3,000+ questions with answer explanations).
If you are searching for free CNA credential practice exams, start with the CNA practice test 2026 questions on this page: every answer comes with an explanation, and the study notes below cover the CNA exam topics in order.
Related CNA resources: cna certification, cna salary, cna skills test, cna reciprocity, free cna classes near me, cna registry, cna charting, cna to rn.
Free CNA Study Tools
Interactive CNA resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:
CNA Test Day Checklist
Valid government-issued photo ID Second form of ID (if required) Admission ticket / Confirmation Clean scrubs & non-skid shoes Ready to Pass the CNA Exam?
Join thousands of students who have used our free CNA practice tests to become Certified Nursing Assistants.
CNA Renewal Requirements
To maintain your CNA license, you must renew it periodically, typically every two years, by providing proof of employment and in-service training.
📅
Renewal Cycle Every
2 Years
Don't let your certification lapse! Check your state's registry for specific CNA renewal forms and deadlines to avoid retaking the exam. Remember to check the CNA registry regularly.
Related CNA Practice Test Resources
If you are preparing for a career in nursing, you may also find these related practice tests helpful:
Prepare for the NCLEX - National Council Licensure Examination — the national licensure exam for registered nurses, testing clinical judgment and patient safety across all nursing domains.
Prepare for the TEAS - Test of Essential Academic Skills — a standardized admissions test for nursing programs, assessing reading, math, science, and English language skills.
Prepare for the CCRN - Review — a specialty certification for nurses working in critical care units, covering hemodynamic monitoring and ventilator management.
Prepare for the PCCN - Exam — the Progressive Care Certified Nurse exam for nurses in step-down and telemetry units.
Prepare for the CMSRN - Medical-Surgical Nursing — the Medical-Surgical Nursing Certification for nurses specializing in adult health and perioperative care.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cna written exam practice test resource.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cna practice test pdf resource.
For a fuller set of questions on this topic, see our cna courses near me resource.
Pros
- Validates your knowledge and skills objectively
- Increases job market competitiveness
- Provides structured learning goals
- Networking opportunities with other certified professionals
Cons
- Study materials can be expensive
- Exam anxiety can affect performance
- Requires dedicated preparation time
- Retake fees apply if you don't pass
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
CNA Practice Test 2026
The written (or oral) portion of the CNA exam is delivered by one of three test vendors, and the format depends on which one your state uses. Prometric administers a 60-question multiple-choice test with a 90-minute limit in Texas (Alabama uses 55 questions in the same 90 minutes), and the count varies by state. Credentia runs the NNAAP written exam (70 multiple-choice questions, two hours; the oral version is 60 multiple-choice plus 10 reading-comprehension questions) in states including California, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and, since June 2026, Tennessee. Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies) sets the length per state (Michigan: 65 questions in 60 minutes) in states such as Ohio, Oregon and Wisconsin. Every vendor also requires a skills evaluation of five randomly assigned skills, and handwashing is always one of them.
All three vendors draw from the same content outline: physical care skills (activities of daily living, basic nursing skills, restorative care), psychosocial care (emotional, mental health, cultural and spiritual needs) and the role of the nurse aide (communication, resident rights, legal and ethical behavior, infection control). The free CNA test questions and answers on this page follow that outline, so the free CNA written exams with answers you take here mirror what you will see on test day.
Use the CNA practice test free 2026 questions as a diagnostic: take a full-length timed set, review every explanation, then retake only the sections you missed. Consistently strong scores on our practice questions are a good sign you're ready for the written test.
Free CNA Practice Test Printable Versions and PDF Downloads
Many candidates want a free CNA practice test they can print. Printable versions are useful when you study away from a screen: on breaks at a clinical site, on a commute, or with a study partner who reads questions aloud, which is also good preparation if you plan to take the oral version of the knowledge test. Our free CNA practice test questions and answers PDF covers the same content areas as the online quizzes, and the CNA written exam practice test PDF page collects more printable sets.
