GNA Practice Test

The GNA Certification is specifically required for nursing assistants working in licensed comprehensive care facilities in Maryland. Understanding What Is GNA involves mastering both the written knowledge and practical GNA Skills Test components. Practice with the free GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant practice test on PracticeTestGeeks (11 questions with answer explanations).

GNA Exam at a Glance

What changed for GNA in 2026

• Oct 25, 2026: Score release (Credentia NNAAP) changed to Generally within a few hours after the testing event is completed for the day (previously Generally within hours after the testing event ends).^[3]
• Oct 25, 2026: Registration deadline (Credentia NNAAP — Online Written or Oral) changed to Next-day scheduling may be available (test center exams: reserve at least 2 calendar days ahead) (previously Next-day scheduling may be available).^[6]
• Oct 25, 2026: Eligibility (Credentia NNAAP) changed to Board-approved CNA-I training program or equivalent (previously Board-approved training or equivalent).^[5]
• Oct 25, 2026: Time limit (Headmaster — Knowledge) changed to 60 minutes for 70 questions (previously 60 minutes).^[2]
• Oct 25, 2026: Renewal (CNA-I, formerly GNA) changed to 16 hours of paid nursing assistant work in the preceding 2 years; 2-year term (previously 16 hours of paid nursing assistant employment in the preceding two years).^[4]
• Oct 25, 2026: Other (update 2026-04-01) changed to Maryland redesignated GNA certification as CNA-I (and CNA as CNA-II) effective April 1, 2026. (previously Maryland redesignated GNA certification as CNA-I effective April 1, 2026.).^[7]
• Apr 1, 2026: Maryland redesignated GNA certification as CNA-I (and CNA as CNA-II) effective April 1, 2026.^[7]

Free GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Study Tools

Interactive GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant resources on PracticeTestGeeks, free to start:

• Free GNA Work Environment Questions and Answers — 11 questions with instant scoring and answer explanations
• GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant flashcards — review key terms and concepts card by card
• GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant study guide — topic-by-topic overview of what the exam covers
• GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant cheat sheet — one-page printable summary for last-minute review

According to Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). The Board redesignated GNA as CNA-I on 2026-04-01. Its testing vendors are Credentia (, “The Written Examination consists of seventy (70) multiple choice questions written in English.”^[1]

Worked examples: how to reason through GNA 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: When assisting a dependent resident to move up in bed, what is the safest and most effective method for the GNA to use?

1. Ask a coworker for help and use a draw sheet or slide sheet.
2. Grasp the resident under their arms and pull them up toward the headboard.
3. Lower the bed as much as possible to get better leverage.
4. Instruct the resident to grab onto the side rails and pull themselves up.

Answer: A. Ask a coworker for help and use a draw sheet or slide sheet.

Explanation:

A is correct. Getting a coworker to help and using a draw sheet or slide sheet spreads the lift between both caregivers. The sheet also lowers friction, so the resident's skin is not dragged across the linen, which causes shearing injuries. B is wrong because pulling a resident up by the armpits can injure the shoulders and drags the skin. C is wrong because a low bed makes you bend at the waist. Raise the bed to a safe working height, usually about waist level. D is wrong because a dependent resident cannot safely pull their own body weight, and grabbing the side rails risks a fall or strain. Rule to remember: if a resident cannot help much, use a lift aid or friction-reducing device and get help. Never lift alone using the resident's arms.

Example 2

Question: Which of the following is an example of an objective observation that a GNA should report?

1. The resident states, "I have a sharp pain in my stomach."
2. The resident's wife says he seemed sad all morning.
3. The resident's urine is noted to be cloudy and has a strong odor.
4. The resident reports feeling anxious about an upcoming doctor's appointment.

Answer: C. The resident's urine is noted to be cloudy and has a strong odor.

Explanation:

C is correct. Cloudy urine with a strong odor is something you see and smell yourself, which makes it an objective observation. It can also be an early sign of a urinary infection, so report it to the nurse. A is wrong because pain the resident describes is subjective. Report it, but it is the resident's own account. B is wrong because the wife's impression that he seemed sad is someone else's opinion, not something you measured or observed. D is wrong because feeling anxious is an emotion the resident reports, which is also subjective. Rule to remember: objective means signs you can see, hear, smell, touch or measure. Subjective means symptoms someone tells you about. Report both, and chart each one as what it is.

Example 3

Question: Mr. Jones is a resident who can feed himself but has difficulty getting out of his bed and moving to a chair. Which ADL does he need assistance with?

