About the CNA exam
Each state runs its own nurse aide competency exam, usually through a testing company such as Credentia, Prometric or Headmaster. Federal rules require two parts, a written or oral exam and a skills demonstration, and let each state set the passing standard. That’s why the number of questions and the time limit depend on where you test. The table shows three examples from the testing companies’ own handbooks.
Sources: 42 CFR 483.154, nurse aide competency evaluation, checked October 16, 2026; Pennsylvania NNAAP exam overview, checked October 16, 2026; Florida certified nursing assistant candidate information bulletin, checked October 16, 2026; Massachusetts nurse aide candidate handbook (May 2026), checked October 16, 2026.| Testing company (state handbook) | Written questions | Written time | Skills test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Credentia NNAAP (Pennsylvania) | 70 | 2 hours | 5 skills in 30 minutes |
| Prometric (Florida) | 60 | 90 minutes | 5 skills in 31 to 40 minutes |
| Headmaster (Massachusetts) | 60 | 60 minutes | 3 or 4 tasks in 40 minutes |
What the practice test will include
The CNA pass will include practice tests in the format your state uses, a question bank by topic, every answer explained, and step-by-step reviews of the skills you may be asked to perform. A nurse reviews every question, so the CNA practice will open after our TEAS practice.
Join the CNA waitlist
After every practice set, you’ll see which CNA topics to work on next. Ten minutes counts, and it saves your place.
CNA practice questions
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Every question will follow the exam owner’s published outline, and every answer will explain why the right choice is right and the others aren’t. Join the waitlist and we’ll email you the day they’re ready.
The two parts of the CNA exam
Every state’s exam has two parts, because federal rules require both:
- Written or oral exam. Multiple-choice questions on nurse aide knowledge. You can choose to take it out loud instead of in writing.
- Skills test. You perform nurse aide skills in front of an evaluator, such as handwashing and taking a measurement.
Your state sets the passing standard for each part.
How many questions are on the CNA test
It depends on your state’s testing company. Credentia’s Pennsylvania written exam has 70 questions in 2 hours. Prometric’s Florida exam and Headmaster’s Massachusetts exam both have 60, in 90 minutes and 60 minutes. See the CNA state exam by testing company for how each one scores the skills test and which company runs the exam in several large states.
How to practice for the CNA exam
- Find out which testing company your state uses, and read its candidate handbook. It lists the skills you could be asked to perform.
- Take a timed written practice test early to find your weakest topics.
- Practice every skill out loud, step by step, until you can do it without notes. Credentia and Prometric both require you to pass every skill on your test.
- If your facility charts in 24-hour time, our military time converter helps you practice reading it.
TODO: the keyword map asks for 2026 changes to the CNA exam. Add them only from a testing company or state page.
Common questions about the CNA exam
How many questions are on the CNA exam?
It depends on your state’s testing company. Credentia’s Pennsylvania written exam has 70 questions, while Prometric’s Florida exam and Headmaster’s Massachusetts exam have 60.
What’s on the CNA skills test?
You perform a few nurse aide skills in front of an evaluator. Credentia and Prometric test 5 skills, including handwashing, and you have to pass every skill.
How many times can I take the CNA exam?
Federal rules require states to allow at least 3 attempts. Your state sets the rest, including when you have to retrain.
Can I take the written exam out loud?
Yes. Federal rules let you choose an oral exam instead of the written one, and testing companies such as Credentia offer it.