How long is the CNA exam?

The CNA written exam typically takes 90 minutes for 60-100 questions. The skills test takes 25-45 minutes for demonstrating 3-5 randomly selected skills.

Can you fail the CNA skills test for one mistake?

Yes. Each skill has 'Bold Steps' or 'Critical Steps' (like locking wheelchair brakes or washing hands). Missing just one of these results in an automatic failure for that skill.

How many times can you retake the CNA exam?

Most states allow you 3 attempts to pass both the written and skills portions. If you fail 3 times, you must retake the entire CNA training program.

Is the CNA exam hard?

The first-time pass rate nationally is around 78%. While not impossible, it requires knowing specific procedures exactly. The detailed attention to safety and privacy is where most students fail.

Can I take the CNA test online?

Some states allow the written portion to be taken online via proctored exams (like Credentia or Prometric). However, the Skills Test must *always* be done in person.

How do I register for the exam?

First, complete your state-approved training. Your instructor will usually help you register with your state's provider (Prometric, Credentia, or Headmaster). You will need your Training Completion certificate.

What happens if I fail one part of the test?

You only need to retake the part you failed (Written or Skills). You do not need to retake the entire exam unless you fail 3 times.

How long is my CNA license good for?

CNA certification is typically valid for 2 years. To renew, you usually need to provide proof of employment (min 8 hours worked) and pay a renewal fee.

The Ultimate CNA Exam Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Pass | NurseMastery

Q: How much does the CNA exam cost?

The exam fee ranges from $75 to $150 depending on your state and testing provider (Prometric, Pearson VUE, or Headmaster).

Q: What score do you need to pass?

Most states require a score of 70-80% to pass the written knowledge test. For the skills test, you must pass 100% of 'Critical Steps' and usually 80% of total steps.

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Introduction: Your Path to Becoming a CNA

Becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is one of the most rewarding and stable entry points into the healthcare field. As the backbone of patient care in hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities, CNAs are in high demand across the United States.

But before you can start your career, you have to pass the state certification exam. This guide is your "Ultimate Roadmap" to crushing that test in 2026.

We will cover:

The Competency Exam Structure (Written vs. Skills)
State-Specific Testing Providers (Prometric, Pearson VUE, Headmaster)
A 3-Month Study Plan (Week-by-Week)
Test Day Strategies from real CNAs

Part 1: Understanding the CNA Exam Structure

Most states divide the certification exam into two distinct parts. You must pass both to get certified.

1. The Written (or Oral) Knowledge Test

This is a multiple-choice exam, typically consisting of 60 to 100 questions. You usually have 90 minutes to complete it.

Key Topics Covered:

Role of the Nurse Aide: Ethics, legalities, and member of the healthcare team.
Safety & Infection Control: Hand hygiene, PPE, and emergency codes. Practice Infection Control Questions
Resident Rights: Privacy, dignity, and freedom from abuse. Review Resident Rights Quiz
Basic Nursing Skills: Vital signs, height/weight, and reporting changes.
Personal Care Skills: Bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
Restorative Skills: Range of motion (ROM) and ambulation.
Psychosocial Care Needs: Mental health and cultural needs.

2. The Clinical Skills Test

This is the part that makes everyone nervous. You will be in a simulated patient room with a "live" patient (usually an actor or another student) and an evaluator.

You will be asked to perform 3 to 5 randomly selected skills.
Time Limit: Approximately 30-45 minutes.
The Golden Rule: You must perform "Critical Steps" (Bold Steps) perfectly. Missing one Critical Step (like forgetting to lock the wheelchair brakes) is an automatic fail.

Part 2: State-Specific Testing Providers

Every state contracts with a testing vendor to administer the exam. Knowing who your vendor is changes everything—from how you register to how your skills are graded.

Prometric (Credentia)

Prometric (often transitioning to Credentia in many states) is one of the largest administrators, serving states like New York, Florida, and Texas.

What to Expect:

Registration: Done entirely online via the "Nurse Aide Registry" portal for your state. You typically need your Training Program ID code.
Written Test: Can often be taken online from home (ProProctor) or at a Prometric center.
Skills Test: Strict emphasis on "Indirect Care" behaviors (Standard Precautions). They grade heavily on when you wash your hands.
Results: Written results are often instant; Skills results take 24-48 hours.

