CNA Practice Test

This CNA practice test helps you prepare for the Certified Nursing Assistant competency exam required for certification in your state. Requirements and testing vendors vary by state, with many using the NNAAP (National Nurse Aide Assessment Program) administered through Credentia or Prometric.

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Sample CNA questions

Try these practice questions to test your knowledge. Select an answer to see if you got it right.

CNA Sample Questions

Practice quiz

1. When measuring a patient's blood pressure, where should you position the cuff?

2. Which of the following is the most important action before providing any care to a patient?

3. A patient who has been on bed rest wants to get up. What should you check first?

4. What is the normal range for an adult's oral temperature?

5. When repositioning a patient in bed, how often should position changes occur for someone at risk of pressure injuries?

6. A patient tells you they feel dizzy when standing up. What is this called?

7. Which action demonstrates proper body mechanics when lifting?

8. What is the appropriate response if you observe signs of abuse on a patient?

9. When assisting a patient with eating, which position is safest to prevent aspiration?

10. A patient with dementia becomes agitated during bathing. What is the best approach?

11. What is the correct order for donning personal protective equipment (PPE)?

12. A patient requests that you not tell their family about their diagnosis. What should you do?

0 of 12 answered

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Exam at a glance

CNA certification exams test competency in basic nursing skills and patient care. Most states require both a written (or oral) knowledge test and a clinical skills evaluation. Exam formats and testing vendors vary by state. Many states use the NNAAP through Credentia or Prometric, while others use Pearson VUE or state-specific exams.

Detail	Information
Exam components	Written knowledge test and clinical skills evaluation
Written test format	Multiple-choice questions (typically 60-100 questions)
Skills test	Demonstration of nursing assistant skills (typically 3-5 skills)
State variation	Requirements, vendors, and passing scores vary by state

Source: CMS State Operations Manual · Last reviewed Oct 22, 2026

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CNA content areas

Physical Care Skills

Activities of daily living, personal hygiene, grooming, dressing, and mobility assistance.

Basic Nursing Skills

Measuring vital signs, data collection, infection control, and reporting observations.

Safety and Emergency Procedures

Fall prevention, proper body mechanics, fire safety, and responding to emergencies.

Psychosocial Care

Communication, emotional support, maintaining dignity, and working with diverse populations.

Role and Responsibilities

Scope of practice, legal and ethical considerations, teamwork, and documentation.

Study tips for CNA

Know your state requirements

Check your state health department or nursing board website for specific exam requirements, approved testing vendors, and passing score thresholds.

Practice skills hands-on

The clinical skills evaluation requires demonstrating procedures correctly. Practice with a partner or in a skills lab.

Focus on safety and infection control

Hand hygiene, fall prevention, and proper body mechanics appear frequently on both written and skills tests.

Review vital signs

Know normal ranges for temperature, pulse, respirations, and blood pressure, as well as proper measurement techniques.

Understand scope of practice

Know what CNAs can and cannot do. Questions about delegation and reporting are common.

Clear answers

CNA FAQ

Is the CNA exam the same in every state?+

No, CNA exam requirements vary by state. Many states use the NNAAP through Credentia or Prometric, while others use Pearson VUE or state-specific exams. Check with your state nursing board for specific requirements.

What happens during the CNA skills test?+

During the skills evaluation, you demonstrate nursing assistant skills on a mannequin or volunteer in front of an evaluator. You typically perform 3-5 randomly selected skills and may be asked to explain your actions.

How many questions are on the CNA written test?+

The number varies by state and testing vendor. The NNAAP written test typically has around 60-70 questions. Some state exams may have up to 100 questions.

Can I retake the CNA exam if I fail?+

Yes, most states allow retakes. The number of attempts and waiting periods vary by state. Check your state requirements for specific retake policies.

How do I prepare for the skills evaluation?+

Practice each skill following the exact steps in your state's checklist. Many programs offer skills practice labs. Focus on hand hygiene, safety, and communicating with the patient throughout each skill.

Do I need to recertify as a CNA?+

Yes, CNA certification requires periodic renewal. Most states require recertification every 1-2 years, which typically involves working a minimum number of hours and possibly completing continuing education.

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