The CNA exam is used to validate a candidate’s skills and grant them certification to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. You must pass your exam to become a CNA.
This exam is unique because there are 3 different providers (NNAAP, Prometric, and Headmaster). Each provider applies some slight differences to the exam. However, the exam tests the same concepts (regardless of who your provider is).
What is On the CNA Exam?
The CNA test has 2 parts:
- Written Test
- Skills Test
The written test is like other exams you have taken in the past. The number of questions you are asked will depend on who the provider of your exam is (between 60 and 70).
The skills test is where you will demonstrate your clinical skills in a realistic scenario in front of an evaluator.
You can practice for your written test by taking our free CNA practice test. You can practice for your skills test by reviewing our guide on CNA skills.
CNA Exam Providers by State
Before we dive into what is on each specific CNA exam, you need to figure out who the provider is for your state. The table below shows the providers for each state.
| NNAAP | Prometric | Headmaster |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama | Arizona |
| Alaska | Connecticut | Arkansas |
| California | Delaware | California |
| Colorado | Florida | Kentucky |
| District of Columbia | Hawaii | Nevada |
| Georgia | Idaho | Massachusetts |
| Guam | Louisiana | Michigan |
| Mariana Islands | New Mexico | Minnesota |
| Maryland | New York | Missouri |
| Mississippi | Oklahoma | Montana |
| North Carolina | Texas | New Jersey |
| Pennsylvania | North Dakota | |
| Rhode Island | Ohio | |
| South Carolina | Oklahoma (LTC / HHA) | |
| Virginia | Oregon | |
| Virgin Islands | South Dakota | |
| Washington | Tennessee | |
| Utah | ||
| Wisconsin | ||
| Wyoming |
NNAAP CNA Exam
The NNAAP CNA exam is a common exam given. It consists of:
- Written Test: 70 Multiple-Choice Questions. 2 Hour Time Limit.
- Skills Test: Live Demonstration of 5 CNA Skills.
NNAAP Written Test Outline
| Topic | % of Exam | # of Questions |
|---|---|---|
| I. Physical Care Skills | ||
| A. Activities of Daily Living | 14% | 9 |
| B. Basic Nursing Skills | 39% | 23 |
| C. Restorative Skills | 8% | 5 |
| II. Psychosocial Care Skills | ||
| A. Emotional and Mental Health Needs | 11% | 6 |
| B. Spiritual and Cultural Needs | 2% | 2 |
| III. Role of the Nurse Aide | ||
| A. Communication | 8% | 4 |
| B. Client Rights | 7% | 4 |
| C. Legal and Ethical Behavior | 3% | 2 |
| D. Member of the Health Care Team | 8% | 5 |
The Skills portion of the NNAAP exam will ask you to complete 5 randomly selected tasks from a set of predetermined skills that you should know. You will have 25 minutes to complete.
For a complete list of skills, read our CNA skills overview guide.
Prometric CNA Exam
The Prometric CNA exam is similar to the NNAAP exam. It consists of:
- Written Test: 60 Multiple-Choice Questions. 90 Minute Time Limit.
- Skills Test: Live Demonstration of 5 CNA Skills.
Prometric Written Test Outline
| Topic | Percent of Exam |
|---|---|
| Role of the Nurse Aide | 18% |
| Promotion of Safety | 18% |
| Promotion of Function and Health of Residents | 24% |
| Basic Nursing Care Provided by the Nurse Aide | 26% |
| Providing Specialized Care for Residents with Changes in Health | 14% |
The skills portion of the Prometric exam is very similar to the skills portion for the NNAAP exam. You can practice for this exam by using our CNA practice test.
Headmaster CNA Exam
The Headmaster CNA exam is also similar to the other two providers. It consists of:
- Written Test: 60 Multiple-Choice Questions. 60 Minute Time Limit.
- Skills Test: Live Demonstration of 5 CNA Skills.
Headmaster Written Test Outline
| Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Aging Process and Restorative Care | 2 |
| Basic Nursing Skills | 8 |
| Care Impaired | 3 |
| Communication | 5 |
| Data Collection | 2 |
| Disease Process | 7 |
| Infection Control | 4 |
| Mental Health | 4 |
| Personal Care | 4 |
| Resident Rights | 6 |
| Role and Responsibility | 9 |
| Safety | 6 |
The topics and number of questions may vary for different states. Source.
The skills portion of the Headmaster exam is similar to the others. Again, you can review those CNA skills to be best prepared.
CNA Exam Requirements
The requirements will vary from state to state. However, there are some requirements that many states share. Some common requirements include:
- Completion of a state approved training program
- Have a minimum number of training hours
- Pass the written and skills exams
Scoring of the CNA Exam
Passing scores for the exam will vary from state to state. You should be aiming for a score of 80% or higher. Most states typically set their passing rates between 75% and 80%.
For the skills test, you will either “pass” or “fail” the skill that you are being tested for. You will need to pass 5 of the skills to pass that portion of the exam.
You can expect to receive your scores within a couple of hours of finishing the exam (via email). Some states will mail out your scores.
After passing both exams, you will be added to the state nurse aide registry in your respective state.
If you failed your exam, do not fret. You can retake the CNA exam. Each state has their own rules, but you can typically retake the exam up to 3 times within a 2-year period.
What Costs are Associated with the CNA Exam?
As with most exams, there will be a testing fee. It will vary depending on your provider and which state you are in, but you can expect to pay between $90 and $100 to take the exam.
The biggest cost associated with the exam is the state approved training program. Many programs charge tuition fees per credit hour. You may end up paying between $1,000 and $5,000 to complete your program.
Preparing for the Exam
Preparing for any exam can be difficult, but this exam can feel especially daunting, as it is often the first step in your medical career. Luckily, there are several things you can do to make sure you are fully prepared on test day:
- Research: Research your exam provider, and understand the kinds of questions that will be asked of you.
- Plan Accordingly: Know when your test date is, and plan your study sessions over a period of time.
- Use Practice Exams: Take advantage of CNA practice exams. These are a great way to test yourself and familiarize yourself with course content.
Common Questions About the CNA Exam
What is the CNA exam?
The CNA exam is an exam for those who wish to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. It is made up of 2 parts:
- Written Test
- Skills Test
The exam is given by 3 different providers (depends on your state).
Who needs to take the CNA exam?
The CNA exam is for people who are beginning their career in the medical field and who wish to become a nursing assistant. Many CNAs go on to become certified nurses, doctors, and specialists.
How much does the exam typically cost?
The exam typically costs between $90 and $100. It will vary depending on your state.
Are there set test dates?
The exam does not have set test dates like the SAT or ACT. The exam is given year round and can be completed at various testing sites. Some states and programs even let you take the exam online.
Do I need to complete a program before I can take the exam?
Yes, most states require you to complete a state approved CNA program before you can sit for the exam.
What is a passing score?
You should be aiming for a score of 80% or higher on the written test. The passing score varies by state and program, but typically varies from 75% to 80%.
For the skills test, you will need to “pass” all 5 skills you are asked to do.
Will I have to take the skills test and the written test?
Yes. You must take both sections of the exam in order to pass.
Are the questions on the written portion multiple-choice?
Yes. All of the written questions are multiple-choice.