Pearson VUE (Credentia)

Similar to Prometric, Pearson VUE has handled many states (like California, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina) and often uses the Credentia platform for the actual content.

Key Differences:

The "Stop" Rule: Unlike some other providers, if you make a mistake, you can tell the evaluator "I need to make a correction" before you say "Skill Complete," and they will let you fix it.
Handbook: Download the specific "Candidate Handbook" for your state from Credentia. It lists the exact steps they grade on. Memorize this checklist!

Headmaster (D&S Diversified Technologies)

Used in states like Ohio, Arizona, and Tennessee, Headmaster is known for a slightly different workflow.

What to Expect:

TMU Platform: They use a system called "TestMaster Universe" (TMU) for registration and scheduling.
Skills: They often assign one "mandatory" skill (like Handwashing or Vitals) plus 3 random skills.
Detailed Feedback: Headmaster often provides more specific feedback on which steps you missed if you fail, which is helpful for retakes.

Part 3: 3-Month Study Plan (Week-by-Week)

Do not cram. Spacing your study out over 12 weeks guarantees long-term retention.

Month 1: The Basics (Safety & Role)

Week 1: Introduction to the Healthcare System & Legal/Ethical issues.
Week 2: Resident Rights & Communication.
Week 3: Infection Control (Chain of Infection, PPE).
- Action: Take the Infection Control Quiz.
Week 4: Safety & Emergency Procedures (Falls, Fire Safety).

Month 2: Basic Nursing Skills

Week 5: Vital Signs (Temp, Pulse, Resp, BP).
- Action: Take the Critical Skills Quiz.
Week 6: Nutrition, Hydration, & Feeding.
- Action: Take the Nutrition Quiz.
Week 7: Elimination & Specimen Collection.
Week 8: Restorative Care & Mobility.

Month 3: Special Populations & Mastery

Week 9: Dementia & Cognitive Impairment.
- Focus: Communication strategies for Alzheimer's patients. Specialized Care Quiz.
Week 10: Emergency Procedures (CPR, Choking, Seizures).
Week 11: Mock Skills Exam.
- Action: Film yourself performing skills and watch the playback.
Week 12: Final Comprehensive Review.
- Action: Take the Comprehensive Exam Simulator until you score 90%+.

📥 Download Your Free 12-Week CNA Study Schedule

Get this complete study plan as a printable PDF checklist. Track your progress and stay on schedule!

📥 Download Free PDF Study Plan (Coming Soon)

Part 4: Test Day Tips from Real CNAs

Uniform Matters: Wear clean scrubs and non-skid shoes. Even if not explicitly required, it sets a professional tone for the skills evaluator.
The "Correction" Rule: If you realize you made a mistake during a skill (e.g., forgot to lock the wheelchair brakes), stop. Look at the evaluator and say, "I need to correct a step." Then perform the step correctly. Most evaluators will give you credit!
Bring ID: Two forms of ID (one government-issued photo ID) are non-negotiable.
Arrive Early: 30 minutes early is "on time."

Frequently Asked Questions About the CNA Exam

How much does the CNA exam cost? The exam fee ranges from $75-$150 depending on your state. For example, some states charge separately for the written ($40) and skills ($90) portions.

What score do you need to pass? Most states require 70-80% to pass the written test. For the skills test, you generally need to pass 100% of the "Critical Steps" (safety-related) and ~80% of total steps.

Can you fail for one mistake on the skills test? Yes. Certain steps are marked as "Critical" or "Bold" in the handbook. If you forget to lock the wheelchair brakes during a transfer, that is an automatic failure for that skill, regardless of how perfect the rest of the demonstration was.

What happens if I fail? Don't panic. You typically have 3 attempts to pass. You usually only need to pay for and retake the specific section (Written or Skills) that you failed.

Conclusion

Passing the CNA exam is about preparation, not luck. By breaking down the massive amount of information into manageable weekly goals and constantly testing your knowledge with quizzes, you will walk into that testing center with confidence.

Ready to start? Begin with our Comprehensive Practice Test right now.