1. Eating
2. Transferring
3. Dressing
4. Continence

Answer: B. Transferring

Explanation:

B is correct. Transferring means moving from one surface or position to another, such as bed to chair or sitting to standing. That is exactly where Mr. Jones has trouble. A is wrong because the question says he can feed himself. C is wrong because nothing in the question suggests he has trouble putting on or taking off clothes. D is wrong because continence means control of the bladder and bowel, and the question does not mention it. Rule to remember: on ADL questions, match the stated difficulty to the activity it describes, and ignore the activities the resident can still do. Encourage independence in those so the resident keeps the abilities they have.

How to use these practice tests

Start by finding out which testing vendor your training program uses, then download that vendor's candidate handbook. Read the skills section closely, because you need a Satisfactory result on every skill, not an average across them.

Next, take one practice set per topic without notes to see where you stand. The infection control and safety, observing and reporting changes and resident rights and communication sets cover ideas that show up across many questions, so start there. For every question you miss, write down the rule behind the right answer, not just the letter.

Then go back to your weaker topics, such as body mechanics and mobility or mental health and dementia care, and retake them until your reasoning holds up.

Practise the skills out loud, with a partner if you can: knock, introduce yourself, explain the task, provide privacy, check safety, and wash your hands. Time yourself so the real time limit does not surprise you. In the final days before the exam, review your notes and check your test-day instructions and ID requirements in the vendor handbook.

Expect to spend between $1,100 and $1,900 total. Many employers offer reimbursement or free training in exchange for a work commitment.

Ready to Pass Your GNA Exam?

Get unlimited access to free GNA Practice Test questions and mastering GNA Skills Test requirements today.

You must work at least 8 hours for pay as a GNA or in a nursing-related role within the 24-month period to be eligible for online renewal.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Sample GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant Practice Questions

Try these questions from our free GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.

1. Which of the following tasks is outside the scope of practice for a Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA)?

   • A. Applying a sterile dressing to a deep wound.
   • B. Assisting a resident with their meal tray.
   • C. Measuring and recording a resident's blood pressure.
   • D. Documenting the amount of fluid a resident drinks.

Answer: A. Applying a sterile dressing to a deep wound.

Applying a sterile dressing is a complex task that requires sterile technique and the assessment skills of a licensed nurse. GNAs are trained to perform non-sterile procedures and assist with activities of daily living, such as feeding, vital signs, and recording intake and output.

Answer: C. Perform hand hygiene with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub.

Standard Precautions mandate that hand hygiene be performed immediately after removing gloves. Gloves are not a perfect barrier and can have microscopic tears, and hands can become contaminated during the removal process. Performing hand hygiene is a critical step to prevent cross-contamination.

Answer: B. move the resident's arm through the exercises without assistance from the resident.

Passive range of motion (PROM) involves the caregiver moving the resident's joints through their range of motion without any active participation from the resident. This is done when the resident is unable to move the limb on their own.

Answer: B. 97.6°F–99.6°F (36.4°C–37.6°C)

Normal oral body temperature for an adult is approximately 97.6°F–99.6°F (36.4°C–37.6°C), with 98.6°F (37°C) as the classic average.

Take the full GNA - Geriatric Nursing Assistant practice test

Official Resources

• Maryland Board of Nursing – Nursing Assistant Certification: the state board that issues CNA and GNA certifications in Maryland and publishes application, testing and renewal requirements.
• Credentia – Maryland Test Takers: the Board-designated testing service that schedules and administers the Maryland nursing assistant competency exam.

Sources & last verified

1. kb-maryland.credentia.com — number of questions, time limit (official source). “The Written Examination consists of seventy (70) multiple choice questions written in English.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
2. hdmaster.com — time limit, exam fee, delivery (official source). “You will have 60 minutes to complete the 70 multiple-choice questions Knowledge Exam.” Verified Oct 25, 2026.
3. kb-maryland.credentia.com — passing score, score release (official source). “You must receive a Satisfactory result on all five (5) skills in order to pass the Skills Evaluation.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
4. regs.maryland.gov — renewal (official source). “satisfactory evidence, as required by the Board, of16 hours of active employment” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 17, 2026.
5. kb-maryland.credentia.com — eligibility (official source). “Complete a Board of Nursing approved CNA 1 training program or its equivalent.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
6. kb-maryland.credentia.com — registration deadline (official source). “you may schedule an exam as early as the following day depending on exam availability.” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.
7. Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). The Board redesignated GNA as CNA-I on 2026-04-01. Its testing vendors are Credentia ( — other (official source). “Effective with the April 1, 2026 redesignation of CNA-I (formerly GNA) and CNA-II (formerly CNA) certification types” Verified Oct 25, 2026 · source checked Oct 16, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.