Use printed and online practice together. Work through a printed set with a pencil, mark every question you guessed on, then check the answers and read why each correct option is right. Next, take the matching online CNA practice test, where explanations appear instantly and the timer shows whether you can keep a steady pace. Repeat the cycle for weak topics such as infection control, resident rights and safety until your scores stay consistently strong.
Remember that paper practice only prepares you for the knowledge test. The skills evaluation is a hands-on demonstration, so practice each skill step by step in your training lab as well.
Sample CNA Practice Questions
Try these questions from our free CNA practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
A helpful tip to keep in mind when asking questions is to
- A. start with difficult questions.
- B. ask one question at a time.
- C. use a "yes" or "no" format, to make it easy.
- D. offer your own opinion after they answer.
Answer: B. ask one question at a time.
When asking questions, it is a helpful tip to ask one question at a time. This approach prevents overwhelming the patient, especially those with cognitive impairments or communication difficulties, and ensures they can fully process and respond to each query. Asking one question at a time promotes clearer communication and more accurate information gathering.
How should the CNA handle a wound during a dressing change (if within scope of practice per facility policy)?
- A. Use clean gloves only and bare hands to hold dressing in place
- B. Use sterile technique with sterile gloves and sterile supplies as required
- C. Use the same gloves worn during personal care
- D. Apply dressing without gloves for better feel
Answer: B. Use sterile technique with sterile gloves and sterile supplies as required
Wound care typically requires sterile or at minimum clean technique depending on wound type and facility policy, always with appropriate gloves to prevent infection.
When asking questions, a good rule to remember is to
- A. offer your own opinion after they answer.
- B. ask one question at a time.
- C. start with difficult questions.
- D. use a "yes" or "no" format, to make it easy.
Answer: B. ask one question at a time.
When asking questions, it's crucial to ask one question at a time to avoid overwhelming the patient and ensure clear understanding. This allows the patient to focus on and fully process each question, leading to more accurate and complete responses. Asking multiple questions at once can be confusing, especially for patients with cognitive impairments or communication difficulties.
Which of the following tasks falls within the CNA's scope of practice?
- A. Changing sterile wound dressings independently
- B. Administering intravenous medications
- C. Measuring and recording vital signs
- D. Diagnosing a resident's skin condition
Answer: C. Measuring and recording vital signs
Measuring and recording vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure) is within the CNA's scope of practice. Tasks such as sterile dressing changes, IV medications, and diagnoses require higher licensure.
Take the full CNA practice test
CNA Exam Questions and Answers
What is the CNA exam?
The CNA exam is the state competency evaluation you must pass to be listed on your state's nurse aide registry as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Under federal rules (42 CFR 483.154) it has two parts: a written or oral knowledge test and an in-person skills demonstration at an approved test center. Content covers basic nursing skills, personal care, infection control, safety, resident rights and communication, which is what our free CNA practice test questions follow.
Is there a free CNA practice test with questions and answers?
Yes. Every free CNA practice test on PracticeTestGeeks is free to start and shows the correct answer with an explanation after each question, so you learn as you practice. Quizzes are grouped by exam topic, including basic nursing skills, infection control, safety, resident rights and mental health needs. Take a timed set, review each nursing aide question and answer you missed, then retake that topic until your scores are consistently strong.
Where can I find free CNA classes near me?
Start with nursing homes and long-term care facilities in your area, because many pay for CNA training in exchange for a work commitment after you certify. Community colleges, technical schools, the Red Cross and state workforce programs also run state-approved courses, sometimes free or grant-funded. Whatever you choose, confirm the program is approved by your state, since only approved training makes you eligible to sit for the CNA certification exam.
How do I look up my CNA license?
Use your state's nurse aide registry, often called the CNA registry, which is usually run by the state health department or board of nursing. Search by your name or certificate number to see your status, certification date and expiration date. Employers check the same registry before hiring, so look yourself up after you pass the exam and again before renewal to make sure your record is active and your details are correct.
