Certified Nursing Assistant (C.N.A.) Sample Test
Interested in taking a certified nursing assistant (C.N.A.) sample test?
Take Caregiverlist’s FREE certified nursing assistant sample test, presented by the developer of nursing aide tests for health departments nationwide. Included are C.N.A. sample test questions you would find on a real nursing assistant exam.
Feel free to take the sample test for C.N.A. certification to refresh your skills or learn more about the knowledge and skills you need to understand in order to become a nursing assistant.
What is the C.N.A. competency exam?
The C.N.A. competency exam serves as the test you take to officially get your C.N.A. certification after you’ve completed certified nursing assistant training. It’s considered the standard test to rank the level of knowledge and preparedness students have before going into a clinical setting. All students must successfully pass the exam to become a certified C.N.A. and officially work in healthcare.
Although the cost of the exam depends on the state, the average price is $100. C.N.A. testing is usually done all throughout the year at various locations. You can talk to your training instructor to find a location near you as you’re getting ready to take it. It’s important to look at the dates of nearby exams ahead of time, so you have a better idea of how long you’ll have to study and prepare.
What’s on the C.N.A. test?
The C.N.A. exam is split into two sections: a written exam and a clinical skills test.
The written portion is in multiple-choice format, where you have around 90 minutes to complete 60 questions. Reviewing sample test questions for the C.N.A. exam is only helpful for this section.
The clinical skills portion requires you to physically perform what you’ve learned in front of an evaluator.
You have to demonstrate around 5 duties in 30 minutes, and while it doesn’t have to be 100 percent perfect, self-corrections are expected. Keep in mind each state has its own guidelines for how much time is allotted for each section — the above are only average times!
There are 18 specific subjects covered on the written portion of the exam:
As for what’s covered in the physical evaluation, it depends on the instructor.
However, you can expect to demonstrate how to perform catheter care, assessing vital signs, gait belt transfer and relocating a patient from the bed to a chair.
Although you won’t necessarily know ahead of time what you’ll be doing, it’s important to note that you will definitely be expected to demonstrate your handwashing technique for the required 20 seconds. If you fail the handwashing portion, you automatically fail the exam.
If you’re not sure you want to take the exam, the sample test for the CNA exam is perfect for getting your feet wet and diving into what you’ll learn in a CNA course.
You can also check out free sample CNA test questions, which are all ones you would likely find on the real test, giving you a sneak peek at a day in the life of a certified nursing assistant.
What happens if you don’t pass the first time?
A passing score depends on the state you live in, but generally, it ranges from 70% to 80%.
If you don’t pass the exam the first time, most states allow you to take the exam three times within 2 years of finishing your training, and you only have to retake the portion you don’t pass.
For instance, if you fail the written test but pass the physical test, you only have to retake the written test. This is where our CNA state exam sample test questions come in handy, as you’ll be able to prepare better with multiple choice questions and refresh your memory with the content.
You can also purchase a CNA sample test online in its entirety to further prepare.
See CNA Competency Test Sample Questions
Before purchasing a test, considering going through our FREE certified nursing aide sample test questions. Once you’ve completed them, you’ll even be able to review the answers. Preparation is key, and our goal is to help you feel as confident as possible going into your new career.
What training is required to take the exam?
Each state’s Department of Health manages Certified Nursing Assistant certification and licensing. Depending on the state, you may need 75+ hours of training. However, some CNA programs last 6-12 weeks. After completing the state-approved program, you can then take the final exam for certification.
Use our CNA training school locator tool to find the best certified nursing assistant programs near you.
After successfully completing a state nursing board-approved CNA training program and passing the final exam, you can present your license application and certificate to apply for jobs. However, keep in mind most states expect healthcare workers to take continuing education courses. For license renewal, many areas require certified nursing assistants to take a minimum of 12 hours of courses per year.
Additional CNA and Caregiver Training Resources
Below are additional resources for anyone who’s interested in becoming a certified caregiver or CNA, or who’s already certified and is looking to apply for caregiver and CNA positions:
Part-time and full-time caregiving positions are available for both companion caregivers and certified nursing aides, home health aides and personal care assistants. There is an ongoing need for dependable and compassionate caregivers in homes, hospitals, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.
You may apply for a position in your area (you can indicate the distance you’re willing to travel) and reach multiple hiring companies with one application on Caregiverlist.
Leading senior care agencies nationwide employ caregivers using Caregiverlist’s sophisticated hiring tools, which makes it easy for them to match your skills and experience with their available positions.
Senior Caregiver Job Options
Once you become a certified nursing assistant, you can start job hunting. There are several options. C.N.A.'s can work for hospitals, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and in-home care agencies. They also often take care of family members. At the end of the day, it comes down to what works best for you.
Apply to a Senior Caregiver Job today by submitting your info to the Caregiverlist to be considered by licensed senior care companies in your area for companion care positions and nursing aide positions once you are a Certified C.N.A.