Can I take CNA classes online?
Partly. Many state-approved programs offer the classroom theory online in a hybrid format, but no program can be completed fully online. Federal rules require at least 75 clock hours of approved training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training with real residents or patients. Because the skills exam is a hands-on, in-person demonstration, you need that supervised clinical practice before test day, however the theory portion is delivered.
Can I get a free CNA practice test in a printable or PDF version?
Yes. You can download a free
CNA practice test PDF with questions and answers to print and study offline, and our
CNA practice test PDF guide has more printable versions. Printed sets are useful for quick review, but also take the online quizzes, because they give instant explanations and let you practice under a timer like the real written exam.
How long are CNA programs?
Program length depends on your state and schedule. The federal floor is 75 clock hours of state-approved training, with at least 16 hours of supervised practical training, and many states require more. Full-time day courses finish sooner than evening or weekend formats. After you complete training you schedule the CNA exam with your state's test vendor, so build time for exam registration and practice tests into your plan.
What does a CNA do?
A Certified Nursing Assistant gives hands-on daily care under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Typical tasks include bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, repositioning and transferring residents, taking and recording vital signs, and reporting changes in a patient's condition. CNAs work in nursing homes, hospitals, home health and assisted living, and the CNA exam tests exactly these skills along with infection control, safety and resident rights.
How much does the CNA exam cost?
CNA exam fees are set by each state and its test vendor, so there is no single national price. Recent official examples: Missouri (Headmaster) charges $32 for the knowledge test and $103 for skills from January 1, 2026; Idaho (Prometric) charges $34 each for written and oral exams plus test site fees from July 1, 2026; Connecticut (Prometric) charges $125 for written plus clinical skills from August 1, 2026. Check your state vendor's handbook for current fees.
How to become a CNA?
To become a CNA, complete a state-approved nurse aide training program (federally at least 75 clock hours, including 16 hours of supervised practical training), then pass your state's competency exam, which has a written or oral test and a hands-on skills demonstration. Once you pass, you are added to the state nurse aide registry and can work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Practice tests help you find weak topics before exam day.
What is the passing score for the CNA?
Passing score (written or oral): Set per state; no national percentage published. (Verified Oct 14, 2026 against Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.)
Official Resources
- Credentia administers the NNAAP nurse aide exam for CNA candidates in many states and lets you schedule, pay for, and look up results for the written and skills tests.
- Prometric delivers the CNA knowledge and clinical skills exams in the states that contract with it, where you register, reschedule, and locate your nearest test center.
- Pearson VUE provides nurse aide certification testing in several states, handling candidate registration, scheduling, and seating for the computer-based CNA exam.
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Sources & last verified
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services — passing score, retake policy, delivery, eligibility (official source). “The State shall establish the passing standard for the written or oral examination and for the skills demonstration.” Verified Oct 14, 2026.
- archive.regulations.delaware.gov — validity (official source). “CNA certification shall be effective for 2 years following the date of issue and shall expire 2 years following such date” Verified Oct 14, 2026.
- cdph.ca.gov — renewal (official source). “Certificates are renewed every two years, and the required training is 48 hours of in-service training or continuing education” Verified Oct 14, 2026.
- floridasnursing.gov — score release (official source). “After you pass both components and your application is fully processed, the Board adds you to the Registry and mails your certificate. The process can…” Verified Oct 14, 2026.
- prometric.com — other (official source). “Effective August 1, 2026, the following exam pricing will be implemented” Verified Oct 14, 2026.
- prometric.com — other (official source). “Effective July 1, 2026, the following exam pricing will be implemented: $34 written, $34 oral, plus test site fees” Verified Oct 14, 2026.
- health.mo.gov — other (official source). “D&S DIVERSIFIED TECHNOLOGIES (D&SDT) LLP – HEADMASTER, LLP...has advised DHSS of fee increases effective January 1, 2026. Specifically: Knowledge test: from $30 to $32 for…” Verified Oct 14, 2026.
How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.
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